Virtual photogrammetry

This paper examines if photogrammetry can be performed in virtual environments. For the first approach a 3D scene (an object) is being rendered with a virtual camera in the way photography for photogrammetry is performed in the reality. For the second approach, a real-time 3D rendering engine i.e. an online 3D game has been selected. Screenshots are being collected while changing the camera position inside the game environment, again same as photography for photogrammetry. In both methods, the aim is to examine if photogrammetry can be achieved using non-physical cameras and virtual objects. Collected screenshots or rendered images are used to regenerate the 3D scene or object. This may raise the question of “what is the point of re-virtualizing a virtual object/scene?” A quick answer for now is educational purposes where a tutor (real or virtual character) can walk beside the learner (real character) inside an online virtual environment and teach photogrammetry without using physical elements. However, the main notion of virtual photogrammetry and consequently write up of this paper is explained. The topic itself is self-explanatory. The paper will discuss the step by step virtual photogrammetry by illustrating the results obtained through the course of study. To our knowledge this approach has not been practiced yet, at least not published. Moving towards the future, it is important to consider noticeable changes that are happening in education style. Photogrammetry is one important area in many industries e.g. game development, 3D printing, archeology, etc. Making the learning process faster and easier is one of the outcomes of this study. Several third party software have been used in this study. The aim is not to develop a virtual photogrammetry package, but to demonstrate the feasibility of developing one, in the future.