Recent Developments in Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) for Mining and Reclamation
By Maynard L. (Mike) Dunn, Jr., Geologist, Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Pittsburgh, PA

This report presents the potential of close range photogrammetry for mining and reclamation. The mining/reclamation community depends on accurate mapping for almost all activities. Traditional ground surveys are adequate for small, uncomplicated jobs but at some point, the size and/or complexity of a project makes it more economical to have a site “flown” (mapped using aerial photogrammetry). Because of cost, most projects are only “flown” at the start and less often when completed. Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) offers much potential for measuring features that can’t or aren’t being measured otherwise.
[Complete study] - 6.2MB pdf

Photogrammetry and Dense Stereo Matching Approach Applied to the Documentation of the Cultural Heritage Site of Kilwa (Saudi Arabia)
22nd CIPA Symposium, October 11-15, 2009, Kyoto, Japan
By J. F. Hullo, P. Grussenmeyer, S. Fares; Photogrammetry and Geomatics Group, INSA Strasbourg; HiSCANT Group, University of Nancy, France

From Abstract: Since a couple of years, several commercial solutions of dense stereo matching have been developed. This process offers a really cheap, flexible and accurate solution to get 3D point clouds and textured models. The calibration of the camera allows a subpixellar correlation for correctly textured objects. In order to define the limits of such a process for cultural heritage applications, the Photomodeler Scanner© software has been tested on an archaeological site.
[Complete article - external link] - 1009KB pdf [cached local copy]

Low Cost Solutions for Dense Point Clouds of Small Objects: PhotoModeler Scanner Vs. DAVID Laserscanner
22nd CIPA Symposium, October 11-15, 2009, Kyoto, Japan
By E. Alby, E. Smigiel, P.Assali,P.Grussenmeyer, I.Kauffmann-Smigiel; Photogrammetry and Geomatics Group INSA Strasbourg; Etude des Civilisations de l'Antiquité, CNRS - Université de Strasbourg, France

From Abstract: The study of archaeological artifacts requires a great care for the object. Current technologies allow the study of the object scanned in three dimensions. Hence, the digitization of objects has almost become compulsory for simplicity of study and analysis. Hence a low cost solution susceptible of being operated with reasonable effort could contribute to popularize 3D acquisition tools. In our study, we focus particularly on two solutions: David Laserscanner and PhotoModeler Scanner. Both systems come from two different techniques: laser scanning and photogrammetry.
[Complete study - external link] - 1199KB pdf [cached local copy]

Close Up on Technology: Part Inspection
3D Part Inspection Is a Snapshot Away
By Joseph A. Grande, Plastics Technology

"A non-contact inspection system uses digital photography for accurate three-dimensional measurement of plastic parts. Developed by Eos Systems, this method is being employed in application development by plastics companies like Bayer MaterialScience. A major advantage of the PhotoModeler system is affordability..."
[Complete article - external link]

Developing a Photogrammetry Based System for Measuring As Assembled Suspension Geometry
By Andre D. Powell, Colorado State University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

A measurement system based on photogrammetry was developed and used to measure the "as assembled" geometry of a double wishbone suspension. A standard methodology for photographing the suspension and special targets were developed to use with commercial photogrammetry software (Photomodeler Pro 5). Several types of targets were developed; these included targets to identify the center of rotation of the linkages and the orientation of the wheel mounting surface. ...
[Complete study] - 951KB pdf

Photogrammetric Investigation of the Flying Shape of Spinnakers in a Twisted Flow Wind Tunnel
The 19th Chesapeake Sailing Yacht Symposium Annapolis, Maryland, 03/09
By Kai Graf, University of Applied Sciences Kiel (UAS), Germany, and Olaf Müller, LM Glasfiber A/S, Dept. R&D Aerodynamics Team, Denmark

This paper describes a method for the acquisition of the flying shape of spinnakers in a twisted flow wind tunnel. The method is based on photogrammetry. Results are shown comparing design versus flying shape of the spinnaker and the impact of wind velocity and wind twist on the flying shape. ...
[Complete study] - 996KB pdf

Using Photo Modeling to Obtain the Modes of a Structure
Sounds & Vibration - Nov. 2008
By Shawn Richardson and Mark Richardson, Vibrant Technology, Inc., Scotts Valley, California

"Photo modeling technology has progressed to the point where a dimensionally accurate 3D model can be economically constructed from a series of digital photographs of a structure. We show in this article how a photo model of a structure can be used to create an FEA model from which the modes of the structure can be calculated. The FEA mode shapes obtained from the photo models are then compared with the experimentally derived mode shapes of each structure to demonstrate the validity of this approach to FEA modeling. ... "
[Complete article - external link to pdf ]

Animation of Experimentally Derived Structural Resonances
By Shawn Richardson and Mark Richardson, Vibrant Technology, Inc., Scotts Valley, California

The vibration response of a model airplane is animated as the result of real-world experimental study of modes. The structural data is captured in 3D by PhotoModeler.
[Complete Article] - 20KB pdf
[Narrated video - external link]

Analysis of Bell Vibrations
By H. Spiess, B. Lau, P. Wriggers, Institute of Mechanics and Computational Mechanics, University of Hannover, A. Schneider, R. Bader, Institute of Musicology, University of Hamburg, and M. Wiggenhagen, Institute of Photogrammetry and GeoInformation, University of Hannover

The finite-element-analysis FEA of bell vibrations required an accurate 3D model of the bell under study. This modeling was done with PhotoModeler Pro and targets.
[Complete study] - 893KB pdf

Photographs Generate Accurate Field Measurements
Offshore Magazine
By Frank Hartley

Another method to collect field measurements for equipment in the field, and a direct way to generate new 3D CAD models, is to take some pictures. Shan Pehlman, design engineer with CDI Corp., says he derives accurate measurements from ordinary photographs through desktop software called PhotoModeler, developed by Eos Systems Inc. When consulting with oil refineries on replacing an aging pipeline, as-built drawings of the old infrastructure may not be available for his reference ...
[Complete study - external link]

Semi-Automated Crush Determination Using Coded and Non-Coded Targets with Close-Range Photogrammetry
Accident Reconstruction Network
By Dan Mills and Gary Carty, DCM Technical Services Inc.

Vehicle crush measurement (which is typically used to determine vehicle speed (or change in velocity : delta-v) at time of impact) has traditionally been done with tape measure or a surveyor's total station. Mills and Carty demonstrate a method which is low cost, flexible, automated and accurate using PhotoModeler and PhotoModeler's coded targets.
[Complete study] - 2.1MB pdf

Police Take Accident Reconstruction To Skies
WCVB TV Boston

"The Massachusetts State Police are using new technology to get traffic moving sooner after a crash. ..."
[Complete Article - external link]

Recent Developments in Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) for Mining and Reclamation
By Maynard L. (Mike) Dunn, Jr., Geologist, Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation Pittsburgh, PA

This report presents the potential of close range photogrammetry for mining and reclamation. The mining/reclamation community depends on accurate mapping for almost all activities. Traditional ground surveys are adequate for small, uncomplicated jobs but at some point, the size and/or complexity of a project makes it more economical to have a site “flown” (mapped using aerial photogrammetry). Because of cost, most projects are only “flown” at the start and less often when completed. Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) offers much potential for measuring features that can’t or aren’t being measured otherwise.
[Complete study] - 6.2MB pdf

Photogrammetric techniques for analyzing displacement, strain, and structural geometry in physical models: Application to the growth of monoclinal basement uplifts
Geological Society of America Journal
By Mark Fischer and David Keating, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois

Using physical clay models scientists can study tectonic processes that take millions of years to occur naturally. The use of these physical models is not widespread because their construction and analysis is commonly labor-intensive work that yields largely qualitative information. Through the use of PhotoModeler the authors demonstrate the measurement of these models in an automated and highly quantitative manner.
[Abstract - external link]

"In 1905, Catholic Bishop Edward J. O'Dea laid the cornerstone on what would become St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington. More than 100 years later, as the structure still stands its ground, the husband-wife design duo of Matt and Danika Wright have pushed the limits of modern design technology and recreated the intricate beauty of the historical landmark in stunningly lifelike 3D renderings." ...
[Complete article - external link]

PhotoModeler Scanner in VFX
by Steve Chapman, Gentle Giant Studios

The author discusses the potential for PhotoModeler Scanner in VFX and contrasts it with their laser scanner experience. ...
[Newsletter article]

The authors describe a novel technical approach to accurately measure surface area and other morphological characteristics of corals and similar irregular objects from underwater photography. A standard Nikonos camera system was used with a slide-scanner to produce multiple overlapping images of the object. PhotoModeler software was used to process the images and build a 3-D model of the object, which was subsequently analyzed using 3-D computer-aided design (CAD) packages.
[Complete study available to members - external link to abstract]

How to weigh an elephant seal with one finger: a simple three-dimensional photogrammetric application
AQUATIC BIOLOGY, Vol. 5: 31–39, 2009
By P. J. Nico de Bruyn, Marthán N. Bester, Alejandro R. Carlini, W. Chris Oosthuizen
Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria; Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Antárctico Argentino

"Several studies have developed photogrammetric techniques for indirect mass estimation of seals. Unfortunately, these techniques are often narrowly delineated for specific field scenarios or species. Many require sophisticated, custom-designed equipment or analytical tools, limiting their applicability. We aimed to devise a photogrammetric technique for accurate volume/mass estimation of seals under a variety of field scenarios without manipulation of the animal and with minimal equipment. " ...
[Complete article] - 300KB pdf

Photogrammetric measurement of deformations of horse hoof horn capsules
Videometrics and Optical Methods for 3D Shape Measurement, Proceeding of SPIE
by P. Jordan, J. Willneff, N. D'Apuzzo, M. Weishaupt, T. Wistner, J. Auer; Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Zurich & Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

"Many equine foot problems, from foot bruising and quarter cracks to laminitis and navicular disease are either caused or worsened by the severe loads the feet experience during locomotion.". The authors describe a system using video cameras and a force plate to determine deformation under load of a horse hoof.
[Complete article - link to external pdf]

Using digital images to reconstruct three-dimensional biological forms: a new tool for morphological studies
Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
by YLENIA CHIARI, BING WANG, HOLLY RUSHMEIER, ADALGISA CACCONE; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Department of Computer Science, Yale University

"Reconstructing the three-dimensional (3D) form of living organisms in their natural habitat is a challenge and, currently, there are no methods enabling reconstruction over a wide range of field conditions and animal sizes and forms." ...
[Complete article] - 480KB pdf
[Image on Scanner Application page]

Photogrammetry for the Preparation of Archaeological Excavation. 3D Restitution According to Modern & Archive Images of Beaufort Castle Landscape (Lebanon)
CIPA Special Session - Low Cost Systems in Recording and Managing the Cultural Heritage
By P. Grussenmeyer, National Institute of Applied Sciences, Strasbourg, France and J. Yasmine, Republic of Lebanon, Ministry of Culture, Directorate General of Antiquities

This paper presents the contribution of photogrammetry within the framework of the documentation of the Beaufort castle (South Lebanon), also called Qalaat el-Chaqif (12-17th century). The Lebanese government asked for a consulting firm (J. Yasmine, DGA consultant) to establish general tender documents for the restoration of the Beaufort castle. Many parts of the site were destroyed or buried because of the war. PhotoModeler was used to restitute both modern photography and photographs from archives.
[Complete study] - 1.8MB pdf

The Theseus-Temple in Vienna : Creating a 3D model from "Amateur" photographs
by Michael Doneus, Institute for Prehistory and Protohistory, University of Vienna

The author's goal, as an instructor, was to demonstrate the use of photogrammetry techniques in archaeology with low cost equipment by modeling the Theseus-Temple in Vienna.
[Web page - external link - no longer available]

Photogrammetry and Dense Stereo Matching Approach Applied to the Documentation of the Cultural Heritage Site of Kilwa (Saudi Arabia)
22nd CIPA Symposium, October 11-15, 2009, Kyoto, Japan
By J. F. Hullo, P. Grussenmeyer, S. Fares; Photogrammetry and Geomatics Group, INSA Strasbourg; HiSCANT Group, University of Nancy, France

From Abstract: Since a couple of years, several commercial solutions of dense stereo matching have been developed. This process offers a really cheap, flexible and accurate solution to get 3D point clouds and textured models. The calibration of the camera allows a subpixellar correlation for correctly textured objects. In order to define the limits of such a process for cultural heritage applications, the Photomodeler Scanner© software has been tested on an archaeological site.
[Complete article - external link] - 1009KB pdf [cached local copy]

Low Cost Solutions for Dense Point Clouds of Small Objects: PhotoModeler Scanner Vs. DAVID Laserscanner
22nd CIPA Symposium, October 11-15, 2009, Kyoto, Japan
By E. Alby, E. Smigiel, P.Assali,P.Grussenmeyer, I.Kauffmann-Smigiel; Photogrammetry and Geomatics Group INSA Strasbourg; Etude des Civilisations de l'Antiquité, CNRS - Université de Strasbourg, France

From Abstract: The study of archaeological artifacts requires a great care for the object. Current technologies allow the study of the object scanned in three dimensions. Hence, the digitization of objects has almost become compulsory for simplicity of study and analysis. Hence a low cost solution susceptible of being operated with reasonable effort could contribute to popularize 3D acquisition tools. In our study, we focus particularly on two solutions: David Laserscanner and PhotoModeler Scanner. Both systems come from two different techniques: laser scanning and photogrammetry.
[Complete study - external link] - 1199KB pdf [cached local copy]