Have you ever come across the term ‘Photogrammetry’ and wondered what it’s all about? It may sound intricate, but it’s a revolution in site mapping that’s enhancing how we view and interpret construction sites.
DEMYSTIFYING PHOTOGRAMMETRY
At its core, Photogrammetry is the science of using photographs to deduce the geometric properties of objects. The result? A 3D representation called a “Point Cloud” – a dense collection of points in a 3D space. This can be visualized as a 3D scatter plot, with each point representing a tangible point on an object or land area. With added functionalities, such as applying 3D meshes, point clouds can be transformed into detailed models suitable for various applications, from measurements to inspections.
THE PHOTOGRAMMETRY PROCESS
- Capture: Using drones or ground-based cameras, thousands of photos may be taken for a single site. Automation and pre-programmed routes ensure a high degree of overlap between images and optimal site coverage.
- Ground Control Points (GCPs): For heightened accuracy, GCPs are positioned on the site. Using GNSS RTK receivers, these target locations are captured, aiding in the image processing phase.
- Processing: With tools like DroneDeploy or Pix4D, the processing begins. How does it work? Advanced algorithms identify common points across multiple images, and via triangulation, these points are positioned in 3D space. This process repeats millions of times to birth the point cloud.
APPLICATIONS OF PHOTGRAMMETRY
The versatility of photogrammetry is evident in its myriad of applications:
- As-Built Measurements and Verification
- Façade Inspection
- Erosion Management and Monitoring
- Excavation and Earthworks with Cut/Fill Analysis
- Topographic Analysis
- Project Planning and Design
- Historical Documentation
- BIM, Digital Twins, and Digitization
Beyond the technicalities, it’s worth noting the aesthetic appeal. Photogrammetric models not only serve functional purposes but are also visually impressive, often wowing clients and stakeholders.
THE OCCULAIR EDGE
What differentiates OcculAIR in this domain? It’s not just our proficiency in photogrammetry but our philosophy. We prioritize listening to our clients. We understand that every project has unique needs – sometimes, it’s not about achieving the pinnacle of accuracy but about streamlining processes. We tailor our approach to match the project’s requirements and budget, ensuring optimal results without overwhelming clients with redundant data.
