Basics of Photogrammetry for VR Professionals: 3D Visualization of Cultural Heritage Objects

Abstract

Photogrammetry, the process of creating 3D digital models from a series of 2D photographs, has the potential of making cultural heritage objects and collections more accessible. The low-cost and relatively easy-to-learn technique allows for the quick creation of highly-accurate 3D renderings of objects, from small statuettes, to entire buildings and historic sites. Several cultural heritage institutions, including the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution are already employing photogrammetry to provide greater access to their collections. And the technique was a key topic of conversation at a conference on 2D and 3D photography held at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in 2017. This article describes all aspects of the photogrammetry workflow, from image capture and editing, to working with photogrammetry software such as Agisoft Photoscan, to editing and sharing 3D models on websites such as Sketchfab. The aim of the article, given the increasing importance of 3D visualization in the cultural heritage field, is to provide visual resources professionals with the knowledge necessary to begin their own experiments in photogrammetry.