3D Photogrammetry
GPRS 3D Photogrammetry Services
Photogrammetry is the process of capturing images and stitching them together to create a digital model of a structure or site for visualization, planning, and analysis. The 3D rendered images from cameras, laser scanners, or drones allow project teams to document accurate as-built site details and the progress of construction work. It is a fast way for architecture, engineering, and construction teams to document accurate as-built site conditions.
What is the Meaning of Photogrammetry?
When you break down the word photogrammetry – “photo” refers to light, “gram” means drawing, and “metry” refers to measurements. Photogrammetry uses photos to gather measurements from which drawings, maps, and models can be created.
What is the Science Behind Photogrammetry?
Triangulation is the principle used by photogrammetry to produce three-dimensional coordinates. By mathematically intersecting converging lines in space, the precise location of a point can be determined.
What is Photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry uses a 3D camera, which can also be equipped with LiDAR, to digitally document buildings, facilities, and sites with high-resolution photographs. Cameras or LiDAR sensors can be fixed on a tripod, attached as a wearable device, flown via aerial drone, or even affixed to a crane for an aerial view of the site. 4K HDR photographs are taken from different positions and angles to capture a 360° view of the site. LiDAR technology captures three-dimensional site coordinates (x,y,z) in the form of a point cloud.
The photographs and point clouds captured with photogrammetry can be used to create digital twins, virtual tours, floorplans, 2D CAD plan views, 3D models, digital terrain models, and more. The data captured provides clients enough spatial detail to accurately measure depths and distances from one point to another. The point cloud can be used to create a building information model (BIM) or for geographic information system (GIS) data generation and visualization.
What is the Difference Between 3D Laser Scanning and Photogrammetry?
3D laser scanners and photogrammetry are both valuable tools for capturing 3D data of an environment. A 3D laser scanner uses LiDAR technology to capture data, while photogrammetry uses cameras to capture images. Both technologies can deliver as-built data; however, they differ in their cost, accuracy, and applications.
The choice between LiDAR and photogrammetry depends on the project, with LiDAR being more suitable for applications that require high accuracy and precision, while photogrammetry is more suitable for applications that require a standard level of detail and portability.
Photogrammetry is the process of capturing images and stitching them together to create a digital model of a structure or site for visualization and analysis.
What Does GPRS Photogrammetry Services Provide?
GPRS Photogrammetry Services capture digital twins, offering customers the opportunity to better manage facilities, building operations, and design and construction with a digital record of their space. All architectural, structural, and MEP system details, plus utility locates and concrete markings are documented with 20-millimeter accuracy. 3D photogrammetry delivers GPRS’ clients precise spatial data for planning, analysis, and calculations. Clients can extract geometric information from the two-dimensional images. Overlapping photographs can be rectified to create digital twins, floor plans, virtual tours, 3D meshes, 3D models, and topographical maps. This precise data aids in project planning, execution, and ongoing maintenance.
What are the Benefits of Photogrammetry?
- Permanent record of existing conditions
- Fast 2D and 3D data collection
- Accurate virtual models of physical assets, structures, and systems
- Digital twins and virtual site tours
- Eliminates the need for site revisits
- Minimal disruption to environment
- Saves time compared to conventional ground surveys
- Non-intrusive and cost effective
- Expedites decision making, increasing project efficiency
3D photogrammetry delivers clients precise spatial data for planning, analysis, and calculations.
GPRS Photogrammetry Add-On Services
WALKTHRU 3D | Virtual Tours
Get existing conditions and area measurements in real time with 3D photogrammetry via WalkThru 3D. GPRS can provide immersive 3D virtual tours that allow you to walk your team, designers, and stakeholders remotely through your site or facility to eliminate travel and streamline communications and collaboration for geographically scattered organizations. WalkThru 3D allows you to visualize your site, identify potential issues, and make informed decisions without the need for physical presence.
FLRPLN
The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team can take the rectified, real-time 3D photogrammetry from WalkThru 3D and create an accurate plan view of your project for planning, design, and risk mitigation purposes. A floor plan can also help identify potential hazards, develop emergency action procedures, safety protocols, and train personnel on site-specific procedures.
PROCAP
Capture your construction progress from start through completion with ProCap Progressive Capture. GPRS can capture locations of concrete reinforcements pre-pour, MEP installation progress, provide accurate timelines for stakeholders, and key milestone completions to avoid clashes, change orders, and streamline communications. By capturing scans regularly, clients can track the evolution of the site, monitor construction milestones, and ensure that work is proceeding according to schedule.
TRUBUILT
Eliminate outdated and inaccurate as-builts for your existing construction conditions in real time with 2D CAD plan views of your site or facility infrastructure, above and below ground, to break down information silos and collaborate with comprehensive, layered, data. TruBuilt as-builts can serve as comprehensive documentation for reference, maintenance, and renovation projects.
Point Cloud
A point cloud is an E57 file that contains a high-density point cloud, panoramic images, and metadata from each scan location. The E57 file can be used in a range of applications by architects, MEP engineers, general contractors, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, BIM managers, VDC managers, and other construction professionals who need a higher density point cloud.
3D BIM Model
The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team can generate a standard detail 3D BIM model (building information model) from the photogrammetry point cloud data. A 3D BIM model encompasses not only geometry and spatial relationships; it can also document building features, specific information about the type of materials used, the quantity used, and how those characteristics impact the building as a whole. BIM can be thought of as a database of information: helpful in determining project materials and cost, documenting the site after construction, and managing operations of a facility. This information can be used to actively manage a project every step of the way.
GPRS Photogrammetry Services capture architectural, structural, and MEP system details, plus utility locates and concrete markings with 20-millimeter accuracy.
Use Cases for Photogrammetry
Construction & Renovations
Photogrammetry delivers unmatched 3D visualization with digital twins that streamline project management across every phase of design and construction. Clients receive accurate existing conditions data and site dimensions. Project CAD and BIM files can be generated directly from a digital twin. General contractors and operations managers can utilize 3D virtual tours to remotely walk-through a site or facility to eliminate travel and streamline communications and collaboration.
Planning & Design
The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team can take the rectified, real-time 3D photogrammetry and create an CAD plan views and 3D models of your project for planning, design, and risk mitigation purposes. A floor plan can also help identify potential hazards, develop emergency action procedures, safety protocols, and train personnel on site-specific procedures.
Construction Progress
Capture your construction progress from start through completion with 3D photogrammetry. GPRS can capture locations of concrete reinforcements pre-pour, MEP installation progress, provide accurate timelines for stakeholders, and key milestone completions to avoid clashes, change orders, and streamline communications. By capturing scans regularly, clients can track the evolution of the site, monitor construction milestones, and ensure that work is proceeding according to schedule.
Facility Management
A digital twin eliminates outdated and inaccurate as-builts of your facility, offering accurate, real-time data for faster, better-informed decision making. Receive dimensionally-accurate visual references to help scope work for upgrades and maintenance. 2D CAD plan views of your site or facility infrastructure break down information silos and foster collaboration. Clients can use tags to label equipment, document repairs, and coordinate with on-site team members and vendors.
Estimating
A point cloud is an E57 file that contains a high-density point cloud, panoramic images, and metadata from each scan location. The E57 file can be used in a range of applications by architects, MEP engineers, general contractors, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, BIM managers, VDC managers, and other construction professionals who need a higher density point cloud.
Work Completion & Change Order Approval
The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team can generate a standard detail 3D BIM model (building information model) from the photogrammetry point cloud. A 3D BIM model encompasses not only geometry and spatial relationships; it can also document building features, specific information about the type of materials used, the quantity used, and how those characteristics impact the building as a whole. BIM can be thought of as a database of information: helpful in determining project materials and cost, documenting the site after construction, and facilitating operations. This information can be used to actively manage a project every step of the way.
Emergency Planning & Response
Emergency preparedness is a vital part of risk mitigation for any site or facility. WalkThru 3D provides a realistic emergency response guide to train those on site and act as a resource for first responders. GPRS can add video, URL, and text tags with additional information to your virtual tour so that users can prepare and practice more effectively.
GPRS can create a plan view of your WalkThru 3D Tour with FLRPLN. FLRPLN provides an accurate floorplan layout you can use to create emergency plans, and map features and escape routes. You can then export, save, and print your FLRPLN to utilize as part of your emergency planning.
By using photogrammetry to capture detailed images of existing buildings or sites, architects, engineers, contractors, and trades can create 2D floor plans, 3D models, and virtual tours that accurately represent real-world conditions for design, analysis, and visualization.
What Industries Use Photogrammetry?
The architecture, engineering, and construction industries have used photogrammetry to obtain accurate building and site measurements for many years. Photogrammetry has expanded to various fields such as military, accident investigation, cultural heritage, archaeology, telecom, and more.
- Construction – By using photogrammetry to capture detailed images of existing buildings or sites, architects, engineers, contractors, and trades can create 2D floor plans, 3D models, and virtual tours that accurately represent real-world conditions for design, analysis, and visualization.
- Civil Engineering – Photogrammetry documents the terrain to plan for urban development, design roads, highways, water and sewage systems, power transmission lines, airports, and more.
- Structural Engineering – Highly accurate rectified photogrammetric images and models allow engineers to assess a site and plan for construction projects.
- Telecommunications – Photogrammetry around a telecommunications tower can provide all the data necessary to create a digital twin. Engineers can utilize the data to check installations and equipment on the tower, identify misaligned antennas, and share their instructions with engineers who can clearly see what should be done and where.
- Military – For the military, photogrammetry can turn aerial imagery into accurate 3D surface maps in real time without any human oversight.
- Agricultural – Photogrammetry can be used to create 3D maps of fields to monitor crop health, analyze soil conditions, and optimize farming practices.
- Cultural Heritage & Preservation – Photogrammetry is used to create 3D models of historical sites, artifacts, and monuments for preservation, research, and virtual tours.
- Film & Entertainment – The entertainment industry relies on 3D models from photogrammetry for building virtual environments for mixed reality experiences, games, and movies. 3D modeling can help bring the planned virtual worlds like cities and other historical places to life with accurate measurements.
- Real Estate – Photogrammetry has been used by many real estate agents to create an accurate image, floor plan, and virtual of the properties that they want to sell or rent.
- Forensics & Accident Investigation – Photogrammetry is used to reconstruct crime scenes or accidents to analyze events and gather evidence.
- Archaeology – Overhead photogrammetry provides an opportunity to map surfaces to understand the structures and layout on an archaeological or excavation site.
Why Choose GPRS? The GPRS Difference.
GPRS offers a wide range of photogrammetry, LiDAR, 3D laser scanning, and visualization services. Each GPRS Project Manager works closely with each client to define the project scope and use the right tools to accurately document each project.
GPRS Project Managers are required to complete industry-leading Subsurface Investigation Methodology 101 certification before performing field services on your job site. Every Project Manager completes 80 hours of classroom training and 320 hours of field mentoring to achieve 101 certification.
GPRS ensures you have all the information you need to get the job done right, delivering accurate as-built data to expedite project planning and reduce change orders, delays, and costs.
There are advances daily in the applications for photogrammetry. High resolution cameras, drones, and LiDAR laser scanners continue to advance this technology and offer services for many industry needs.
For More Information
For more information on GPRS 3D Photogrammetry Services, 3D photogrammetry, Matterport services, digital twins, floor plans, virtual tours, 3D meshes, 3D BIM models, topographical maps, LiDAR, and 3D laser scanning services contact us today at 419-843-7226 or email laser@gprsinc.com. We’re currently offering 10-minute presentations – would you like to schedule one? Click here.