What is Laser scanning?

Laser scanners capture millions of points by using laser time-of-flight or phase-shift to accurately measure distances. Millions of measurements are then transformed into a dense and highly accurate 3D point cloud. Think of it as capturing the “geometry” of a site with extreme precision. For a more in-depth guide, please see What Is Point Cloud Scanning?

What is Photogrammetry?

High resolution handheld or drone cameras capture hundreds, sometimes thousands of overlapping 2D photographs from many angles and transforms them into a 3D mesh of the space. Think of it as capturing the “appearance” of a site and deriving geometry from it. For a more in-depth guide, please see What Is Photogrammetry?

Laser Scanning: What is it good for?

The biggest advantage of laser scanning is the extremely high accuracy. It provides millimetre level accurate data making it ideal for structural analysis, MEP clash detection and other projects which require near perfect measurements. Laser scanners take direct measurements meaning it is almost completely immune to errors from lighting, surface patterns or camera. Laser scanners also work perfectly without any light; this makes them ideal for work in places like Mines or Tunnels. You can see real examples of our work in the Wieliczka Salt Mine and tunnel scanning projects in Sweden.

Photogrammetry: What is it good for?

The biggest advantage of photogrammetry is the low cost of entry. A high-quality professional drone and a high-resolution camera are significantly cheaper than a terrestrial laser scanner. If accuracy is not what you are after, even a smartphone can be used to collect the necessary 2D photographs that can then be processed into a 3D Mesh. What photogrammetry loses in accuracy, it gains in photorealism. This is invaluable for condition assessments, facade studies, architectural documentation, and creating visually compelling deliverables for clients. You can see cracks, material types, and colours directly. Photographs collected by drone can also record data in places that a laser scanner could not.

What to choose: Laser Scanning or Photogrammetry

What is the required deliverable accuracy?

For millimetre accuracy, Laser Scanning is the optimal choice – The direct measurements capture precise geometry ideal for structural analysis or clash detection. For centimetre accuracy, Photogrammetry is the way to go, achieving visually rich mesh models, perfect for condition reports and visualisations.

What is the environment?

Choose Laser Scanning for complex indoor spaces with shiny surfaces, glass, or low light. This method is far less susceptible to reflections or darkness. Drone photogrammetry, on the other hand, excels at large external topographies covering big areas of land. For close-range photorealistic detail, handheld photogrammetry is best.

What is the budget?

For high budgets, Laser Scanning delivers unmatched precision but requires expensive equipment and skilled operators. For limited budgets, Photogrammetry is the better choice. Consumer drones, cameras or even smartphones can be used to make quality 3D capture accessible at a fraction of the cost.

There is always the right tool for a job, and having the knowledge and expertise allows you to make the optimal choice. Analysing the most important factors for your project is key; Accuracy, cost, data file size and site conditions all need to be considered before making the choice between Laser Scanning or Photogrammetry. But there is a third option, the hybrid approach.

The Hybrid Approach

At 3Deling, we use a mixture of Laser Scanning, handheld and drone Photogrammetry, to get the best results for our clients. Point cloud data gathered by way of laser scanning can be processed with mesh date gathered by way of photogrammetry. This is the best of both worlds. It gives you the ability for extremely high accuracy in places where its required, with a photorealistic mesh. Years of experience using these methods give us the ability to advise you on what is the best fit for your project.

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RGB point cloud generated using photogrammetry, showing the St. John of Dukla Well in Lviv captured for detailed architectural survey and 3D documentation.

For architects and design professionals working on refurbishment, planning applications, and detailed design, accurate existing condition data is paramount. Photogrammetry has emerged as a powerful, efficient technique to capture this reality. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit your project?

In essence, photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs. It allows us to generate precise 3D meshes of buildings, structures, and sites by processing hundreds, if not thousands of overlapping 2D images. By applying the principle of triangulation to photographs taken from different positions, specialised software can extract accurate 3D coordinates, building a digital twin of the subject. 

Method: Aerial vs. Terrestrial Photogrammetry

The method used depends on the project’s scope and requirements.

Aerial Photogrammetry (via Drone)

Drones provide a unique perspective, capturing data from above. This method is invaluable for:

• Supplementing terrestrial surveys on large topographical sites.
• Surveying inaccessible areas like complex rooftops, facades, or unsafe structures.
• Creating vast 3D terrain models.

At 3Deling, we integrate aerial photogrammetry with ground-based laser scanning. This hybrid approach ensures comprehensive coverage and enhances the overall accuracy of the final 3D model or 2D drawings, delivering a complete dataset for your site.

Partial CAD vector model integrated with a photogrammetric 3D mesh, demonstrating the combination of vector drawings and reality-based survey data for an industrial sugar factory.

Terrestrial Photogrammetry (Ground-Based)

Using handheld or tripod-mounted cameras, this method captures intricate details at ground level. It is ideal for:

• Generating photorealistic 3D meshes of building interiors, architectural details, or specific objects.
• Creating high-resolution orthophotos for elevations and interior walls.
• Documenting complex architectural features for refurbishment and detail design.

RGB point cloud of the Boim Chapel in Lviv created through photogrammetry, used for heritage documentation, architectural analysis, and conservation planning.

From Images to Accurate 3D Data: The Processing Workflow

Screenshot from RealityCapture software showing camera positions used in the photogrammetry workflow to generate accurate 3D mesh and point cloud data.

Capturing the photos is just the first step. The raw imagery is processed in specialised software which analyses common points across overlapping images to calculate camera positions and construct a dense 3D point cloud and mesh. Each photograph is represented by a white dot on the image.

For projects requiring absolute precision and real-world coordinates that are essential for measured building surveys and planning applications, we use a total station to survey control points across the site. These points are imported into the software to georeference the model and perform bundle adjustment, locking the 3D data into the Ordnance Survey coordinate system. Without this control, the model would lack scale and true geographic position.

Key Outputs: 3D Mesh and Orthophoto’s

The 3D Mesh

This can be exported in standard formats (.obj, .glb, .stl) and imported directly into your software:

• CAD & Revit: Use the mesh as an underlay to trace and draft accurate 2D drawings or create 3D models
• Analysis & Visualisation: The photorealistic mesh can be used for client presentations, sunlight studies and noting defects.
• The same 3D mesh can also be uploaded to WebPano, where it can be viewed and explored online, making it easy to review geometry, understand spatial relationships, and share the model with project teams or clients.

Untextured photogrammetric 3D mesh with shaded surface, showing the roof of the St. John of Dukla Well in Lviv for geometric analysis and survey validation.

Orthophotos: The Measurable Photograph

An orthophoto is a geometrically corrected image where lens distortion and perspective have been removed. Think of it as a photograph with the uniform scale of a map.

• For Architects & Planners: They provide true-to-scale but photorealistic elevations, perfect for annotating dimensions, planning applications and facade studies.
• For Surveyors: They enable accurate measurements of distances, areas, and features directly from the image, often used in conjunction with traditional drawings.

Orthophoto of the façade of St. Hyacinth’s Church in Bytom, providing a true-to-scale image for architectural elevations, measurement, and refurbishment design.

Enhancing Your Survey & Design Process

At 3Deling, we leverage photogrammetry not as a standalone solution, but as a powerful component of our integrated survey toolkit. When combined with laser scanning, it provides an unmatched balance of photorealistic detail, geometric accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Whether you need a detailed record of a listed building for sensitive refurbishment, accurate site data for a planning submission, or a fast-track model for a design proposal, photogrammetry offers a compelling solution.

Ready to see how photogrammetry can bring precision and clarity to your next project? Contact 3Deling to discuss your specific requirements.

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