Photogrammetry – Creating 3D Models Through Photography

I have been using photogrammetry to create 3D models since the early days of Agisoft. I switched to Reality Capture when it was first available for my main photogrammetry tool. Since then, I have developed tools using SideFX Houdini to automate as much of the process as possible.

Photogrammetry of Ancient Assyrian Tablets at the Getty Museum

Photogrammetry of the Assyrian Tablets at the Getty Museum

The Getty Museum asked me to document, photograph, and create 3D models from photogrammetry of a show on Assyrian tablets. These artworks stand as a pinnacle of Mesopotamian art, showcasing unparalleled artistic brilliance and sophistication. Offering vibrant glimpses into Assyrian court life, the reliefs portray scenes of warfare, rituals, mythology, hunting, and more.

The significance of these ancient treasures has been magnified, particularly in the wake of recent events. The wanton destruction wrought by ISIS has sadly claimed many of these irreplaceable reliefs that once graced the landscapes of Iraq. These remnants not only capture the essence of a bygone era but also serve as poignant testaments to the enduring legacy of Assyrian culture.

The tablets were on special loan from the British Museum, London.

Photogrammetry of the Assyrian Tablets at the Getty Museum
Photogrammetry of the Assyrian Tablets at the Getty Museum

Detail Renders of the High-Resolution Photogrammetry Models

Photogrammetry of the Assyrian Tablets at the Getty Museum
Photogrammetry of the Assyrian Tablets at the Getty Museum
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Photogrammetry of Architectural Details in Los Angeles

I have been capturing photographic images of architectural and urban details in Los Angeles for creating digital models using photogrammetry for over 10 years.  I use a combination of aerial photography and photographic images from multiple overlapping photos. My goal is to capture physical objects s that I can create digital surface models using photogrammetry software.

Photogrammetry of a Church in Korea Town

Photogrammetry of Architectural Details in Los Angeles
Photogrammetry of Architectural Details in Los Angeles
Photogrammetry of Architectural Details in Los Angeles

Photogrammetry Travels in Eastern Europe

In 2018 I traveled extensively through Eastern Europe where I captured photogrammetric data of architectural details, sculptures, and gothic headstones. Usually, I would take 60-300 overlapping images. I use a 24 mm Zeiss Batis on a Sony A7riii for general photogrammetry and a 50 mm Ziess Planar for close-range photogrammetry.

Photogrammetry of objects during my travels through Eastern Europe
Photogrammetry of objects during my travels through Eastern Europe
Photogrammetry of objects during my travels through Eastern Europe
Photogrammetry of objects during my travels through Eastern Europe
Photogrammetry of objects during my travels through Eastern Europe

Photogrammetry for Textures

I capture real world objects and have an automated pipeline developed in SideFX Houdini. When I am processing film and entertainment photogrammetry I take multiple overlapping images. I make sure I move around the object in an ordered orbit, usually clockwise. This is the best way of obtaining reliable information. I always use a fixed focal length. I have a variety of methods for creating maps that can be used in a film or game development pipeline.

Photogrammetry of  urban objects for use as texture maps.