PhotoModeler, measuring and modeling the real world

PhotoModeler is an application of EOS System, created with the SDK of LeadToolsOne of the best I've seen, it allows you to create 3D objects and scenes from photographs using the technique called photo modeling. Before I told them about an MD that works with Microstation, but in this case we are talking about a complete program that, apart from the modeling, includes scanner functionalities.

The procedure

The principle of the modeled photo is based on a kind of "reverse perspective", in which any taken photograph is considered to maintain certain perspective parameters that can be reversed for the construction of objects in three dimensions.

The basic geometries with which most infrastructures are built are simple geometric figures, such as parallelograms, cones, pyramids. If you can assign measurements to these geometries from lines, reference points, and regular figures that make up these geometries such as rectangles, squares, circles, or regular polygons, then it is possible to create three-dimensional figures. As additional data, the faces that an object usually has (front, bottom, left, right, top and bottom) and the known measurements are added.

The result

The program includes the most common autoforms, with which you can assign a flat image, both points, faces, lines and of course distances for the object to take a real scale.

The more photographs you have, different angles, real measurements and high resolution it is possible to obtain better precision conditions. Although the program includes a wide range of camera features or capture conditions that can be configured for best results.

The next thing is to choose what kind of display quality to expect, ranging from vector lines to textures that can be assigned to surfaces. You can then export to dxf to use it with other commonly used programs.

Applications

These types of programs can be applied to:

• Architecture
• Preservation of historic buildings
• Mining
• Electromechanical
• Modeling and animation 3D
• Forensic science

According to the information, there are also some functionalities to work with orthophotos, which means that it could be used in photogrammetry, although it seems that it has not been its main clientele.

Modular scale

The application has at least three modular scales, ranging from $ 995:

• PhotoModeler

In this are included functionalities of creating vector objects from photographs, as well as configuration of the properties of the camera and modeling of basic human figure.

• PhotoModeler Automation

This adds the capabilities to create templates from models, to print the object in such a way that it can be physically reconstructed. It is also possible to automate some routines.

• PhotoModeler Scanner

In this version there are options to create densified surfaces and more complex figures.

You can see more information on the PhotoModeler page, you can download a demo version, which includes examples and many features; although not all.