The best photogrammetry software is a powerful technique that allows for the creation of precise 3D models by capturing images from various angles. It can be used to model both people and things, but its real strength lies in its ability to capture terrains, landscapes, and locations that would be very hard to scan in 3D otherwise. With the widespread use of aerial drones, photogrammetry can be used for a lot more things. This helps professionals like surveyors, architects, engineers, and even regular people.
With apps like Kiri Engine, photogrammetry is now a very cost-effective way to scan objects with smartphones, in addition to being useful for taking pictures of natural landscapes and construction sites. This means that almost everyone now has a powerful 3D modeling tool in their pocket: the camera on their smartphone. So, stores are starting to use this technology to let customers virtually try on items like glasses and clothes. Below we have mentioned the best photogrammetry software.
How does photogrammetry work?
Photogrammetry is a way to use photos or images to make accurate 3D models or measurements of objects and environments. It is often used in surveying, geology, archaeology, and even the entertainment industry to make 3D models of landscapes or objects for video games and movies. Here’s how photogrammetry works in a nutshell:
📸 Image Capture: To begin, capture pictures of the object or scene from various angles. Ensure they overlap for common reference points. More photos yield better accuracy in photogrammetry results.
📐 Calibration of the camera: Before using the images for photogrammetry, correctly set camera parameters such as focal length, lens distortion, and sensor size. Calibration targets or known points in the images are typically used for this purpose.
🔍 Feature Extraction: In each picture, identify and track the most crucial details or points. These points can be natural, like corners or edges, or they may represent separate objects. Software tools can automatically locate and match these elements across the images.
Best Photogrammetry Software Comparison Table
The table below shows the best Photogrammetry software options and gives a quick overview of their features, prices, and how well they work with other software. This guide shows users the best options for creating 3D models from photos, taking into account their different needs and budgets.
| Feature | Agisoft Metashape | MicMac | 3DF Zephyr Free | Visual SFM | Colmap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| License | Commercial | Open-Source | Commercial (Free Version Available) | Open-Source | Open-Source |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Photogrammetry | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Structure from Motion (SfM) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dense Point Cloud | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mesh Generation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Texture Mapping | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Orthomosaic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| DEM Generation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bundle Adjustment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Agisoft Metashape
Features
- High-quality 3D reconstruction.
- Aerial and close-range photogrammetry support.
- Advanced mesh and texture generation.
- Geographic Information System (GIS) integration.
Agisoft Metashape, which used to be called Agisoft Photoscan, is a piece of software that works on its own. This software has a lot of cool features, such as photogrammetric triangulation, point cloud data, measuring distances, volumes, and areas, making 3D models, and adding textures. Overall, this is one of the best Photogrammetry Software you can consider now.
Agisoft Metashape seems to be a complete piece of software that can be used for things like documenting cultural heritage or making visual effects. You can choose between the standard version and the professional version. You get all the basic software tools you need in the standard edition, which is still pretty full. It is one of the most popular pieces of software for photogrammetry.
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Robust processing capabilities.
- Supports various input data types.
- Good 3D modeling and texturing features.
Cons
- Relatively expensive.
- Requires powerful hardware for large-scale projects.
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features.
MicMac
Features
- Open-source and versatile.
- Handles large datasets.
- Georeferencing capabilities.
- Command-line interface for expert users.
MicMac is open-source photogrammetry software made by the French National Geographic Institute (IGN) and the French National School for Geographic Sciences (ENSG). Even though MicMac is free, it is best for people with more experience or who are in school. This software is useful for projects that have to do with protecting the environment, taking pictures of and preserving cultural heritage, or forestry. MicMac can process any kind of video, from close-ups to shots from above. Still, this is one of the best Photogrammetry Software you can consider now.
Pros
- Open-source and free.
- Great for academic and research use.
- Supports multiple platforms.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve, especially for beginners.
- Limited user community and documentation.
- Less user-friendly compared to commercial software.
3DF Zephyr Free
Features
- User-friendly interface.
- Automated 3D reconstruction.
- Supports various input formats.
- Limited free version with upgrade options.
Here is the free version of the photogrammetry software 3DF Zephyr, which is very full and works well. There is now a free version of this software that is made for beginners and personal use. It could be the best solution if you’re just starting out with 3D and need good software to learn on. This free version of 3DF Zephyr has all the tools for 3D reconstruction and simple editing that a beginner will need. Overall, this is one of the best Photogrammetry Software you can consider now.
Pros
- Offers a free version with decent capabilities.
- Good for small-scale projects and hobbyists.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons
- Limited features in the free version.
- Less accurate and slower than premium versions.
- Limited support for large datasets.
Visual SFM
Features
- Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithm.
- Basic 3D reconstruction.
- Suitable for educational and small-scale projects.
- Integration with other software for extended functionality.
With structure from motion (SFM), Visual SFM is a tool for putting together 3D models. This GUI application is easy to use for photogrammetry. All you have to do is add your images, match them, and let the software do the rest. It is a simple piece of software that runs on its own. This digital tool for photogrammetry can be used for free by anyone. Thus, this is one of the best Photogrammetry Software you can consider now.
Pros
- Free and open-source.
- Good for educational and research purposes.
- Can generate point clouds and camera parameters.
Cons
- Lacks some advanced features of commercial software.
- May require manual intervention for better results.
- Limited support and development updates.
Colmap
Features
- Highly accurate feature matching.
- Supports both SfM and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) pipelines.
- Command-line and graphical user interface options.
- Robust camera calibration and bundle adjustment.
Colmap is a Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) pipeline that can be used for many different things. It has both a graphical user interface and a command-line interface that you can use to use it. You can choose what suits you the best. All the fundamental tools required to convert one or more photos into a 3D model will be available to you. Overall, this is one of the best Photogrammetry Software you can consider now.
Pros
- Open-source and free.
- Suitable for both beginners and experts.
- Provides a wide range of features.
Cons
- Limited user interface, mainly command-line driven.
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features.
- Limited support for non-technical users.
Factors to consider when choosing photogrammetry software
To make accurate and high-quality 3D models or maps from photos, you need to use the right photogrammetry software. Here are some important things to think about when making your choice:
🎯 Correctness and exactness: The most important thing about the software is that it can make precise and accurate 3D models from images. Look for software that has been shown to give reliable results in the past.
🔍 Simple to Use: Think about how easy it is to use the software. If you are new to photogrammetry, having a steep learning curve can be a big problem. Look for software that has a simple interface and clear instructions.
⚙️ Getting along: Make sure that the software works with your computer’s hardware and operating system. Some photogrammetry software is made for certain types of hardware or operating systems.
🖼️ Formats for putting in data: Check to see if the software can handle different image formats. It can be helpful to be able to work with different file types, especially if you have pictures from different cameras or sources.
⏩ Speed of Processing: How long it takes to process images and make 3D models can vary a lot from one software package to the next. Think about how long your project will take and how fast the software works.
FAQs
Most of the time, a size between f/9 and f/13 will work best. Shutter speed: If you don’t want blurry pictures, set the shutter speed to 1/200 or higher. If the scene is dark and the speed needs to be slowed down, the camera should be set up on a tripod.
Under ideal conditions, photogrammetry can record 3D data of a surface with a resolution of 100 microns, which is the same as other close-range 3D recording systems available today.
