Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Urban 3D Mesh Model Quality Using Three Photogrammetric Software Tools

Abstract. Urban 3D models play an increasingly significant role in various domains such as spatial analysis, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and the design and management of smart infrastructure. These models offer a detailed and realistic representation of urban environments, which aids decision-makers and urban developers in evaluating current conditions and predicting future development scenarios more effectively. Due to the growing number and diversity of photogrammetric and reality-capture software available in the market, ensuring the quality and reliability of the generated 3D models is of paramount importance. Precise quality evaluation—both geometrically and visually—is essential for selecting the most appropriate tool for urban applications.In this study, a comprehensive quality assessment was carried out based on four main categories: visual and radiometric quality control, absolute geometric accuracy, length measurement accuracy, and internal consistency (internal accuracy). The performance of three widely-used software tools Pix4D Mapper, Agisoft Metashape, and Itwin Capture Modeler was evaluated using identical input datasets. According to the analysis results, Itwin Capture Modeler outperformed the other two in terms of both geometric precision and visual fidelity. These findings suggest that Itwin is a more reliable and efficient option for professionals engaged in high-quality urban modeling projects.