Introduction to Photogrammetry

Data acquisition (macro to m scale)

Basics of the Structure from Motion (SFM) method: what data does it require?

•  Photography for SFM:
  • Camera settings
  • Specimen preparation & support materials
  • Image capture methods with static or moving camera
  • Scale bar usage
• Difficult cases: tiny, shiny, or otherwise problematic cases.

Model creation

• Basic workflow in Reality Capture and Metashape
  • Data loading
  • Marker detection
  • Alignment and model creation
  • Colors and textures
•  Solutions for problematic cases
  • Multi-chunk modelling
  • Adding new photographs

 Basics of model editing for printing, web display, scientific use, etc.

• Introduction to the interface and basics of GOM inspect and Meshmixer.
• Description, assessment and elimination of mesh errors (e.g. holes, non-watertight meshes, non-manifold vertices and edges, etc).
• Scaling and mirroring.
• Sectioning for 3D printing

 Long term data storage and scientific reusability considerations

• Data integrity and long-term reusability: what and how to archive?
• Digital repositories and licenses.
• DISSCo and iDigBio: what is a digital/extended specimen?
• Ethical concerns

All participants must have a computer (Windows, Macintosh, Linux). The use of webcam and headphones is strongly recommended, and a good internet connection is required. You will need a camera to do the exercises.

As for the equipment, below we are listing the ideal setting you should have for your research, and the minimum you will need to do the practice, in case you do not have access to the ideal one:

IDEAL: DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens with short minimum distance, matching LED light ring (best: SL-108).
OK: digital camera with LED light ring.
MINIMUM: good cell phone camera.

IDEAL: Dedicated photogrammetry scale bars.
OK: any other measure, e.g. labeled cm scale.

IDEAL: turntable, ethafoam or similar, 6 to 8 raw-wooden chopsticks
OK: styrofoam, 6 to 8 chopsticks