Photogrammetry is the science of taking measurements from photographs. It has roots in the mid-19th century but recent advances in technology, including inexpensive cameras, drones, and data storage, have advanced the field. Photogrammetry can now be used to create accurate 3D models and point clouds of structures from drone imagery, providing data in areas that were previously difficult or dangerous to access. The company described offers photogrammetry services using drones to capture data for industrial sites, with licensed pilots and experience capturing 3D models, orthomosaics, and aerial photos to document structures.

1. Photo Scan Models
photogrammetry
photoscanmodels.com

2. What is
Photogrammetry?
Very simply put it is the science of
taking measurements from
photographs. In some crude form
most of us in this room have done
that. Either via enlarging or
reducing a photograph on a
copier to a scale that we could
measure or just eyeballing it with
a co-worker, hey Joe what does
that look like to you.

3. The History Photogrammetry
We tend to think of this process as a modern
development but the roots of modern
photogrammetry dates to the mid 19th century. In
1849, Aimé Laussedat was the first person to use
terrestrial photographs for topographic map
compilation. He is referred to as the “Father of
Photogrammetry”. The process Laussedat used was
called iconometry. In 1862, Laussedat’s use of
photography for mapping was officially accepted by
the Science Academy in Madrid. At the Paris
Exposition in 1867, Laussedat exhibited the first
known phototheodolite (a camera mounted to a
theodolite) and his plan of Paris derived from his
photographic surveys.

4. Recent History
In recent history photogrammetry required
expensive high resolution digital cameras and
the results were less than breath taking from
an accuracy standpoint. I personally
experienced this more than a decade ago on a
project in a carbon black plant, honestly not the
best conditions for a photogrammetric model
of existing facilities, but nonetheless the overall
quality was quite good, the issues came to play
in an area that was elevated near the interior
roof of the building. That would have been a
better application for a laser scan (not invented
yet) except that it was inaccessible and would
have required the use of a manlift.

5. Recent History
cont…..
Anyone who has experience with attempting to
survey or laser scan from a manlift knows that
it isn’t an easy function. The manlift tends to
move constantly so it requires being jammed
up next to a permanent structure to stabilize it,
that poses inherent risks. But we did the best
we could with the data we had and praised the
Lord we didn’t have to climb to the top of that
carbon black covered structure.

6. Today’s Technology
Fast forward to the technology of today.
Inexpensive digital cameras make high
quality photography within the reach of
everyone, mass digital storage is extremely
cheap and getting cheaper. And now with
the use of UAV’s the access to areas that
were inaccessible 10 years ago is practical
and economical.

7. Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles
The use of UAV’s has been a game changer
in the business of photogrammetry. UAV’s or
drones have almost limitless access to
locations that would normally be very
difficult and in some cases dangerous to
access.

8. UAV’s In Marine
Enviroments
Access to data at marine facilities that would
normally require the use of a boat and crew
can be accomplished with a two man team
and a UAV, leading to a safer and more
economical solution. Laser scans from a boat
are virtually impossible. Our two licensed
pilots have TWIC credentials enabling them
access to client’s marine facilities.

9. UAV’s for
Industrial
Applications

10. Photogrammetry for Point
Cloud Creation
 Areas not readily
accessible to
personnel access, for
example the top levels
of pipe racks or vessels
without access ladders
and platforms.
 Does not require
scaffolding or manlifts.
 Economical and a time
saver.
 Import to Recap and
manipulate the same
as a color laser scan.

11. Orthomosaics for High
Resolution Aerial Views
Unlike an uncorrected
aerial photograph, an
orthophotograph can be
used to measure true
distances, because it is an
accurate representation
of the Earth's surface,
having been adjusted for
topographic relief, lens
distortion, and camera
tilt.

12. Can the operation of a
UAV be made safe in an
industrial environment?
 There are no intrinsically safe UAV’s – there
are companies that say they are developing
them but to this date, to our knowledge one
does not exist, and probably won’t exist for
some time.
 There is but one laser scanner that is certified
to be explosion proof - ZF IMAGER 5006EX
 It is a matter of risk mitigation – which a UAV
can help provide by not placing personnel in a
high risk environment, at elevated heights, in
harnesses, or in manlifts having to be steadied
by a stationary object.
 The operation by licensed, insured, pilots with
many years of experience in industrial
facilities.

13. What we do……..
photoscanmodels.com

14. Photogrammetry
 Used for as-built conditions in
commercial and industrial
facilities as well as the
documentation of historically
significant structures.
 The use of drones to capture
data is faster and safer than
other capturing techniques.
 Point clouds with a density
equal to or exceeding laser
scanning can be generated.
 Point clouds can be imported
into CAD to acquire real world
dimensions and coordinates.

15. 3d Model Generation
 Besides photogrammetric 3D
models we have experience in
the creation of models in diverse
CAD software.
 We supply a turnkey solution to
your modeling requirements
from basic SketchUp to Revit and
photorealistic renderings.
Included with photogrammetry
3D model generation is an
excellent resource for the
documentation of historic
structures.

16. Aerial Photography
 Photogrammetric models can
be overlayed onto aerial
photos to generate a real
world background for use in
presentations.
 Orthomosaics use high
resolution to-scale aerial
photography and can be used
as a base layout for new
construction as well as
coordinating with public
entities.

17. About Us
 We have over fifty years of combined experience in the
Civil/Structural/Architectural design field. Our
experience ranges from grass roots industrial projects to
large commercial and institutional designs.
 We have expertise in basic 2D/3D CAD solutions to full
photorealistic modeling, including the use of
photogrammetry to build 3D models of existing facilities.
 With two certified unmanned aircraft system pilots on
staff, we are able to use the latest innovations in remote
sensing to gather data.
 Located in the Greater New Orleans - Baton Rouge area
gives us quick access to the Mississippi River industrial
corridor as well as the Gulf Coast and Southeastern US.

18. ASPRS
We are a member of the American
Society for Photogrammetry and
Remote Sensing and are dedicated to
the utilization of the latest technology
and techniques to achieve your 3D
modeling requirements.