Introduction to Photogrammetry Processing
Overview
Pointerra's photogrammetry processing allows you to turn photographs into 3D models, point clouds, elevation models and high-resolution maps.
Using Agisoft Metashape technology, Pointerra processes overlapping photographs of a site, structure or object to create datasets that can be viewed, measured and analysed directly in the Pointerra platform.
You can select the outputs you need and choose a processing quality suited to your project.
What can I create?
Depending on your processing configuration, Pointerra can generate the following outputs:
Output |
Description |
|---|---|
Calibrated photos |
Your original photographs with calculated camera positions and orientations, allowing you to inspect photos in their spatial context. |
3D mesh |
A textured 3D model that represents the shape and appearance of your captured area or object. |
Point cloud |
A collection of coloured 3D points representing the surfaces captured in your photographs. Ground classification may also be available. |
Digital elevation model (DEM) |
An elevation model representing the terrain or visible surfaces, depending on your processing settings. |
Orthomosaic |
A high-resolution, georeferenced image created by combining your photographs into a single map. |
The available outputs and processing quality options depend on your company's configuration.
Higher processing quality and additional outputs may increase processing time and storage requirements.
Preparing your photographs
For the best results, use original, full-resolution photographs with sufficient overlap between images.
Photographs should be clear, in focus and captured from multiple positions so that the same features are visible in several images.
Where possible, retain the original camera and GPS metadata recorded with each photograph. This information helps position the resulting datasets correctly.
Supported input files
File type |
Guidance |
|---|---|
JPG / JPEG |
Recommended format for uploading photographs. |
IIQ |
Phase One camera imagery is supported and converted to JPEG during processing. |
Camera reference files |
Can provide camera positions and orientations when this information is not included in the photographs. |
ZIP archives |
Not supported for direct photogrammetry uploads. Extract the photographs before uploading. |
You can upload individual photographs, select a folder containing photographs, or use an existing processed photo dataset.
Importing photographs from supported Amazon S3 and Azure Blob Storage locations is also available.
Important: ZIP archives, including multiple or split ZIP files, cannot be uploaded directly for photogrammetry processing. Importing a photoset dataset is a separate workflow with different upload requirements.
For more information, see the Photogrammetry Processing Workflow.
Recommended project size and upload limits
We recommend a maximum combined input size of 100 GB per photogrammetry project.
This refers to the total size of all photographs and other input files used in a single project, not the size of an individual photograph.
Your company also has a configured maximum upload limit, which may be different from the recommended 100 GB.
If your project exceeds your company's configured limit, Pointerra will display a message when selecting your input files.
For larger projects, you can reduce the input size or contact Pointerra Sales to discuss increasing your company's limit.
The number of photographs alone does not determine the size or processing requirements of a project. Image resolution, file format, processing quality and selected outputs also affect processing time and resource requirements.
Positioning your results
To position your processed datasets correctly in the real world, Pointerra uses camera location information from your photographs or an accompanying camera reference file.
You can select the coordinate system for your outputs, or use automatic coordinate system selection based on the photograph positions.
For projects requiring accurate geospatial positioning, ensure your camera coordinates and selected output coordinate system are appropriate for your project.
Optional manual correction
Some processing configurations include a manual correction stage.
When enabled, processing pauses after the initial photo alignment, allowing you to review and adjust the project before final processing continues.
Depending on your configuration, you can:
Crop the area to be processed.
Apply a vertical elevation offset.
Add ground control points to improve positioning.
The preview model shown during this stage is intended to help you check the alignment and processing area. It does not represent the final output quality.
See the Manual Correction Overview for further instructions.
Note: The resolution of your outputs does not necessarily indicate their positional accuracy. If your results will be used for measurements or survey-related work, review the output datasets and processing report to confirm they meet your requirements.
Getting started
Create a project. Open Create → Photogrammetry in Pointerra.
Select your photographs. Upload new photographs or choose an existing supported photo dataset.
Configure processing. Select your output coordinate system, processing quality and the datasets you want to generate.
Start processing. Submit your project. If manual correction is enabled, follow the prompts to review and adjust the initial alignment.
Review your results. Once processing is complete, inspect the generated datasets and processing report before completing the project.
For detailed instructions, refer to:
Need assistance?
If you're unsure which processing settings to use, need help preparing your photographs or have a project larger than the configured upload limit, contact Support for assistance.