A detailed method for creating digital 3D models of human crania: an example of close-range photogrammetry based on the use of Structure-from-Motion (SfM) in virtual anthropology

Gabriele Lauria,Salvatore Ficarra,Luca Sineo

doi:10.1007/s12520-022-01502-9

Gabriele Lauria, Salvatore Ficarra + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-022-01502-9

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Abstract

Photogrammetry is a survey technique that allows for the building of three-dimensional (3D) models from digitized output data. In recent years, it has been confirmed as one of the best techniques to build 3D models widely used in several fields such as life and earth sciences, medicine, architecture, topography, archaeology, crime scene investigation, cinematography, and engineering. Close-range photogrammetry, in particular, has several applications in osteological studies allowing to create databases of 3D bone models available for subsequent qualitative and quantitative studies. This work provides a step-by-step guide of the photo acquisition protocol and the photogrammetric workflow for creating high-resolution 3D digital models of human crania. Our method, based on Structure-from-Motion (SfM), uses single-camera photogrammetry to capture chromatic details and reconstruct shape with a scale error of less than 1 mm. Using relatively inexpensive and easily transportable equipment and a quick and simple protocol, realistic and accurate models can be be produced with minimal effort.

Highlights

Photogrammetry is a survey technique that allows for the building of 3D models starting from digitized output data (2D images) (Mikhail et al 2001)
It identifies the spatial positions of all the features of the considered object by detecting a series of local motion signals: arbitrary blocks of pixels used as motion vectors
Photogrammetric 3D models are widely used in several fields such as life and earth sciences, medicine, architecture, topography, archaeology (Alliez et al 2017; Chodoronek 2015; Ducke et al 2011; Pescarin et al 2013; Profico et al 2019), crime scene investigation, cinematography, and engineering (Linder 2009)

Summary

Introduction

Photogrammetry is a survey technique that allows for the building of 3D models starting from digitized output data (2D images) (Mikhail et al 2001). It identifies the spatial positions of all the features (shapes and colours) of the considered object by detecting a series of local motion signals: arbitrary blocks of pixels used as motion vectors. Local motion signals are used to determine and calibrate the object points’ spatial position that will shape the model. Close-range photogrammetry in particular, with stereometric bases from 0.3 m to more than 1.2 m (Fraser 2013; Luhmann et al 2016), has several applications in osteological studies allowing to build databases of 3D bone models available for subsequent qualitative and quantitative studies (Bucchi et al 2020; Evin et al 2016; Fau et al 2016; Yravedra et al 2017; Lauria 2021; Lorenzo et al 2019; Nicolella et al 2001; Santella and Milner 2017; Sutton et al 2014; von Cramon-Taubadel et al 2017; Weber et al 2011)

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