Capture / Processing / Labwork

To truly master photogrammetry, selecting the right software is only part of the equation. What makes a real difference is understanding how to use these tools effectively in a workflow that fits your unique projects. Instead of simply downloading various programs, our photogrammetry workshop helps you with hands-on experience with the most effective software tailored to your specific needs and learn best practices, shortcuts, and tips to hit the ground running with the right tools. This will save time by avoiding common pitfalls. This workshop is not about software reviews – it’s about giving you the skills and confidence to build an optimized workflow that suits your photogrammetry goals.

Cloud Based Photogrammetry Processing

The number of cloud-based photogrammetry services can be overwhelming, but the options below stand out for specific reasons and are great starting points:

  • Kiri Engine – A freemium photogrammetry solution that offers a strong balance between accessibility and quality, ideal for both casual reproductions and more advanced 3D modeling needs. Available on both web and mobile, it provides versatile options for users seeking efficient and effective photogrammetry results.
  • Poly.cam – A freemium photogrammetry service optimized for creating 3D models intended for web display. Supporting both web and mobile platforms, it offers user-friendly tools for capturing and sharing models, making it an excellent choice for presentations and interactive web experiences.
  • Scaniverse – A high-quality, mobile-only app that uses Gaussian Splat technology to capture detailed 3D models. It offers features like 3D downloads and social sharing, making it an ideal choice for users looking to create, share, and showcase lifelike 3D scans directly from their mobile devices.
  • Pix4D –  A professional-grade photogrammetry solution with versatile surveying, construction, and agriculture applications. It offers high-precision 3D models and mapping capabilities. Available across desktop, web, and mobile, Pix4D supports advanced tools like automatic GCP (Ground Control Point) calibration and cloud processing options for collaborative project management, making it ideal for enterprise-level tasks.

While these options provide valuable features, this workshop will help you select the best one for your project and develop a streamlined, cloud-based photogrammetry workflow.

Offline Processing Software

Each photogrammetry application on this list has unique features that suit specific project goals. However, while you can download them directly from this location, I recommend doing a quick Google search to ensure you get the latest versions. All of the listed programs are compatible with Windows, most work on macOS, and a few also support Linux. But instead of diving into each tool on your own, I’ll work with you one-on-one in our photogrammetry workshop, where we can explore these software options and guide you on leveraging their strengths for your specific needs.

  • 3DF Zephyr – 3DF Zephyr is a software for creating 3D models from photos, compatible with Windows and with a macOS version in beta. While it performs best with a GPU, it can run on CPU-only setups, albeit more slowly. Unique features include automatic camera calibration and native support for drone-captured images, ideal for detailed, large-scale reconstructions.
  • Blender – Blender is a versatile, open-source 3D creation software compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. While a GPU enhances rendering speeds, it can run on a CPU-only setup. Unique features include integrated path-tracing for realistic lighting and sculpting tools for detailed organic modeling, making it a powerful choice for animation, game development, and visual effects.
  • Darktable – Darktable replaces Adobe Lightroom and is a free, open-source photo editing software available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. While a GPU can speed up processing, it also works on CPU-only setups. Unique features include non-destructive RAW editing and AI-powered noise reduction, offering photographers a robust toolset for high-quality image enhancement and efficient workflow management.
  • Instant Meshes – Instant Meshes is an open-source tool for remeshing 3D models, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It works efficiently without a GPU, relying on CPU power. Unique features include adaptive meshing for optimized polygon distribution and edge flow alignment, allowing users to create clean, high-quality meshes that retain essential model details for further 3D processing and animation.
  • Meshlab – MeshLab is an open-source 3D mesh processing software compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can operate without a GPU, though GPU acceleration improves performance. Unique features include automatic mesh cleaning tools to remove noise and artifacts, and advanced color mapping options that enable precise texture and detail application, ideal for preparing 3D models for printing and analysis.
  • Meshroom – Meshroom is an open-source photogrammetry software for creating 3D models from photos, designed to run on Windows and Linux. A GPU with CUDA support is required for optimal processing, as it heavily relies on GPU acceleration. Unique features include node-based workflow customization for flexible processing steps and automatic depth map fusion, enabling high-quality, detailed 3D reconstructions.
  • Paraview – ParaView is an open-source data analysis and visualization tool compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. While a GPU accelerates rendering, it can run without one. Unique features include parallel processing support for handling large datasets efficiently and extensive visualization tools that allow users to explore complex scientific data in 2D and 3D, making it ideal for research and engineering applications.
  • Regard 3D – Regard3D is an open-source photogrammetry software for creating 3D models from images, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It operates without a GPU, though processing may be faster with one. Unique features include support for multi-view stereo algorithms for improved depth and detail and automatic camera orientation, which simplifies the setup for creating accurate 3D reconstructions.

3DF Zephyr PhotogrammetryKIRI EngineMeshroom

Supply List

Workshop, participants should bring:

  • Smartphone
  • Lens cleaning cloth
  • Portable calibration targets (provided)
  • Notebook and pen for taking notes

Optional items:

  • Tripod
  • Digital camera (DSLR or Mirrorless)
  • Laptop with sufficient processing power (Windows Preferred)
  • Data transfer cables and memory card readers etc.

No Experience Required:

None whatsoever! This workshop delivers all essential hands-on and theoretical instruction. By the end of this workshop, you will have gained the skills to orchestrate an appropriate photographic setup for a range of subjects, accurately gather image-based information, transform that information into three-dimensional digital twins, and scrutinize and combine these findings to construct a presentation narrative.

Hero Image: Generative Network

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