The SmartMatch and DSM (Dense Surface Modeling) tools are used to automatically detect and match features across multiple overlapping photos. The result is a dense point cloud that can optionally be triangulated/surfaced to form the shape. Projects built with DSM tools can be supplemented with traditional modeling features, such as points and lines.

Appropriate Subjects | Photography | Examples | Tools to Use | Other Resources

The appropriate subjects for SmartMatch and DSM projects are those with natural random 'texture' like the objects shown in these images. Then PhotoModeler Scanner's SmartMatch and DSM tools can be used to build dense point clouds, with or without photo-textured surfacing/triangulation.

Take photos with plenty of overlap (aim for approximately 60% overlap) and small angle changes from one photo to the next. Depending on the object being modeled, photography should have horizontal and sometimes also vertical separation between camera positions to reduce risk of gaps in the point cloud where the object surfaces aren't visible on enough photos.

Here are some examples using this technique - with a brief description, a sample photo, the camera positions, and the 3D model for each:

PhotoModeler tools used in these projects:

• SmartMatch – To orient your photos and build the approximate shape
• DSM/MVS – To build the dense point cloud
• PointMesh Edit – Triangulation to triangulate/surface the point cloud
• Points and Lines – Optional, for supplemental feature delineation

SmartMatch, DSM and PointMesh Edit tools are available in PhotoModeler Scanner and PhotoModeler UAS.

Study these tutorials and tips for help with creating a PhotoModeler DSM measurement project:

Tutorials by Application

SmartMatch and MVS Tutorial
SmartMatch and Manual Referencing Tutorial (no link yet)
SmartMatch Tutorial
Modify PointMesh Tutorial
PointMesh Editing Tutorial
360 Degree Scanning Tip Video
Colorize by HeightTip Video
Do's and Don'ts for DSM