Photogrammetry a Practical Guide

29/11/14 19:06

Photogrammetry: A Practical Guide

Rory Stanbridge
Photogrammetry is the practice of obtaining
information about physical objects through
the process of recording, measuring, and
interpreting photographic images. It is most
commonly associated with the production of
topographic maps through aerial survey,
although in recent years it has been
increasingly used in such diverse
applications as architecture, archaeology,
engineering, geology, underwater, and
forensic work amongst others. In fact it may
be used in any situation that requires the
generation of accurate three-dimensional
data or precise drawings, and is ideally
suited to the survey and measurement of
Part of a photogrammetric survey of the West
facade of Lincoln Cathedral

buildings and monuments. This article

focuses on the application in relation to the

survey of buildings.
Although the major part of a photogrammetry project is carried out in an office, the
procedure commences on site by taking suitable photographs, usually stereoscopic,
and establishing a 'control' network to determine the scale and orientation of the
photographs and enable accurate photogrammetric analysis. The site time
represents only a small part of a project and is generally completed in a day or two
even on large buildings or those of a complex nature.

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An architectural project may comprise any number of stereo models. The

photographs are taken using precision cameras, commonly known as metric
cameras, and full stereoscopic coverage of the building to be surveyed is produced.
Control information may take the form of either taped distances on the facade of
the building or the establishment of three dimensional coordinates of either target
markers or identifiable points of detail. A minimum of two scaled distances or three
coordinated points is required per stereo model. The choice of method depends on
the scale and accuracy requirements of the final data. English Heritage has now
produced a specification for the production of photogrammetric surveys which
provides guidance on all of the above. I would strongly suggest that any person
contemplating the requisition of a photogrammetric survey obtains a copy of this
specification, or at least refers to it in the request for a price.
The axis around which the survey revolves is the production of the
photogrammetric data. To undertake photogrammetric analysis, a
photogrammetrist will place a pair of stereo photographs in an instrument and
undertake certain procedures which will allow a true stereo model to be viewed. The
best way to visualise this is perhaps to relate to the Viewmaster type of stereo
viewer where the user sees a 3D or stereo image. In the case of a photogrammetric
instrument, the operator can, with the application of a reference mark in the optics
of the instrument, digitise points of detail on the object being measured, either as
continuous lines or individual points. All points so digitised are recorded as a three
dimensional point or string. The data is then correlated with the ground control,
and scaled drawings or CAD data is then provided.
The accuracy achievable on a photogrammetric survey is linked directly to the
accessibility of the object being photographed and the scale of the photographs
produced. In building surveys an accuracy of 10mm is generally achievable on a
1:50 survey, although even this can be improved upon. In most instances the final
drawing or data will be accurate to better than a line width on a drawing of a
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comparable scale.
The usual end-product of a photogrammetric survey is the production of either
digital data or a line drawing. The data may be formatted for use in most commonly
used CAD systems, thereby offering the advantage of total flexibility. As the process
requires photography, this may become the end-product itself, either archived as
they are, or as a rectified mosaic composed of a number of scaled photographs
joined together. The last few years have seen a dramatic decrease in the cost of CAD
systems, making the use of photogrammetric data both more efficient and cost
effective.
An alternative end product to data is a rectified or an ortho photograph. In both of
these cases, the site photography is corrected for angular distortion, re-scaled and
output as a digital file or film copy. Rectified photography is suitable for elevations
containing a single plane, ortho photography which is corrected in all planes is
more suited to elevations with a number of different planes. The end result is an
image from which measurements can be extracted just like a map.
As photogrammetry has become more widely used in the field of architecture, other
survey techniques have also become available. Laser scanning now offers an
alternative to photogrammetry for some traditional work, but the use of the
technique in conservation and restoration work is still in its infancy. Additionally,
the generation of thousands of points of detail in the 'point cloud' can be
overpowering for the first time user. In my opinion, photogrammetry still provides
a better solution for the recording of historic monuments and buildings.
As an alternative to commissioning a photogrammetric product from a professional
survey company, cheap 'off the shelf' photogrammetry software packages such as
PhotoModeler have now been developed. This is aimed at the nonphotogrammetrist and enables the user to undertake simple rectification and

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measurement tasks. This product, costing about 550, uses the principle of 'multi
image' as opposed to stereo photography, and is suitable for many applications. A
good consumer camera may be used, with the imagery being taken from a number
of positions. The resultant images are then processed and measured on a standard
PC. However, it should be emphasized that this approach should only be adopted
where minimal levels of detail are required.
THE BENIFITS OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY
The photographs may be archived for future use.
The photographs may be used either for monitoring or for the generation of
data.
The technique is non-intrusive.
The technique is ideal for recording detail of a complex nature
(see illustration above).
A high level of accuracy is achievable.
The use of digital data ensures total flexibility.
The level of detail to be extracted may be determined either by the client or the
photogrammetrist.
It is cost-effective.

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