EVALUATION OF LOW-COST TERRESTRIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY FOR 3D RECONSTRUCTION OF COMPLEX BUILDINGS

Abstract. Terrestrial photogrammetry is an accessible method of 3D digital modelling, and can be done with low-cost consumer grade equipment. Globally there are many undocumented buildings, particularly in the developing world, that could benefit from 3D modelling for documentation, redesign or restoration. Areas with buildings at risk of destruction by natural disaster or war could especially benefit. This study considers a range of variables that affect the quality of photogrammetric results. Different point clouds of the same building are produced with different variables, and they are systematically tested to see how the output was affected. This is done by geometrically comparing them to a laser scanned point cloud of the same building. It finally considers how best results can be achieved for different applications, how to mitigate negative effects, and the limits of this technique.