Using PhotoModeler with Rhino 3D

Rhino® is a popular CAD and 3D modeling application used in many fields. PhotoModeler is a popular photogrammetry program for measuring and modeling the real world using a camera. A PhotoModeler project can be exported in the Rhino 3dm file format and further processed, or be used as the foundation for other work using Rhino’s modeling tools. A perfect way to use photogrammetry with Rhino!

The two software products complement each other when working with real objects and scenes that need to be measured, modeled, improved, or manufactured. This article describes what can be achieved using Rhino with PhotoModeler, and outlines some tips when working with the two programs.

Example Uses

  • A model created in PhotoModeler needs to be augmented using Rhino’s modeling tools.  For example, an existing staircase is photographed and modeled in PhotoModeler, and a new handrail needs to be designed to fit the staircase.
  • A heritage architectural model is built and photo-textured with PhotoModeler, and in Rhino, new design elements are integrated into the building.
  • A 2D pattern, shape or template is modeled in PhotoModeler, exported to Rhino with an orthophoto view, and Rhino’s modeling tools are used to trace the shape so that it can be exported or sent further on to manufacturing or a CNC cutter, etc.
  • A photograph’s accurate position and angles are computed by PhotoModeler, the photo is further ‘idealized’ in PhotoModeler to remove distortion effects, and lastly, the camera data and idealized photo are exported and used as a background view to further modeling work in Rhino.

Overview Video

The video "7 Useful Tips for Using PhotoModeler with Rhino 3D" describes the way PhotoModeler and Rhino 3D complement each other and outlines tips for best use. View the video below, and below that, read about the export integration and the seven tips for use.

Exporting Tips

After completing a project with PhotoModeler, it can be exported in a variety of formats, as shown here and documented in the online Help in this section. This document focuses on the Rhino 3dm file format.

1.

All PhotoModeler items can be exported to Rhino, such as NURBS curves, surfaces, cylinders, triangulated meshes, photo-textures, and camera positions. Rhino is one of the few CAD packages that can handle all PhotoModeler model objects.  See examples below.

2.

The layers used in PhotoModeler to organize the modeling are exported and match the Rhino ​layers so that you can work in the same organization system in both programs.

3.

Real-world modeling and fabrication require accurate scale. PhotoModeler transfers the user-defined coordinate systems and an accurate scale to Rhino.

4.

The ability to solve for camera positions and angles in PhotoModeler is a core function.  Being able to have those same camera views in Rhino is even more powerful. Also, the original photograph is exported as Rhino wallpaper​!  See the Matching Camera Views example below.

5.

Orthographic images (remapped photographic data to remove all perspective) can be exported to Rhino and used as precise backgrounds​.

6.

PhotoModeler's 2D Template and Pattern Digitizing system directly exports accurate 2D curve and line data, along with background corrected images to Rhino where the pattern outlines can be checked and modified. The end result is accurate CNC data.

7.

Project descriptions defined in PhotoModeler’s Project Information Dialog become project notes in Rhino.

Exported Rhino 3DM Examples

Here’s the scaled Automated Coded Target Tutorial staircase project exported into Rhino:

Here’s the photo-textured UAV/drone Tutorial project exported into Rhino:

Here’s a 2D Template Pattern Capture project exported into Rhino:

Orthophotos and Matching Camera Views

There are two forms of image export from PhotoModeler. One is an orthophoto (an orthographic view of photographic data extracted from all the input photos).  This image is like a 2D drawing and has no perspective. The orthophoto can be exported as part of the Rhino file, which is useful when tracing over a background image in Rhino, or when comparing various elements of a model. For 2D template work, the PhotoModeler Template Pattern capture add-on can automatically generate this orthographic background view for Rhino.  Here is a facade orthophoto example:

The second form of image export to Rhino is an original photograph taken by the camera. PhotoModeler can export these images as backgrounds for each camera-rendered view. In other words, you can see a rendered 3D view from exactly the same camera position, angle and parameters (like focal length) as the original photo, combined with the original photo as a background! This is great for modeling work, but also to render additional details on top of a photo taken from a particular location - such as a modified building rendered on top of an original photograph.

In cases where the camera has high distortion, the model and original photo may not align in Rhino. Rhino uses a mathematically-perfect camera for rendering which does not account for the distortions and properties of a real-world camera. Note the alignment issue does not apply to orthophotos as backgrounds (all corrections are made already). In the case of original-photo backgrounds, you can use PhotoModeler’s Idealize Feature to output a remapped corrected image without distortion:

Background image in Rhino with overlaid CAD data. Left: original photo. Right: Idealized photo showing better match.

These types of background images/plates can be used for visualization, or used as backgrounds for new objects being modeled to augment a scene. 

Learn more about the applications of PhotoModeler.

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