Join 40,000+ geospatial professionals and get technology news delivered straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe today.

sparse-point-cloud.png

How To Convert Pictures to Spectacular 3D Models?

Pixpro Ltd

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated scenario that simulates a realistic experience. Step by step it becomes an integral part of people’s everyday lives. Now we can choose furniture by “walking” around the apartment in 3D mode, visit museums or new places just putting on a pair of glasses. Virtual reality literally makes it possible to experience anything, anywhere, anytime. The simplest form of virtual reality is 3D image that can be explored interactively in personal computer. With IT rapidly moving forward, the creation of 3D images became possible for everyone.

From photos to 3D models

Photos are no longer just a 2D memory on a paper. With photographs and photogrammetry based software one can create realistic 3D models. If we have at least 3 photos taken from a different angle, we can already reconstruct the 3D model of the object. However, the more pictures, the more likely the 3D model will be realistic. The manual way to collect photographs is possible, but for better accuracy, one can use drone.

When photos dataset is available, it is uploaded to the Pixprocessing software to generate 3D model. Using the software one can go from having a bunch of pictures to dense point clouds and terraformed DEM’s.

The 3D modeling process consists of 3 main steps that generates:

  • Sparse point cloud;
  • Dense point cloud;
  • DEM.

Sparce Point Cloud

Sparse point cloud         

         

Dense point cloud                                                                                                                                                                                   

DEM

The true value of reconstruction process

Everything begins with the essential functionality of photo manager, which provides user a quick and convenient way dealing with as many pictures as necessary. One can review, delete pictures, review sensor and/or camera data – everything in one place.

Photo manager

Photo manager

With customizable workflow one can simplify regular object recreation process. It can be done by choosing all settings and necessary steps needed in particular project without wasting time in a step by step operation.

Customizable workflow

Georeferencing settings and GCP’s (ground control points) are crucial for those who are looking for maximum accuracy. Pixprocessing provides an easy to use GCP manager for setting up point projections in order to obtain accurate georeferencing.

Orthophoto

Orthophoto

GCP Manager

Once the point cloud is generated, user can choose the extent of it, which will be used for further operations. This can be easily done with the bounding box feature. Just select the part of the model that you need for further work.

: The bounding box feature usage to decrease the desired area

The project without hole filling step

In case of lesser quality datasets, Pixpro provides the ability to fill potential holes with various options.

 

Reconstruction without hole filling feature application

Reconstruction with hole filling feature application

And last but not least – sometimes even the most important feature – simulation tools that provide user with terrain leveling functions. Leveling can be used in a limitless number of situations. Virtually using up a stockpile of gravel, filling a hole in the ground, cutting down trees, smoothing out slopes, etc.

Simulation as irreplaceable tool

There might be cases when we want to see the object without some elements, such as pits, which are overgrown with vegetation. To remove unnecessary items, mark the wanted space with level by averaging function.

Using this feature the selected area is levelled out by bringing the average of the selected surface.

Pit with vegetation

Pit without vegetation

In the case of real estate, both simulation options are very valuable:

  • Level by minimizing;
  • Level by maximizing.

For instance, there is a possibility to visualize the same area with building or without (level by minimizing). It is also possible to simulate how the annex could look like (level by maximizing), where to situate it and so on.

The object before reconstruction

The object with level by minimalizing function

 

Adding annex

The object with level by maximizing function

Summary

3D models are simple to create and does not require much investment. All you needed is a good photogrammetric software, creativity and most important – photos. Pixprocessing prime 3D modeling pack lets you create realistic highly detailed 3D models only for 55 eur/month. No long-term commitments, contracts, or other hidden conditions.

Do you have questions about this case study?

Get in touch with Pixpro Ltd, and they would be happy to answer any questions you have about pricing, suitability, availability, specs, etc.

Ask a question

Pixpro Ltd team is happy to assist.

Pixpro Ltd

We're available on all weekdays and usually reply within 1-2 working days.

Please provide detailed information. Your input helps Pixpro Ltd assist you effectively.

Let us know a little about you and your contact information.

Do you represent a company or organization?

Before we proceed, would you be interested in subscribing to our newsletter?

By completing this form, you acknowledge and agree to abide by our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Thank you for your message! Our team tipically to respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days.