3D Photogrammetry Software Comparison

3D modeling has become crucial in several industries ranging from surveying and construction, mining, environmental monitoring, defense, archeology, and even art. Specialized 3D Photogrammetry software can help generate 3D models that you can use for accurate measurement, disaster response, and environmental monitoring, and it can even give a better understanding of a landscape. 

However, several 3D photogrammetry software programs exist, each with unique specifications. In this 3D photogrammetry software comparison, we will look at some of the best 3D photogrammetry software programs and what makes them stand out.

But first, let’s discuss what you should look for in software for generating 3D models.

Factors To Consider When Looking For A 3d Photogrammetry Software

Below are the essential things to look for;

1. Compatibility with UAVs and other hardware – Nowadays, aerial photogrammetry software has been simplified to the extent that you can upload a flight plan to the drone, and it will automatically fly, collect images, and generate the outputs you want, including 3D models. But for this to work, your UAS has to be compatible with the software. Whether you are working with an eVTOL, VTOL, fixed-wing, multi-rotor, or any other UAS type, ensure the software can work with it. If you already have a drone and are looking for software, make sure it is possible to upload images from different UAV systems.
2. Precision and accuracy – Make sure the software you get outputs data that’s accurate enough for the task you need it for.
3. User Experience (UI/UX) – It’s ideal to look for software with a user-friendly interface. Look for things like ease of use, flexibility, and availability of support and documentation.
4. Additional functionality – Often, creating a 3D model is just the first step. It would be great if the software could do more. For instance, check if it can process infrared or thermal imaging, if it’s AI powered, if it can process LiDAR data, and its compatibility with third-party software.
5. Cost and affordability – 3D photogrammetry software ranges from free, cheap, to more expensive options. Check your project specifications, the software that gives most, if not all, of the features you need, and if you can afford it.
6. Processing speed – Sometimes aerial photogrammetry involves dealing with thousands of images. So, ensure the software you get can process several images fast while maintaining accuracy. Since processing time may depend on your PC’s power, a cloud processing option would also be ide

Best 3D Photogrammetry Software

Now that we know what to look for, below are the best software to consider for generating 3D models.

#1 One3D

One3D AI is fairly new photogrammetry software, but it is quickly becoming the go-to for creating 3D models or digital twins. Built by MYX, it leverages their experience in telco asset management and integrates AI to create one of the best tools for digital twin reconstruction. Unlike some photogrammetry software that you have to download, One3D AI is cloud-based. 

All you have to do is upload your images and wait a few minutes for them to process. Testimonials show that the 3D model you get from One3D is decent, with good enough details, and you can export it in various formats like OBJ or LAS that you can then upload to other software like Blender or share from within the platform. It’s one of the most affordable tools and ranks 20 times less expensive than competitors.

The first 3D model is free, and you can upload up to 2500 images. After that, you have to pay £0.01 per image or go for the Pro versions, £19.99 billed monthly or £9.99 billed annually. When paying per image, you get basic support, but with the pro version, you get priority support. While some software can generate 3D models for free, the ability to offshore the processing tasks would be appealing to some.

#2 DroneDeploy

DroneDeploy is one of the easiest-to-use yet highly accurate aerial photogrammetry software. These features give it applications in industries like mapping, oil, mining, and construction. It works in two steps: an app for flight planning and cloud processing. You install the DroneDeploy flight planning app on your smartphone or tablet and create the flight plan. 

You can draw the area you want to cover manually or upload a KML file. Secondly, after the drone collects the images along the flight plan, you can upload them to the cloud and choose the outputs you want to get from it. 

You can make accurate measurements and calculate volumes from the models you create within the platform. And you are also allowed to install additional apps within the DroneDeploy ecosystem for further processing, but you can also export the results to other software. One downside of DroneDeploy is it only works with DJI drones, so if you might use other types of drone models, 

DroneDeploy may not work for you. You could upload images from other platforms, but there’s no telling the results you get since they may have different parameters to DJI drones. It will also take longer to set up and process the images. The good thing is that DroneDeploy has a guide to using non-DJi drones.

#3 AgiSoft Metashape

If you have a powerful PC and can leave it undisturbed for hours, AgiSoft Metashape is another excellent 3D photogrammetry software. It is widely known in the construction, photography, and oil and gas industries due to its ability to produce high-quality and accurate 2D and 3D outputs for measurements. It also works with liDAR data, making it a diverse tool. 

Unlike DroneDeploy, where it’s ideal to use specific drone models, AgiSoft allows you to upload images from different platforms. You can even categorize various features like buildings and roads, allowing you to filter and get specific outputs. 

The workflow is streamlined where you can batch process the data. That means you upload the images and select a series of processes for the images to go through and the outputs to get, then sit back and wait for it to complete. 

Regarding pricing, AgiSoft provides different pricing packages for companies, educational institutions, and hobbyists, as well as standalone and floating licenses to cater to a wide range of users.

#4 Pix4D

Pix4D is one of the more expensive photogrammetry software programs, but it works great, especially for people working with a wide range of UAV platforms. What makes it a really diverse tool is the ability to change several parameters and even add Ground Control Points (GCPs) to enhance accuracy. 

Compared to some of the other software in this review, Pix4D allows you to go in-depth with advanced analytics. Like DroneDeploy, you can download the app, create a customized flight plan, and process it on their cloud-based platform, Pix4D Cloud. 

But if you prefer to process with your PC, there’s that option known as Pix4D Mapper. Pix4D also allows you to separate bands from multispectral camera data, making it a good choice for thermal image processing. 

#5 WebODM

If you’re looking for a more accessible way to play around with aerial data and produce 3D models, WeODM is one such option. 

Created by OpenDroneMap, this is an open-source solution that you can access for free, but you will need some programming skills. However, you can access ready-made solutions at a cheaper price than the other software in this review. 

There are two options for using WebODM: you can download the software and process the images with your PC or upload it to their servers through a web platform like WebODM Lightning. The 3D models you get from this software are textured enough to reveal actual details on the ground, and you can export them to software like AutoCAD or ArcMap for further processing.

Conclusion

Whether you want to create simple 3D models or in-depth textured models for advanced analytics, you get software that will suit your needs. One3D Ai is an affordable solution for digital twin generation. DroneDeploy offers ease of use while maintaining accuracy, AgiSoft offers excellent customization and works with different data types, and Pix4D is great for advanced analytics. If you are looking for affordability and exp[erimentation, WebODM is a good option. 

Want to learn what are the best drones for photogrammetry? Check here.
What is the difference between photogrammetry and LiDAR surveying? Check here.