Applications, Advantages

and Disadvantages of
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is a field that has seen exponential
advancement along with the use of software that can cater to the
specific needs of the user. Its compact size and ease to use is an
added incentive that makes it the best option to use for structural
analysis and 3D representations of any site. The high precision
measurements it offers with the computational benefits has
allowed for the incorporation of photogrammetric techniques in
various fields. This is a growing technology and will see numerous
advancements and changes with the increasing digitization and
use of complex software.

Here are some of the applications of

photogrammetry described below:

 Mapping: Photogrammetry is used in mapping of terrains by

using photos taken using UAV, drones, UAS or satellites. It
provides high-resolution images with high accuracy and with
much faster turnaround time. Photogrammetry allows both
vertical and oblique photos that help to get an accurate image
of the terrain which helps in 3D mapping of an area. With the
possibility of aerial photographs, it is now easy to access
difficult to reach areas to map the terrain which even includes
underwater terrains as well.
 Civil engineering: Photogrammetric techniques offer detailed
information on the layout of the land surface which is of prime
 importance in civil engineering. With the help of the images
and 3D representation of the area accurate design can be
made. Photogrammetric maps also help in laying out plans
for urban development. It helps to understand the terrain well
so that the roads and tracks could be planned accurately for
easier and proper transportation.
 Geology: Photogrammetry is a very efficient way to identify
soil types and layers. With the point cloud image generated
using photogrammetry, it is possible to understand the shape
of rocks its formation and the composition. Many times,
photogrammetry is used to study the depth and assess the
volume of lakes or rivers. It is also used in Forestry to study
the vegetation and the thickness of the forest.
 Archaeology: Photogrammetry offers a unique opportunity to
map an area using historic photos to understand the
structures and layout on an archaeological site. Overhead
photography is commonly applied to map surface remains at
excavation sites. Photogrammetry offers immense ease in
charting maritime archaeology as compared to traditional
methods.
 Medicine: Close range Photogrammetry is used in diagnosis
and treatment of certain illnesses and is widely used in
biomedical research. This technique is primarily used for face
and body measurements and to record motions more
specifically for the measurements of the back, torso and the
face surface shape.
 Non-topographic Application: Photogrammetry has also
been used for many non-topographic applications in medicinal
science. It is frequently used in radiology to improve the
accuracy and in surgeries like neurosurgery, sinus surgery,
and plastic surgery or in rehabilitation. Photogrammetry can
be very helpful in surgeries that are challenging due to the
location of the site or any extra growth like tumors. 3D
modeling of the growth in relation to the nerves, muscles and
 other organs can help the surgeons in planning the approach
of the surgery.
 Photogrammetric images allow the three-dimensional analysis
of the palate and its variations while performing rapid palatal
expansion and in understanding the dental movement that is
achieved.
 Structural engineering: Structural engineering uses
Photogrammetry to monitor large structures. It becomes
advantageous to use this technique as an unlimited number of
points can be considered for measurements and can be
processed automatically within no time at all. Due to the
complete packaging available to take photographs and then
chart it out on a 3D image with accurate image automatically,
photogrammetry is preferably used. The easy to use smaller
build and capacity to take the images in any conditions and
from any angle makes it an appealing option for use in
structural engineering and monitoring. The high accuracy
offered by photogrammetric techniques and the 3D renderings
it has become much easier to assess a site and evaluate a
construction project on a step by step basis. Photogrammetric
options allow projection of the prospective result on
completion of the construction as well.
 Sports: Photogrammetric techniques have introduced a new
level of accuracy to the sports industry. This is especially
applicable for the sports and recreation activities that depend
on maps. Sports like biking, climbing, trekking, cross country
rallies all depend on the accuracy of the terrain maps. With
photogrammetry terrain maps players get a very accurate
idea of the challenges and the diversity in the terrains that
they are to race and plan their approach accordingly. Another
recent application of Photogrammetry in sports is in a virtual
training system. In this photogrammetry is used in tracking the
body movements and can record even the smallest of the shift
in body orientation allowing them to identify errors and
improve their performance by many degrees.
 Film making and entertainment: With digitization, the
making of movies has seen a dramatic change. Filled with
amazing animatronics we see movies which we could have
never before imagined possible. With the help of
photogrammetry accurate 3D models are created which gives
the filmmakers the freedom to design the set.
Photogrammetry with its capacity to get high accuracy
dimensions has enhanced the creation of realistic
environments. This feature of photogrammetry is now
extensively used in building the virtual environments for
games creating photo realistic situations to improve the
experience.
 Real estate: The boom in the real estate business cannot be
ignored. The high competition in the market has compelled
the real estate industry to implement the latest technologies to
market and showcase the striking visuals of their properties.
With the help of drone and photogrammetric techniques real
estate agents are able to get the photographs taken from
various angles with maximum accuracy within a short span of
time. It’s a cost-effective method to allow the buyer to view
and decide.
 Forensics: Due to its fast-high accuracy measurements
Photogrammetry has immense potential in its use in Forensic
Sciences and studies. It is frequently used in traffic accidents
and accidental injury cases where knowing the minutest
details is of utmost importance. Photogrammetry helps in
documenting the exact measurements with precision which is
helpful and accepted in the court of law.
Below is a list of a few of the advantages that Photogrammetry
offers as compared to traditional methods:

1. The foremost advantage of photogrammetry is the ease and

speedat which the data can be collected. With the use of
UAV, UAS, or satellite imagery, photogrammetry can help in
capturing images, analyze the data to get the measurements
and convert them to a 3D map in no time and least cost.
2. The photogrammetric techniques yield results that are highly
accurate making it very reliable to use for mapping or other
purposes.
3. It offers a wide or broad view of the mapped area by utilizing
both topographic and cultural features of the land surface.
This allows for other studies to use corresponding data more
efficiently.
4. The data that is collected is permanent and accurate and
records the condition that existed at the time the photographs
were taken in both the pictorial and metric forms.
5. Due to the fact that the information collected is permanent, it
is much easier to re-survey or re-evaluate the site again to
get any of the missing information without the loss of any
time.
6. With the use of UAV, UAS, or satellite imagery
photogrammetry it is easy to take photos of remote areas and
hard to reach locations with accuracy in dimensions. This
also lowers the threat to the safety of the crew surveying
places that may be dangerous.
7. While surveying roads with photogrammetry the photos and
measurements can be done without disrupting the flow of
the traffic or endangering the lives of the crew. Once the
features of the road are recorded it can be used in planning
for future projects.
Below is a list of the disadvantages associated with the use of
photogrammetry:

1. The major disadvantage is that the photogrammetric survey

is not possible in the absence of light. It cannot project its
own light source which makes it difficult to take photographs
when the source of light is low.
2. It cannot be used for accurate measurements when there
are visibility constraints in the area which can be caused by
seasonal occurrences like snowfall or rainfall. If there is a
vegetation or tree canopy that can block the line of sight of the
camera then the accuracy of the measurement is not
possible.
3. The accuracy of the measurements depends highly on
the flight height.
4. The digital aspect of the photogrammetry surveys makes
it susceptible to hacks and loss of data due to viruses.

Photogrammetry in an all has made life much easier and simpler

in the various fields of science. Despite its few disadvantages,
people are taking much of the advantages of photogrammetry and
collaboration with the latest software’s and technology has made
its uses at the peak.