Skip to main content

Open Access Point Clouds

Download Article:
Novel automated photogrammetry is based on four innovations. First is the cost-free increase of overlap between images when sensing digitally. Second is an improved radiometry. Third is multi-view matching. Fourth is the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), making complex algorithms for image matching very practical. These innovations lead to improved automation of the photogrammetric workflow so that point clouds are created at sub-pixel accuracy, at very dense intervals, and in near real-time, thereby eroding the unique selling proposition of lidar scanners.

Two test projects compare point clouds from aerial and street-side lidar systems with those created from images. We show that the photogrammetric accuracy compares well with the lidar-method, yet the density of surface points is much higher from images, and the throughput is commensurate with a fully automated all-digital approach. Beyond this density, we identify 15 additional advantages of the photogrammetric approach.

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: 01 October 2010

More about this publication?
  • The official journal of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing - the Imaging and Geospatial Information Society (ASPRS). This highly respected publication covers all facets of photogrammetry and remote sensing methods and technologies.

    Founded in 1934, the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) is a scientific association serving over 7,000 professional members around the world. Our mission is to advance knowledge and improve understanding of mapping sciences to promote the responsible applications of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and supporting technologies.
  • Editorial Board
  • Information for Authors
  • Submit a Paper
  • Subscribe to this Title
  • Membership Information
  • Information for Advertisers
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Ingenta Connect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites
  • Access Key
  • Free content
  • Partial Free content
  • New content
  • Open access content
  • Partial Open access content
  • Subscribed content
  • Partial Subscribed content
  • Free trial content