Comparison

The new capability in PhotoModeler Scanner is Dense Surface Modeling (DSM).  PhotoModeler Scanner produces dense point clouds and detailed triangulated surfaces of textured objects in photographs without the use of targets, a laser, or projected light.

PhotoModeler Scanner can scan any size object, from a finger tip to a mountain.

Dense Surface Modeling can be thought of as a camera-based ‘laser-scanner’.  DSM can obtain detailed surface measurements and models that would not be practical with manual point-based photogrammetry.

Comparison with a Laser Scanner

It is natural to draw comparisons between PhotoModeler Scanner and a 3D laser scanner (or structured-light scanner) because they both produce 3D point clouds.  They have their respective strengths and you may choose one technology over the other based on your application and budget.

These lists show the respective strengths of the technologies.

• low purchase and operating costs
• field equipment is easy to transport, move around the site, and is small (a camera)
• less time in the field, comparable operator time back in the office
• can work from an unstable instrument platform
• can scan moving and unstable objects or scenes (if using synchronized cameras)
• can scan very small objects accurately (if they can be photographed and have texture)
• can scan objects at large distances (as long as there is a visible texture in the photographs)
• is eye-safe
• produces a superior photo-textured 3D model

• can scan textureless surfaces (as long as the surface is Lambertian or near-Lambertian and reflects light back to the laser scanner).
• does not need a priori knowledge about the approximate depth range
• does not need targets or other sharp features to be identified in paired photos (used in PhotoModeler Scanner for orientation of the photos pre-scanning)
• can scan at night and in dark locations (PhotoModeler Scanner would need additional lighting)

* Note: there are many different laser scanner products (and structured-light scanners) available and this list groups them together and describes them in general terms. Some products may be better than others with respect to these criteria.