Photogrammetry is the new cutting-edge technology which can create 3D scans from photos. It sounds too good to be true, and it is. To generate highly detailed and accurate data, the foundation and principles of Photography must be utilized. Camera settings are very important for producing sharp in-focus photos with even lighting and adequate overlap. The angle in which the camera is positioned via tripod or held in your hands must be very specific, and will differ depending on the shape you are attempting to capture. So although the concept of photogrammetry is simple - the execution of the capturing session requires much focus and the technicians must have ample experience in capturing like shapes, and in the utmost highest quality. It is the gold standard for preservation, but must be handled in expertly fashion for its full potential to shine. Call us today with inquiries for projects.

 

This pumpkin was captured via Photogrammetry by using 116 camera positions. The dense point cloud contained 17.3 million points. It is surfaced and holds a 1:1 texture to geo ratio, meaning every tiny scratch is 100% where it should be. 

Photogrammetry on Humans:

TNG VFX has serviced the entertainment industry for 7 years, and its founder has been in the 3D scanning business for 25 years. Our experience allows for smooth communication, reliability, and trustworthiness. We know scan data very well, and have adapted to the changing technologies over the year, utilizing laser scanners, structured light scanners (white and blue light), and photogrammetry (harnessing of light for 3D creations).

• Head Scan
• Full Body Scan
• Hand Scan
• Shoe Scan
• Arm Scan

A human full body 3D Scan captured via Photogrammetry in under 15 minutes @ TNG VFX.

Photogrammetry on Buildings:

Similar to a LIDAR scan - photogrammetry can likewise be a suitable method for capturing buildings. An advantage for using photogrammetry opposed to LIDAR is the high quality texture maps that will be 1:1 with the surface and texture, whereas LIDAR units will have much lower quality images. A disadvantage for photogrammetry in the context of 3D scanning building acquisition is that the time of day matters significantly for how the final result will look, and the location of the building you want to capture matters geographically as some pieces of land simply get better lighting from the Sun than other pieces of land. Either method is acceptable, and can have its downfalls ironed out.

 

A restaurant at the Redondo Beach Pier in beautiful Southern California.

Photogrammetry on Vehicles and Objects:

3D scanning requires real-time data acquisition, and the number one rule is to have your subject entirely static to eliminate movement and noise, thus vehicles and objects are perfectly suitable for photogrammetry. It is rather common knowledge that shiny surfaces can jeopardize results in the 3D scanning, but there are always ways around capturing the impossible. A disadvantage to using LIDAR technology on a vehicle is that LIDAR generates a lot of noise due to the intensity of the laser. If you scan from further back, you are lessening the intensity of the laser, but simultaneously losing resolution and accuracy. Photogrammetry can dodge the noise by utilizing appropriate lighting conditions.

 

 A vehicle scan captured via Photogrammetry in 10 minutes.

 A statue of a horse captured via Photogrammetry.   

 A shoe scan captured via Photogrammetry.

3D Scanning - Choosing the right technology for your Project:

Feel free to give us a call, and we'll answer any pertaining questions. TNG VFX is a 3D scanning service, providing raw 3D scans, retoplogized 3D scans ready for rigging and animation, and textured 3D scans in quad meshes ready for production.

 

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