A 3D model for printing is undoubtedly one of the most essential steps in 3D printing. Surveyors, architects, and engineers frequently use it to produce topographic maps, meshes, cloud points, or drawings based on the real world. These can be acquired in various ways, including using scanners, CAD, and other modeling software. Still, one method that has gained ground recently is photogrammetry. Like 3D scanning, photogrammetry software enables users to record, measure, and interpret—in this case, photographic images—real-world objects in their natural state to obtain accurate data.
We will introduce some of the most well-known photogrammetry software currently available in the ranking below, which is alphabetical! It is beneficial for capturing large objects in 3D printing. It is thought to be more accessible and less expensive than 3D scanning because it can even be done with a smartphone camera.
What is photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is the science of measuring objects using photographs. This technique uses the parallax discovered between multiple photographs taken from various angles. It is possible to capture intricate 2D and 3D motion fields using photogrammetry. It mimics the stereoscopy of human binocular vision. It is used to gather all the details of real-world objects. This procedure collects information about the size, volume, and depth of the object you are attempting to scan.
This technique creates a precise 3D model from a collection of images. We can see that the first projective geometry experiments are not that new if we look back at the development of photogrammetry. Leonardo Da Vinci attempted to ascertain the painter’s eye point from perspective painting as early as 1480.
How does photogrammetry work?
The method of using multiple images to create a 3D scan of an object is known as photogrammetry. Photogrammetry extracts geometric information from a two-dimensional image. You can produce a three-dimensional image by combining a lot of images. It is feasible to create a 3D model of an object using several cleverly taken photos from various angles to represent it accurately.
A simple smartphone, tablet, or high-quality camera with good image stabilization can be used instead of a 3D scanner. With the aid of photogrammetry and many intricate algorithms, it is possible to reconstruct a digital 3D model from multiple images of the original real-world object. Your 3D design will be more accurate the more images you have. It is also possible to create a 3D model from just one image, but this won’t produce the best results.
Why should you use photogrammetry software?
There are many potential uses for 3D scanning. With the aid of an online 3D printing service like Sculpteo, it is possible to obtain a workable 3D model and maximize the potential of 3D printing technology. But having a fantastic 3D design is also a tremendous visualization tool. If you’d instead use a smartphone app, read our blog post on how to 3D scan with a smartphone to learn about your options and the top tools for producing a workable 3D scan.
Is photogrammetry A 3D scan?
Photogrammetry is another technique for capturing the geometry of a part to create a 3D model. In contrast to 3D scanning, this technology collects data through photographs rather than light. This technology needs a computer, specialized software, and a camera of your choice to produce a 3D model.
Top 15 Photogrammetry Software Free And Paid
Autodesk ReCap Pro
ReCap Pro is a renowned software company Autodesk tool that can turn photos into 2D or 3D drawings. The software, whose name is an acronym for “Reality Capture,” has been developed to meet the needs of all projects in surveying, planning, building construction, and infrastructure renovation. Technically, creating a point cloud or mesh ready for use with other software or CAD tools makes it simple. It’s important to note that the new 2023 ReCap Pro version offers users several updates and improvements.
Users can choose from features like the import and indexing of raw scans, terrain classification for infrastructure projects automatically, or better rendering quality by increasing the number of points based on user memory, among others. Autodesk offers monthly subscriptions for €55, annual subscriptions for €448, or three-year subscriptions for €1,277 in terms of the software cost.
Agisoft Metashape
Professional photogrammetry software Agisoft Metashape processes digital images for various uses, including indirect measurements of objects of different scales, cultural heritage documentation, visual effects, and production. A few key features allow Metashape to process various imagery types (including aerial and close-range imagery), output a point cloud, measure areas, volumes, and distances, and create 3D meshes that can then be exported to several well-liked formats.
Additionally, 4D models can be edited, allowing for the complete editing of 3D recordings of scenes. Agisoft Metashape licenses are available in two editions; the professional edition costs $3,499, while the standard edition costs $179.
AliceVision Meshroom
A free and open-source 3D reconstruction program called Meshroom by AliceVision uses photographs to build the textured mesh that will serve as the framework for your 3D model. The development of open-source software like Meshroom is supported by a community of people who work on AliceVision, a photogrammetric computer vision framework. You can find out more about this open-source solution in the video below.
Colmap
Colmap is a flexible Multi-View Stereo (MVS) and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) program with a graphical and command line interface. It provides a wide range of features for reconstructing ordered and unordered image collections. Colmap is based on previously published works, and users are required to credit the authors when adding particular algorithms to the program. The new BSD license is used to run the software.
ContextCapture
Users of any infrastructure project can create 3D models from standard photographs using Bentley’s ContextCapture photogrammetry software. To provide a realistic and accurate context for design, construction, and operational decisions made throughout the project, the software can easily create and use highly detailed 3D reality meshes. By adding points from laser scans, fine details, sharp edges, and geometrical precision can be obtained more accurately.
Additionally, with accuracy and speed, ContextCapture can produce 3D models at any scale, from tiny objects to massive cities. The image resolution the user applies is the only restriction on the accuracy of the resulting 3D model.
Finally, Bentley’s software prevents squandering money on unnecessary tools and training. Users can easily take pictures with their smartphone camera and then use those pictures to model a project.
DroneDeploy
A solution for creating aerial maps and models from images taken by DJI drones is called DroneDeploy. The San Francisco-based company’s software enables users to produce 3D models and aerial maps quickly. Both novice and experienced users can benefit from the intuitive mapping software’s range of autonomous flight features, which can be used by downloading the DroneDeploy mobile app. Additionally, the software has many helpful features like various in-field data analysis methods, the capacity to produce exact 2D maps, 3D models, even 360-degree panoramas, and much more that can be quickly shared with a whole team or clients.
DroneDeploy offers a variety of pricing options for either individual or group use. It has a monthly subscription starting price of $149 and a no-cost, one-month trial version.
Mic Mac
A free and open-source photogrammetry program for 3D reconstruction is called Mic Mac. The National Institute of Geographic Information and Forestry (IGN) and the National School of Geographic Sciences created this software in 2003. (ENSG). It was initially only able to be used with IGN’s internal image file format because it was made specifically for the company’s cartographic production. In 2010, a streamlined command line in place of the XML interface allowed for greater accessibility and dissemination to other communities.
Additionally, this software can be used for specific tasks on a GPU, with Windows, Mac OS X, or both. The fact that this software can be used by novices, seasoned users, and experts is its best feature. This software has been employed in numerous French and European projects.
Open Drone Map
Open Drone Map is free software that processes drone-shot images and turns them into 3D geographic data that can be combined with other data. A point cloud, digital surface models, and digital surface models with texture are just a few of its features. Point clouds, orthophotos, and 3D meshes are a few examples of the products that can be produced. Open DroneMap was created on Ubuntu 16.04, but Docker also allows it to run on other platforms. Open DroneMap was built on Ubuntu 16.04, but Docker enables it to be used on different operating systems.
Pix4D
Pix4D is an editor for photogrammetry software. It allows users to measure various data from a drone, a camera, or even a plane and offers a variety of solutions based on their needs. Currently, the business provides 5 mapping and 3D modeling programs, one of which is PIX4Dmapper, a product for professionals who use drones or other cameras. Any RGB, thermal, or multispectral image can be integrated by users.
Following digitization, they can also measure surfaces, volumes, and distances. The monthly price for PIX4Dmapper is €216. The business also provides additional photogrammetry tools, such as the land-mapping program PIX4Dmatic.
PhotoModeler Technologies
Users of the photogrammetry program PhotoModeler were treated to a new version this year. A total of over 100 improvements were made possible by the recent updates 2022.1 and 2022.0, both released on February 16, 2022. The main areas of marine work, forensics, and accident reconstruction were the main topics of these updates.
The program now offers user-friendly surface drawing and new shortcut keys, like those for exporting or drawing a curve. This implies that existing surface points can now be moved, for instance, in line or curve mode, by simply dragging or clicking. Because of this, editing, adjusting, and correcting points is much simpler and can be done while still in surface drawing mode. There are free and paid versions of the software.
RealityCapture
The photogrammetry program RealityCapture was developed by CapturingReality and supports a wide range of input media. Using images as a starting point, RealityCapture lets you produce textured 3D meshes, orthographic projections, geo-referenced maps, and much more. You can use this software to work with laser scans if you want both options. The user interface is straightforward, cutting-edge, and simple for those who have never used this software. For its software, the business provides four different plans, with prices ranging from €19.90 to €15,000 for larger business projects.
Regard3D
Another free, open-source software option is Regard3D. They refer to it as a “structure-from-motion” program because it can turn pictures of an object taken from various angles into a 3D model of that object. With the help of third-party solid tools and libraries, this solution can be used with Windows, OS X, and Linux. A collection of tutorials to help you become familiar with the program is available on their website. You can also download the software and check for updates.
Trimble Inpho
One of the top software programs for digital photogrammetry is Trimble Inpho, provided by Trimble Geospatial. Using aerial images as its target once more, this software converts them into precise point clouds, surface models, orthophoto mosaics, and digitalized 3D features. Since Trimble Inpho is one of the more established products on the market and has 30 years of experience, Trimble Geospatial can provide a reliable solution.
WebODM
A user-friendly solution called WebODM uses aerial images from drones to create elevation models, textured models, geo-referenced maps, and point clouds. An open ecosystem of tools for gathering, processing, analyzing, and displaying aerial data, OpenDroneMap is the source of this software. This drone photogrammetry program can run on your computer even when you’re not connected once you download it. There are no ongoing monthly payments; the installation and technical support cost $57. The video down below contains more details.
3DF Zephyr
An automatic 3D reconstruction of an object is handled by 3DF Zephyr, a piece of software from 3DFlow, regardless of the sensor, drone, or laser scanner device you are using. In other words, while producing 3D scans with ease using this professional photogrammetry software, experienced users can make significant adjustments to improve the outcome. The model can be exported in a variety of file formats as well.
Additionally, you can enhance your model’s precision by combining photogrammetry data with laser scans. And 3DF Zephyr makes it easier to work with your model in another CAD program. A free version is available, but you can only use 50 images for a 3D reconstruction. Depending on the features, the paid version costs between €149 (excl. VAT) and €3,900 (excl. VAT).
How do you feel about our list of photogrammetry programs?
Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page to let us know your ideas, and we would appreciate seeing pictures of your works of art!
