PHOTOGRAMMETRY

Photogrammetry is the science and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomena.There are many variants of photogrammetry. One example is the extraction of three-dimensional measurements from two-dimensional data (i.e. images); for example, the distance between two points that lie on a plane parallel to the photographic image plane can be determined by measuring their distance on the image, if the scale of the image is known. Another is the extraction of accurate color ranges and values representing such quantities as albedo, specular reflection, metallicity, or ambient occlusion from photographs of materials for the purposes of physically based rendering.

Close-range photogrammetry refers to the collection of photography from a lesser distance than traditional aerial (or orbital) photogrammetry. Photogrammetric analysis may be applied to one photograph, or may use high-speed photography and remote sensing to detect, measure and record complex 2D and 3D motion fields by feeding measurements and imagery analysis into computational models in an attempt to successively estimate, with increasing accuracy, the actual, 3D relative motions.

What is Photogrammetry used for?

Photogrammetry is the use of photography in surveying and mapping. It’s used to measure distances between objects, and photogrammetry software can utilize images to create 3D renderings. While in its early days it was used mostly for topographic mapping, it’s recently been used in a number of unexpected ways. Because photogrammetry software is so efficient, we’re seeing more and more businesses across industry lines taking on this technology for themselves. This tech development is allowing the application of photogrammetry in the never-before thought of ways that make daily life easier for those in these industries. Let’s look into some of the most common businesses uses of photogrammetry today.

Engineering

Since photogrammetry is so dependent on accurate measurements, it’s no surprise that one of the first industries to adopt this technology is engineering. When building complex structures, buildings, or other feats of technology, everything needs to be as accurate as possible. By using photographs from drones, engineers are able to evaluate a construction project on a step-by-step basis to ensure everything runs smoothly. Another valuable way to utilize this technology in this industry is to show clients and construction workers perspective images. Thanks to 3D renderings, it’s easier than ever to create in-progress visuals or prospective results.

Land Surveying

An industry that’s been booming in the past few years is land surveying. Land surveying is a way of using science, measurements, and technology to determine the surface of the Earth. This information is used by construction crews, architects, and even local governments to decide property boundaries, building planning, or just data analysis. Photogrammetry and land surveying have a lot of overlap, and that’s why so many in this industry are incorporating this technology into their practice. While satellite imagery has been the go-to for years, drones are able to take much more accurate images of things like contours and landmasses. Land surveyors can utilize photogrammetry to make more accurate measurements. This research can be applied in broader ways, benefiting the entire community.