In this paper the main problems and the available solutions are addressed for the generation of 3D models from terrestrial images. Close range photogrammetry has dealt for many years with manual or automatic image measurements for precise 3D modelling. Nowadays 3D scanners are also becoming a standard source for input data in many application areas, but image-based modelling still remains the most complete, economical, portable, flexible and widely used approach. In this paper the full pipeline is presented for 3D modelling from terrestrial image data, considering the different approaches and analysing all the steps involved.
IntroductionThree-dimensional (3D) modelling of an object can be seen as the complete process that starts from data acquisition and ends with a 3D virtual model visually interactive on a computer. Often 3D modelling is meant only as the process of converting a measured point cloud into a triangulated network (''mesh'') or textured surface, while it should describe a more complete and general process of object reconstruction. Three-dimensional modelling of objects and scenes is an intensive and long-lasting research problem in the graphic, vision and photogrammetric communities. Three-dimensional digital models are required in many applications such as inspection, navigation, object identification, visualisation and animation. Recently it has become a very important and fundamental step in particular for cultural heritage digital archiving. The motivations are different: documentation in case of loss or damage, virtual tourism and museum, education resources, interaction without risk of damage, and so forth. The requirements specified for many applications, including digital archiving and mapping, involve high geometric accuracy, photo-realism of the results and the modelling of the complete details, as well as the automation, low cost, portability and flexibility of the modelling technique. Therefore, selecting the most appropriate 3D modelling technique to satisfy all requirements for a given application is not always an easy task.Digital models are nowadays present everywhere, their use and diffusion are becoming very popular through the Internet and they can be displayed on low-cost computers. Although it seems easy to create a simple 3D model, the generation of a precise and photo-realistic computer model of a complex object still requires considerable effort.The most general classification of 3D object measurement and reconstruction techniques can be divided into contact methods (for example, using coordinate measuring machines,