Free Photogrammetry: The Accuracy and Application of Open-Source SfM Software

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2021: General Sessions" session, at the 86th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Photogrammetry is a technique that creates a 3D model from 2D images. Photogrammetry is currently being used in archaeology to create models of artifacts, structures, excavation profiles, and burials with almost unlimited applications. Although the use of proprietary software may be related to general user-friendliness and accessibility, the cost can still be substantial and restrictive. The use of open-source photogrammetry software can make 3D imaging more openly available to students and under-funded researchers. To examine the usefulness and accuracy of open-source software compared to proprietary software, models of a skull cast were made using Meshroom (open-source) and Agisoft Metashape (proprietary). These models were then compared using the open-source software, CloudCompare. Results indicate that although the proprietary software provides more customization, optimization, and support during modeling, the open-source software can produce a high quality model for research and recording. For example, models can be edited in Agisoft Metashape, but models made in Meshroom must be edited externally with an additional software. Application of this research can increase access to affordable SfM software and 3D modeling. However, more resources are available for training in proprietary software. Future projects will focus on creating instructional texts and videos for archaeologists using open-source SfM software.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 86th Annual Meeting, Online (2021)   •
• SAA 2021: General Sessions

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 33153