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Abstract
The 3D reconstruction of real-world heritage objects using either a laser scanner or 3D modelling software is typically expensive and requires a high level of expertise. Image-based 3D modelling software, on the other hand, offers a cheaper alternative, which can handle this task with relative ease. There also exists free and open source (FOSS) software, with the potential to deliver quality data for heritage documentation purposes. However, contemporary academic discourse seldom presents survey-based feature lists or a critical inspection of potential production pipelines, nor typically provides direction and guidance for non-experts who are interested in learning, developing and sharing 3D content on a restricted budget. To address the above issues, a set of FOSS were studied based on their offered features, workflow, 3D processing time and accuracy. Two datasets have been used to compare and evaluate the FOSS applications based on the point clouds they produced. The average deviation to ground truth data produced by a commercial software application (Metashape, formerly called PhotoScan) was used and measured with CloudCompare software. 3D reconstructions generated from FOSS produce promising results, with significant accuracy, and are easy to use. We believe this investigation will help non-expert users to understand the photogrammetry and select the most suitable software for producing image-based 3D models at low cost for visualisation and presentation purposes.
Highlights
Developing 3D digital models of heritage assets, monuments, archaeological excavation sites, or natural landscapes is becoming commonplace in areas such as heritage documentation, virtual reconstruction, visualization, inspection of a crime scene, project planning, augmented and virtual reality, serious games, and scientific research
This paper presents a comparison study of four 3D reconstruction free and open source software (FOSS) packages selected on the basis of their price, platform independence, scalability, output format, accuracy, ease of use and installation, and most importantly, their required processing time
The comparison was made between the point cloud produced by the FOSS and a reference mesh surface produced from the commercial software (i.e., Metashape formerly known as PhotoScan)
Summary
Developing 3D digital models of heritage assets, monuments, archaeological excavation sites, or natural landscapes is becoming commonplace in areas such as heritage documentation, virtual reconstruction, visualization, inspection of a crime scene, project planning, augmented and virtual reality, serious games, and scientific research. Tools like laser scanners and structured lighting systems are often costly. This technology has limitations in regards to rendered material properties and environmental conditions, such as strong sunlight [1]. There is a critical need for tools, which allow non-expert users to comfortably and efficiently create 3D reconstruction models, especially for visual and documentation purposes. To answer this demand, some commercial, as well as free and open source software (FOSS) based on image-based modelling (IBM) or photogrammetry, have emerged.
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