AgiSoft PhotoScan 1.2

Agisoft PhotoScan can generate 3D data out of flat digital photographs using photogrammetric image processing. Logically, this program is not intended for beginners, as it requires knowledge of not only the corresponding workflow but also of adequate photographic techniques. However, for those users already having those two prerequisites, the application certainly becomes a lot easier to use and understand. Fortunately, the program has excellent help documentation, although it is a misfortune that it does not come with any sample project.

Despite the evident complexity, the application has a menu entry called “workflow”, which in a wizard fashion, takes you through the basic steps of importing photos, alignment, dense cloud building, mesh generation, and texture creating. Finally, you can align and merge chunks. Fortunately, the processes of aligning images and reconstructing them as a spatial model are carried out automatically.

All in all, AgiSoft PhotoScan produces high-quality results. It is good that it supports exporting models, tiles, and points to multiple formats. Likewise, it allows importing a wide range of formats of both flats pictures and 3D models, which guarantees compatibility with other similar programs. Fortunately, the product is quite affordable, taking into account the high price of this type of software.