What Are Some Applications of Photogrammetry in Engineering?

Whenever a new piece of technology comes along, every industry clamors to incorporate it. Endeavors in engineering will take that new tech and subject it to a trial by fire. Because of this, photogrammetry technology has always been given great consideration.

Photogrammetry has been a useful aid to engineering since it became more accessible with modern, powerful computers and cameras. Analog or digital, its implementation reduces risk on the developer’s end. Listed below are just a few of photogrammetry’s engineering implementations.

Traffic Planning

Design, construction, and monitoring of highway systems require accurate 3D data. This data has many sources – one of these is photogrammetry.  It can be useful in the execution of planning traffic flow.

If any obstructions in traffic flow occur, then municipal planners will have access to real-time topographical images. With these in place, they’ll be able to detect frequent problem areas and determine how to remedy the causes. Construction Drones

The newest photogrammetric software apps make it possible to run triangulation on small devices. Construction sites could use this same tech to streamline hours collecting site data. Taking photos of a development via drone camera would remove the hazards of sending personnel.

A drone can be sent through the development to take multiple photographs. The photos are then autom

atically downloaded to the PhotoModeler app for adjusting. It’s simple to measure height from a photo by just the control points.

Preserving Historical Structures

A local landmark is not only valuable for its real estate but for the character it provides the community. Photogrammetry makes it possible to spot check the wear-and-tear on historical assets. One system that is currently being experimented on is the Visual Monitoring System (VMS).

VMS is a real-time measuring software program made for civil engineering using digital photogrammetry. A computer is hooked up to two CCD cameras for real-time image extraction. The acquired images are then run through the program to locate the target points-areas of structural deformation.

Component Manufacturing

Whether predicting a competitor’s product or replacing parts, reverse engineering is the way to go. Reverse engineering involves using a 3D optical scanning tool. This is time-consuming and expensive, but photogrammetry can make it cheaper.

Photogrammetry methods can generate 3D CAD images that are suitable for 3D printing. Images are extracted, a point cloud surface model is created in CAD, and a prototype is printed. This technology has some limitations, so it’s best used for rough prototypes.

Quality Control

The true test of successful mechanical engineering is the quality of the results. Maintaining that level of quality during production can be difficult, but it can be made easier with constant monitoring.

A series of cameras can be installed along the production line from different angles. These photographs can then be processed into an accurate 3D rendering of the machine part. Quality control engineers and managers can then review this model for any imperfections.