8/19/24 – 3D Photogrammetry Monitoring and Structure from Motion Training
This month, DAR employees and individuals from other Pacific islands participated in a training session in Hilo focused on 3D photogrammetry and Structure from Motion (SfM). This training was made possible through partnership with NOAA and the UH Hilo Mega Lab. 3D photogrammetry of benthic reef structures is conducted by divers taking multiple photos of the benthos in succession. These photos are then uploaded to and processed with Metashape Agisof. That in turn creates 3D models of the benthic environment as well as Digital Elevation Models (DEM) that can be used for further statistical analysis. The Oahu monitoring team is planning to expand the use of this monitoring technique to current monitoring protocols. Adding another powerful tool to DAR’s monitoring toolbox will allow them to better track changes in our benthic communities.
Left: A biologist uses an underwater camera to take photos to stitch together for 3D photogrammetry. Right: A scale bar is used to calibrate the model to the nearest millimeter to improve the accuracy of the model.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of a monitoring site in Pupukea MLCD.