Merging Data – Photogrammetry & Laser Scans

Today we are looking at merging laser scan photogrammetry. The Metashape Professional for Forensics and Surveying online course has recently been updated with a completely new lesson and two topics added:

  • Importing point cloud data
  • Importing laser scan data

For our customers (such as Devon and Cornwall police) who have existing investment in laser scanning hardware the potential for not only improving the efficiency of preserving evidence but the quality of the outputs has taken a major step forward.

Laser scanning provides both quick and accurate results, but it offers a level of detail that a single ortho photo cannot match. By merging both data sets, we can transfer the laser scan’s accuracy to the photogrammetry, applying geolocation and scaling to the 3D scene.

The interior of a church with images aligned and scaled from laser scan data. The red ball denotes the laser scanner position with the cameras aligned using common point data

Of the two methods importing laser scan data is faster. Also, it has far less manual intervention than working with the laser-derived dense cloud.

merging laser scan photogrammetry
Screenshot from the course with the same church interior now meshed and completed

Both Jose and Simon see learning as an ongoing process. Furthermore, the intention is to keep the course current with Metashape Standard and Professional. Additionally, adding topics when something significant – such as importing laser scan data – becomes a feature of the software.

Access to New Topics on Merging Laser Scan Photogrammetry

All existing students have access to the new topics. This will remain a learning resource for anyone who has signed up for the course. As we care for academics, we are keeping with Agisoft’s support for education. We offer a discounted rate for academics and students – please contact us for details.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about merging laser scan photogrammetry! We look forwards to hearing from you.