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I’ve witnessed photogrammetry’s power firsthand. This technology turns ordinary images from different angles into breathtakingly accurate 3D models. This method is used by NASA and Google Earth to create realistic 3D models of major cities with elevation and topography data. How they get this detail is mind-boggling. Epic Games makes some of the most immersive video games. Their games look lifelike thanks to photogrammetry, which takes a fraction of the time to manually construct sophisticated 3D scenes.
Since photogrammetry makes their games so realistic, I’ve been impressed. I’m most fascinated by how photogrammetry captures our world. It’s not just for things or people—it’s ideal for reconstructing enormous terrains, landscapes, and places that are difficult or impossible to scan in 3D. Drones have expanded photogrammetry’s uses. We can use it, as can surveyors, architects, engineers, and others. I’ve seen how easy it is to build 3D models with a smartphone and Kiri Engine. Simply taking a few images creates a detailed 3D representation.
The accessibility has spurred exciting industry advancements. Thanks to smartphone self-scanning, merchants can let customers digitally try on eyewear and apparel. Imagine having a 3D model creator in your pocket. Let’s not forget gaming. Players can scan themselves to become characters in their favorite games. Photogrammetry allows for an immersion I never believed possible. It’s fascinating to see how new technology is making our environment more immersive and accessible.
What to Look for in Photogrammetry Software
The programme automatically finds shared spots between pictures and calculates their 3D distances. A point cloud can be converted into a 3D mesh. Some advanced systems include point cloud cleaning tools to improve quality. Photogrammetry is typically the only option for broad areas, however it is less accurate than laser or structured light 3D scanners. Their specialty is color and texture. Photogrammetry software requires plenty of large photo files to perform effectively. Data processing can be fast or slow depending on the program.
Best Photogrammetry Software Comparison Table
There is a wide variety of software available for photogrammetry, each of which comes with its own individual set of capabilities. There are a variety of programs available that can accommodate your requirements, regardless of whether you want to make a map or a three-dimensional model of a real-world object. Here’s the table with rows and columns exchanged:
| Feature | Operating system | 3D model output formats | Point cloud output formats | Supported image formats | Website Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3Dflow 3DF Zephyr | Windows, macOS, Linux | OBJ, PLY, LAS, ASCII, KML, KMZ, IFC, DWG | LAS, ASCII, E57 | JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, RAW | Visit Website |
| AliceVision | Windows | OBJ, PLY, E57, ASCII, LAS | LAS, ASCII | JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, RAW | Visit Website |
| Agisoft Metashape | Windows, macOS, Linux | OBJ, PLY, LAS, ASCII, KML, KMZ, IFC, DWG, DXF, FBX, 3DS | LAS, ASCII, E57 | JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, RAW | Visit Website |
| Correlator3D | Windows, macOS, Linux | OBJ, PLY, LAS, ASCII, KML, KMZ, IFC, DWG, DXF, FBX, 3DS, DEM, DSM, DTM | LAS, ASCII, E57 | JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, RAW | Visit Website |
| Bentley Systems ContextCapture | Windows | OBJ, PLY, LAS, ASCII, KML, KMZ, IFC, DWG, DXF, FBX, 3DS, DEM, DSM, DTM, 2D TIFF, 2D JPEG | LAS, ASCII, E57 | JPEG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, RAW | Visit Website |
Best Photogrammetry Software
In this section of the post, we are going to talk about the many different free software options that are now available for photogrammetry.
3Dflow 3DF Zephyr
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Photogrammetry | Advanced photogrammetry capabilities |
| Mesh Reconstruction | High-quality 3D mesh reconstruction |
| Point Cloud Processing | Precise point cloud processing |
| Texturing and UV Mapping | Texture mapping and UV unwrapping for realistic models |
| Multilingual Support | User-friendly interface with support for multiple languages |
| 3D Printing Compatibility | Seamless integration with 3D printing workflows |
In my own life, I’ve had the privilege of working with a great piece of photogrammetry software called 3Dflow 3DF Zephyr. This program is capable of transforming commonplace photographs into extremely precise 3D models. This piece of software is really intuitive, and the process of producing 3D reconstructions from photos is made much easier by the powerful algorithms that underpin it. It has proven to be an exceptionally helpful resource for me in my work, whether I am engaged in archaeology or architecture.
The Good
- Robust photogrammetry tools for accurate 3D reconstruction.
- Efficient mesh generation with fine detail preservation.
- Comprehensive point cloud processing capabilities.
- Intuitive interface with multilingual support.
- Seamless integration with 3D printing workflows.
The Bad
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Requires powerful hardware for optimal performance.
- High-resolution models may take longer to process.
- Limited free version with watermarked outputs.
- Pricey for professional licenses.
AliceVision
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Structure from Motion (SfM) | Robust structure from motion algorithms |
| Dense Multi-view Stereo | Accurate dense multi-view stereo reconstruction |
| Mesh and Texture Mapping | High-quality mesh and texture mapping |
| Open Source | Fully open-source software |
| Extensive Documentation | Comprehensive user documentation |
| Integration Support | Integration with other photogrammetry tools |
The open-source computer vision framework AliceVision has been an absolute game-changer for the 3D modeling and virtual reality projects that I’ve been working on thanks to the fact that I’ve had the chance to work with it. It is a wonderful tool for researchers, developers, and amateurs like me who wish to explore the realm of 3D reconstruction from 2D photos because of its versatility and compatibility with various hardware setups.
The Good
- Excellent SfM algorithms for accurate scene reconstruction.
- High-quality dense multi-view stereo reconstruction.
- Open-source, making it accessible to a wide user base.
- Detailed user documentation for easy learning.
- Integration support for seamless workflow collaboration.
The Bad
- May require more manual intervention in complex scenes.
- Less user-friendly compared to some commercial alternatives.
- Limited customer support compared to paid software.
Agisoft Metashape
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Photogrammetry | Advanced photogrammetry capabilities |
| Dense Point Clouds | Generation of dense and accurate point clouds |
| Mesh and Texture Mapping | High-quality mesh and texture mapping |
| 4K Video Support | Processing of 4K video frames for reconstruction |
| Geographic Coordinates | Georeferencing and coordinate system support |
| Python Scripting | Customization through Python scripting |
In the course of my work involving photogrammetry, Agisoft Metashape, which was once known as Agisoft PhotoScan, has proven to be an invaluable tool. It enables me to construct high-quality 3D models, point clouds, and orthophotos using photographs taken from aircraft as well as from the ground. In my experience, this software has shown to be an absolute necessity, particularly in the disciplines of geospatial mapping and the preservation of cultural assets.
The Good
- Powerful photogrammetry capabilities for diverse applications.
- Accurate generation of dense point clouds.
- High-quality mesh and texture mapping.
- Support for georeferencing and geographic coordinate systems.
- Python scripting for advanced customization.
The Bad
- Higher cost compared to some alternatives.
- Steeper learning curve, especially for beginners.
- Resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer.
Correlator3D
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Aerial and Satellite Imagery | Processing of aerial and satellite images |
| Lidar Data Integration | Integration of Lidar data for 3D reconstruction |
| Change Detection | Detection of changes in 3D models over time |
| Orthomosaic Generation | Accurate orthomosaic creation |
| Geospatial Analysis | Advanced geospatial analysis capabilities |
| Cross-platform Support | Compatibility with multiple operating systems |
Correlator3D has proven to be the program of choice for me when it comes to the processing of aerial and satellite photos. My work in environmental monitoring, urban planning, and precision agriculture has benefited greatly from its ability to generate very accurate 3D terrain models and orthomosaics. This capability of the software sets it apart from other similar programs.
The Good
- Specialized in aerial and satellite image processing.
- Seamless integration of Lidar data for precise 3D models.
- Efficient change detection for monitoring projects.
- High-quality orthomosaic generation.
- Advanced geospatial analysis capabilities.
The Bad
- Primarily designed for specific industries.
- Requires expertise in geospatial analysis.
- Limited application outside of mapping and surveying.
Bentley Systems ContextCapture
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Reality Modeling | Comprehensive reality modeling capabilities |
| Lidar Data Integration | Seamless integration of Lidar data for accuracy |
| Scalable Infrastructure | Scalable infrastructure for large projects |
| Geospatial Context | Geospatial context preservation |
| CAD Software Integration | Integration with Bentley’s CAD software |
| Cloud Collaboration | Collaboration through cloud-based workflows |
The Bentley Methods My toolset isn’t complete without ContextCapture; it’s essential for projects involving civil engineering and infrastructure. It creates detailed 3D models of real-world landscapes by utilizing the power of images and point clouds as their primary building blocks. My work would not be nearly as effective without the use of this program, which enables me to create accurate representations that contribute to improved decision-making and analysis for these projects.
The Good
- Comprehensive reality modeling capabilities.
- Accurate integration of Lidar data for precise results.
- Scalable infrastructure suitable for large-scale projects.
- Preservation of geospatial context in 3D models.
- Integration with Bentley’s CAD software ecosystem.
The Bad
- Higher cost, primarily aimed at enterprise users.
- Requires specialized training for optimal utilization.
- May be overkill for smaller projects.
- Dependency on Bentley’s software ecosystem for full benefits.
Key Features to Look for in Photogrammetry Software
- Compatibility with Images: The software should be able to work with a wide variety of picture formats, including widely used formats such as JPEG, PNG, and TIFF, as well as RAW files produced by a variety of cameras.
- Photogrammetry that is done automatically: Keep an eye out for batch processing, feature detection, and camera calibration as these are some of the automation capabilities that can help speed the photogrammetry process.
- The Formation of Point Clouds: The generation of point clouds is a crucial function that enables the software to convert photos into a three-dimensional point cloud, which serves as the foundation for the creation of three-dimensional models.
- Generation of Meshes: The point cloud information should be able to be used by the software to generate three-dimensional meshes, also known as polygonal models. Check to see that it has a variety of meshing algorithms to accommodate the needs of different projects.
- Texture mapping refers to. Texture mapping gives you the ability to apply images or textures to a 3D model, which helps to make the model appear more realistic. You should look for software that provides tools and settings for texture mapping.
- Correctness and exactness: The software that is used for photogrammetry should produce accurate and precise results. Examine the software for functions such as support for ground control points, georeferencing, and error analysis tools.
Choosing the Right Photogrammetry Software
- Write down your photogrammetry goals: Make your project’s goals and needs very clear. Figure out what products you need, such as 3D models, orthomosaics, digital surface models (DSMs), or something else.
- Check Your Level of Skill: Think about how much you know about photogrammetry and other connected topics. Some software is easier to use and good for newbies, while others are more difficult and need more advanced skills.
- Size and difficulty of the project: Think about how big and hard your photogrammetry projects are. There is software that works best for small projects and software that works best for big, precise projects.
- Getting an image: Think about the kinds of pictures you’ll be using, like pictures taken from above, pictures taken by a drone, or pictures taken from the ground. Make sure that the software works with the picture sources you’re using.
- Spending plan: Figure out how much you can spend on photogrammetry software, taking into account any licensing fees and possible training costs. There is open-source software that is free, and there is software that costs a lot of money.
Questions and Answers
Downloadable from, the free photogrammetry program known as COLMAP can be obtained there. You have the option of using a graphical user interface (GUI) or a command line interface. COLMAP, just like the vast majority of other photogrammetry tools, is capable of automatically reconstructing 3D objects from either single-camera or stereo setups.
Photogrammetry is an inexpensive technique because all that is required to perform the process is a camera and some specialized computer software. Photogrammetry can be performed using a handheld camera or a drone, making it excellent for applications where portability is a primary concern because of its high degree of portability.