PhotoModeler FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

PhotoModeler is a software package for measuring and modeling real world objects and scenes through the use of photographs. Developed by Eos Systems Inc. (PhotoModeler Technologies), PhotoModeler is a world leader in its class. PhotoModeler is based on the science of photogrammetry, which means 'to measure from photographs'. PhotoModeler brings the powerful capabilities of photogrammetry in a simple, easy-to-use Windows environment.

PhotoModeler is used in a number of application areas where measurement and modeling of the real-world is required. These are manufacturing, marine fabrication,accident reconstruction, forensics, film and game production, architectural modeling, engineering and scientific applications, and surveying.

PhotoModeler is a professional tool for generating accurate measurements and models of the real world. It is a very powerful capability to make accurate 2D and 3D measurements using every day cameras. The Why PhotoModeler page outlines some of the key benefits.

PhotoModeler accepts photos from a wide range of digital, scanned film, and video cameras. For ground based work, the most often used is a standard digital camera – the best results being achieved by a DSLR. The About Cameras page provides good background on cameras. To summarize: many cameras can be used, but a modern digital camera is the most common. The best is a digital SLR with fixed (non-zoom) wide-angle lens, but lower-cost point-and-shoot digital cameras work well too - some better than others. The low-cost cameras that work well either have a fixed lens or a stable and repeatable zoom lens, and have control over settings such as image stabilization, orientation detection, and manual focus.

Sometimes even the camera on your mobile phone will work, although not all mobile phone cameras work as well. Some modern mobile phone cameras with OIS are not as accurate.

PhotoModeler Premium is the high-end version of the PhotoModeler products.  It is a super-set and includes all capabilities of PhotoModeler Standard. It includes the capability of automatically scanning textured surfaces to create a dense cloud of points, support for point clouds and LIDAR data, and Idealizing photos, etc. See Comparing PhotoModeler Premium and Standard.

PhotoModeler works from the geometry of light rays. The How PhotoModeler Works page gives a great overview of the steps and some of the technology.

A unique and powerful capability of PhotoModeler is its ability to automatically detect and accurately measure, to sub-pixel accuracy, special Coded Targets. These Coded Targets are like a circular bar code with a central dot for precise marking on images. These help enormously with the set up and automation of projects. The Letter Sheet System is a particular configuration of coded targets that further assist with setting up coordinate systems and improving project speed and quality. 

You can download the PhotoModeler Demo Software (for Standard or Premium products) and try out most of the features.  To get full capabilities for free for 30 days you can get an evaluation code (which is usually sent automatically on download of the demo).  See this description of Demo vs Evaluation vs Permanent.

Most customers from around the world can order from our online store. You may also want to see if there is a local reseller. The PhotoModeler software is delivered electronically.

PhotoModeler is a 64-bit Windows program. It runs on 64-bit Windows (version 8 and later).  

Some have run PhotoModeler on a Mac emulator like Parallels but there can be some issues. Some have worked with Linux Windows emulators but it can be difficult. You can test with an evaluation. NOTE, neither of these OSes are supported by PhotoModeler Technologies.

The PhotoModeler store is the best place to get up-to-date pricing. The software is available as a permanent/perpetual license (with optional yearly maintenance), or as a monthly or yearly subscription.

The best way to stay on top of PhotoModeler developments (such as new methods, new videos, interesting articles, and software releases) is to join the low-volume PhotoModeler Newsletter mailing list. In addition, see the social media links the bottom of the page - give us a follow there for more frequent news.

There are a few vendors of desktop close-range photogrammetry systems. PhotoModeler has one of the longest histories, and the PhotoModeler products have been developed over many years with a great deal of customer input.

Many of the photogrammetry systems available from other vendors focus on small object modeling or drone photography. While PhotoModeler has great capabilities and works with drone photos (esp. in public safety / forensics), it has many other capabilities these other packages do not have. PhotoModeler's focus is on accurate measurement for useful fabrication and forensic tasks. 

There are a number of interesting additional sources of information, papers, and journal articles, etc. See the Resources page.

Product line ups change, but we don't remove features.

PhotoModeler Scanner:  Scanner included the capability of automatically scanning textured surfaces to create a dense cloud of points. PhotoModeler Scanner has been replaced by PhotoModeler Premium.

PhotoModeler UAS: UAS was designed to handle imagery from drones and UAV/UAS, along with support for geographic coordinate systems. The capabilities have been merged into PhotoModeler Premium.

PhotoModeler Motion: Motion included the ability to do 4D modeling (3D + time) called Motion, is included with the PhotoModeler Premium product. 

Template Pattern Capture Add-on:  TPCA included tools needed to efficiently photo digitize 2D templates and patterns.  These tools are available in all products now (Standard and Premium).