Scan 3D Objects with this Raspberry Pi Photogrammetry Project

(Image credit: MJKZZ)

Are you new to the world of photogrammetry? This process uses many photos to recreate objects and locations by using the photos as reference for measurement. It's used to create maps, artistic renderings, and even 3D models. This Raspberry Pi project, created by a maker who goes by MJKZZ online, is an automated photogrammetry rig.

An object is placed on a platform that automatically rotates while snapping pictures along the way, all controlled by a Raspberry Pi using a custom Python script. Since the platform only rotates along one axis, you will need to manually turn the object to scan the top and bottom. The images are compiled and processed to create a 3D object. In the demonstration, an apple is scanned and reproduced digitally.

The regular Camera Module wasn't cutting it when it came to image quality, according to MJKZZ, the HQ camera is necessary for scanning objects. In addition, every aspect of the image capturing was manually configured--from white balance to exposure. This helped ensure the best possible results in the final render.

If you want to read more about the details of this project, you can check out the original thread on Reddit. You can find a Dropbox link to the Python script used in this project in the description of the video. Be sure to follow the official YouTube channel for more projects and future updates from MJKZZ.

Ash Hill
Contributing Writer

Ash Hill is a contributing writer for Tom's Hardware with a wealth of experience in the hobby electronics, 3D printing and PCs. She manages the Pi projects of the month and much of our daily Raspberry Pi reporting while also finding the best coupons and deals on all tech.

  • bit_user
    I was going to praise this article for being one of the better Pi projects featured on here, but then I ran across a critical oversight: the article failed to mention that the actual photogrammetry was performed using the proprietary Agisoft Metashape software, on a PC.

    It's still not a bad project, but it's so often the case that Pi articles on here oversell the projects they describe. It's just bad journalism.
    Reply
  • Scabattoir
    but you know that there are many free applications that can do pretty much the same, right?
    Reply
  • Scabattoir
    bit_user said:
    I was going to praise this article for being one of the better Pi projects featured on here, but then I ran across a critical oversight: the article failed to mention that the actual photogrammetry was performed using the proprietary Agisoft Metashape software, on a PC.

    It's still not a bad project, but it's so often the case that Pi articles on here oversell the projects they describe. It's just bad journalism.

    though I agree that the article should at least mention the alternatives…
    Reply