Reality Capture Utilizing Drone Technology For Photographic Collection

Abstract

Reality capture utilizing drone technology for photographic collection. Drones are the common name for unmanned aerial vehicles which are gaining popularity in technology and commercial applications. The Architecture and Design Department at Alfred State College is now utilizing drone technology as a platform for photographic collection, documentation and analysis of buildings. Utilizing photogrammetric data the Department is able to produce a scaled three dimensional model by using two dimensional photographs referred to as reality capture. The creation and analysis of the models is the initial phase in any architectural historic preservation and or adaptive reuse projects. Once captured and created the point cloud data can be manipulated and edited for various applications and recreation (3D printing) of the elements or the entire point cloud and can assist in the creation of other architectural graphic representations. Once captured and the point cloud is created and manipulated the departments intent is to share the three dimensional information. This can be done in a variety of ways which range from Virtual Reality, Augmented reality and 3d online object viewers. This would allow for the dissemination of the information, imbedded in the model, to be accessed by any interested individual. It is the hopes of the department that the above research will assist in the future development of architectural photogrammetric applications for the preservation of architectural heritage and to share the collection of 3d interactive elements with all that are interested in the art, history and evolution of architecture. Reality capture utilizing drone technology for photographic collection. Drones are the common name for unmanned aerial vehicles which are gaining popularity in technology and commercial applications. The Architecture and Design Department at Alfred State College is now utilizing drone technology as a platform for photographic collection, documentation and analysis of buildings. Utilizing photogrammetric data the Department is able to produce a scaled three dimensional model by using two dimensional photographs referred to as reality capture. The creation and analysis of the models is the initial phase in any architectural historic preservation and or adaptive reuse projects. Once captured and created the point cloud data can be manipulated and edited for various applications and recreation (3D printing) of the elements or the entire point cloud and can assist in the creation of other architectural graphic representations. Once captured and the point cloud is created and manipulated the departments intent is to share the three dimensional information. This can be done in a variety of ways which range from Virtual Reality, Augmented reality and 3d online object viewers. This would allow for the dissemination of the information, imbedded in the model, to be accessed by any interested individual. It is the hopes of the department that the above research will assist in the future development of architectural photogrammetric applications for the preservation of architectural heritage and to share the collection of 3d interactive elements with all that are interested in the art, history and evolution of architecture.