Photogrammetry is a process which calculates a 3D textured mesh from 2D photographs. This technique is widely used in industries such as Gaming, VFX and Forensic Science.
Our fascination with the technique has lead to the experiments below, followed by examples of how we’ve used photogrammetry in a couple of our collaborations.
Mesh Room Vs Reality Capture
Using the same images as source data, here is a comparison between Meshroom (Free) and Reality Capture (Pay per Scan). Two major factors were the speed and quality, with Reality Capture coming out on top each time.
Mesh Room – Had trouble with the steering wheel, levers, and surface shine.
Reality Capture – Still some issues with surface shine but the level of fine detail is astounding.
Mesh Room – Room for improvement. It’s easy to make out the object and scene but the mesh detail is poor.
Reality Capture – really living up to its name.
Massy 135. Results from Reality Capture.
Photos taken with a Samsung S9
Trail-side Bench: Results from Reality Capture.
Photos taken with a Samsung S9
3D SCAN MOBILE APPS.
Pretty convincing mesh models can now be made with mobile apps! The process is a lot faster than desktop but the results are less accurate. Below are some experiments with PolyCam, one of the most refined apps on the market.
Apple iPhone with Polycam – The results aren’t highly accurate but worth the trade off in speed and convenience.
POLYCAM SCAN DETAILS
MULL BEACH SCAN
A rock formation on the Isle of Mull. 78 photos were used for this scan, taken with a Samsung S9. Mesh created with Meshroom.
Scan details
Scan converted to a pointcloud, resulting in a ‘ghost’ effect.
TIDESONG
We used this technique as part of Tidesong, a data based coastal experience. We felt the ‘ghost coast’ effect suited the the project quite well.
THE ROOTED SEA (2021)
As part of a collaboration with ACUS Art and Science and artist Sonia Mehra Chawla we digtially re-created sites where biological samples were collected using Photogrammetry. This formed part of an exhibited work called ‘The Rooted Sea’, which is concerned with the documentation and preservation of coastal wetland ecosystems in Scotland and India.
Photos: Supplied by Research Team
Software used: MeshRoom / Cinema 4D / Touchdesigner
Milkworth Patch – Pointcloud model – Output for exhibition
Milkworth Patch – Textured Mesh model in MeshRoom
Milkworth Patch – Textured Mesh model – 3D Editng Software
Meshroom is very good at recreating solid organic objects.
FEATURED PROJECTS
TIDESONG
This location based sonic artwork produces haunting melodies from tidal data.
COSMIC CONNECTION
A touch reactive audio visual installation launched at the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry
RHODODATUM
Digtial sculptures created from 110 years of data collected by The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
YOU ARE HERE
Alt-W commission which tracks the stars and uses their positions to spawn generative art forms.
DATA VISUALISATION
Bespoke web app for the Euro-Cities conference using data from the Cultural and Creative City Monitor.
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