Implement Photogrammetry in Commercial Diving
& ROV Operations: A Resource Guide (Page 1 of 3)
Photogrammetry is the science and technique of obtaining reliable
measurements and three-dimensional information about physical
objects and environments by compiling and analyzing multiple
photographs or digital images. This process creates detailed 3D models,
maps, and digital representations that can be explored interactively and
zoomed in to examine fine details from various perspectives.
This is achieved by capturing multiple overlapping images of an object
or scene from different angles, then analyzing them with software to
identify common points and, using triangulation, calculate the precise
positions of those points in 3D space. According to the paper "On
Laussedat's contribution to the emergence of photogrammetry" by L.
Polidori, the foundational principles of this technology trace back to the
mid-19th century, when French inventor Aimé Laussedat developed a
method for creating accurate topographic surveys he called
"metrophotography," using photographic images and specialized
instruments he devised, and German Albrecht Meydenbauer, who
independently designed specialized cameras for measuring building
facades from photos during the same period.
The idea was then adopted by geologists and militaries who further
developed it during the First and Second World Wars.
Albrecht Meydenbauer
Aimé Laussedat
Aerial camera developed for spot and mapping shots during the 1st World War.
Photogrammetry transitioned to software-assisted processes in the
1960s with analytical methods using computers for calculations,
evolving into digital software by the 1980s-1990s that enabled
automated 3D model generation from images.
Underwater photogrammetry applies the principles outlined above and
has proven effective for representing submerged objects, structures,
or seafloor terrain that cannot be fully seen, since many targets lie in
darkness, and photographing underwater is challenged by
environmental constraints such as reduced visibility compared to air,
light absorption and scattering, refraction phenomena, turbidity, and the
need to protect cameras in specific housings, which compromise their
performance compared to air conditions. The slideshow below, from a
publicly released video by LA Survey AB, a company founded by Linus
Andersson and headquartered at Skogsviksvägen 52B, 423 61
Torslanda, Västra Götaland, Sweden (contact: linus@la-survey.se -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/la-survey-ab/), shows the
advantages this technology offers.
(Please click the picture to view the slideshow).
While archeologists commonly use this technology, it is still
underappreciated by most commercial diving and ROV companies,
despite its advantages, and that most companies possess the
equipment (high-resolution cameras, observation ROV, efficient
deployment systems, etc.), in addition to personnel accustomed to
performing inspections, to implement this technology quickly and
successfully. The only challenges are acquiring computers and
software, and adequately training the diving and ROV teams planned to
be involved. So, it could be implemented by following a road map, such
as the one below:
- Identify when this technology can be used.
- Identify the equipment needed.
- Identify the required training.
- Elaborate operating procedures.
- Implement the commercial approach.
As with the previous articles in this section, this presentation does not
provide implementation guidelines for this technology. Instead, it offers
resources and directories to help readers evaluate the technology's
advantages and potential markets, identify appropriate software, and
locate training providers. In other words:
- Articles and studies by system designers and users.
- A list of relevant digital applications.
- A directory of institutions providing training.
- A list of websites promoting photogrammetry.
- Videos and animations, including process presentations, project
showcases, and online courses.
Note that equipment such as cameras and ROVs is not covered here for
the reasons mentioned above.
While literature on photogrammetry was long kept confidential by
militaries and a few organizations, it began to grow exponentially with
the development of digital cameras, personal computers, and software
based on general-purpose operating systems (Windows, Linux,
macOS), making this technology accessible at reasonable costs.
The articles below belong to categories such as archeology,
environmental studies, visual inspection, and mapping. However,
because the implementation procedure is similar across work
categories, they have been classified chronologically from 2015 to the
end of 2025.
Articles and studies by system designers and users
Authors: Bertrand Chemisky, Fabio Menna, Erica
Nocerino, and Pierre Drap
This paper discusses the growing demand for high-
resolution cartographic data in industrial and scientific
fields, particularly for managing aging offshore subsea
assets. It highlights the importance of inspection,
maintenance, and repair (IMR) in ensuring the longevity
and integrity of subsea structures. The review focuses on
optical sensor technologies, assessing their maturity, cost-
effectiveness, and implementation ease, as well as
addressing challenges related to data qualification and
limitations. It further explores the potential of integrating
acoustic and optical technologies to enhance
performance under low visibility conditions in underwater
mapping tasks.
Authors: Vincent Mahamadaly, Isabel Urbina Barreto,
Louis Fréchon, Romain Pinel, Rémi Garnier,
Kenneth Deslarzes
This article discusses the significant growth of
photogrammetry over the past decade, particularly
emphasizing its application in underwater environments
for environmental monitoring, marine construction,
technical inspection, and archaeology. The study aims to
establish new underwater acquisition protocols and tools
for surveying marine resources, highlighting the
importance of 3D characteristics in various underwater
structures, specifically coral reefs and artificial
constructions.
12 - Editorial for Special Issue: Recent Developments in Multi-Media
and Underwater Photogrammetry
- Published by Springer nature
Authors: Christian Bräuer-Burchardt, Christoph Munkelt,
Michael Bleier, Matthias Heinze, Ingo Gebhart,
Peter Kühmstedt, and Gunther Notni
This article presents a novel 3D scanning system utilizing
structured illumination for the documentation of
underwater archaeological sites and shipwrecks. The
system, comprised of various components including
monochrome cameras and a projection unit, is designed
to facilitate accurate measurement and cultural heritage
documentation in underwater settings. The advantages
and limits of the new scanning technique are evaluated
against traditional methods like laser scanning and
photogrammetry. The article includes detailed discussions
on practical applications, operational scenarios, and the
measurement accuracy observed in real-world
underwater environments.
Authors: Alexandre Almeida Del Savio, Ana Luna Torres,
Monica Alejandra Vergara Olivera, Sara Rocio
Llimpe Rojas, , Gianella Tania Urday Ibarra, and
Alcindo Neckel
This article discusses the use of unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs) and photogrammetry for conducting bathymetric
surveys with enhanced safety, cost-effectiveness, and
accuracy. The study evaluates error levels during UAV
flights over controlled water bodies at varying depths,
analyzing how turbidity and luminosity influences the
accuracy of these measurements. Key findings indicate
that higher luminosity correlates with lower errors up to a
depth of 0.97 m, while the effect of turbidity on error rates
varies based on depth, suggesting practical applications
for UAV-based photogrammetry in shallow waters.
Authors: Torcuato Pulido Mantas, Camilla Roveta, Barbara
Calcinai, Cristina Gioia di Camillo, Chiara
Gambardella, Chiara Gregorin, Martina Coppari,
Teo Marrocco, Stefania Puce, Agnese Riccardi,
and Carlo Cerrano
This article chronicles the evolution of photogrammetry,
particularly focusing on the structure from motion (SfM)
technique that has gained popularity due to
technological advances over two decades. It highlights
the transition of this methodology from terrestrial settings
to underground and underwater surveys, noting that
recent affordable imaging systems have democratized
access to these techniques across various research fields
Authors: Sante Francesco Rende, Alessandro Bosman,
Fabio Menna, Antonio Lagudi, Fabio Bruno,
Umberto Severino, Monica Montefalcone,
Andrew D. Irving, Vincenzo Raimondi,
Sebastiano Calvo, Gerard Pergent, Christine
Pergent-Martini, and Agostino Tomasello
This article discusses the application of underwater
photogrammetry as a method to generate high-resolution
products, such as dense point clouds, 3D models, and
orthomosaics, essential for monitoring benthic
communities like seagrass beds. The study specifically
examines the efficacy of a photogrammetric approach in
assessing the restoration of Posidonia oceanica,
addressing the challenges of accuracy in 3D models for
surface and volume estimations.
Authors: Soledad Solana Rubio, Alberto Salas Romero,
Felipe Cerezo Andreo, Raúl González Gallero,
Juan Rengel, Luis Rioja, Joaquín Callejo, and
Manuel Bethencourt
The article discusses the urgent need to document
submerged cultural heritage in the Bay of Algeciras,
highlighting the risks posed by climatic and environmental
factors. It examines two different techniques:
photogrammetry and multibeam echosounding, used to
document a shipwreck, concluding that while each
method serves distinct purposes, their combination
enhances the accuracy of conservation and management
efforts.
Authors: Kai L. Kopecky, Gaia Pavoni, Erica Nocerino,
Andrew J. Brooks, Massimiliano Corsini, Fabio
Menna, Jordan P. Gallagher, Alessandro Capra,
Cristina Castagnetti, Paolo Rossi, Armin Gruen,
Fabian Neyer, Alessandro Muntoni, Federico
Ponchio, Paolo Cignoni, Matthias Troyer, Sally J.
Holbrook, and Russell J. Schmitt
This article discusses the integration of underwater
photogrammetry and artificial intelligence (AI) to assess
the effects of coral bleaching on tropical reefs. By
combining a detailed photogrammetric survey with AI-
assisted image segmentation, researchers were able to
analyze significant changes in coral communities both
spatially and in detail.
Authors: Davide Mazza, Luigi Parente, Daniele Cifaldi,
Agostino Meo, Maria Rosaria Senatore,
Francesco Maria Guadagno, and Paola Revellino
This article discusses the use of drone-based Structure-
from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry in geoscientific
research, particularly for surveying underwater
archaeological sites. Conducted as part of the
GeoArchaeo Sites Project, the study compares the
performance of two drones, the Phantom 4 RTK and the
budget-friendly Mavic Mini 2, alongside an underwater
camera, to assess their ability to produce high-resolution
topographic models and bathymetric data in shallow
waters. The findings highlight the potential of these
technologies to effectively define submerged topography
Authors: Loïc Van Audenhaege, Vincent Mahamadaly,
David Price, Alexandre Sneessens, Hayley C.
Cawthra, Clément Delamare, Valentin Danet,
Simon Delsol, Rodolphe Devillers, Iason-Zois
Gazis, Isabel Urbina-Barreto
This paper discusses the growing use of photogrammetry
for monitoring underwater structures and its
development as a data collection method in aquatic
environments. It highlights a workshop organized at the
annual GeoHab conference aimed at addressing the
audience’s lack of knowledge in photogrammetry. The
workshop included theoretical concepts, sampling
designs, practical case studies, and hands-on training in
data acquisition and processing.
Authors: Marion Jaud, Simon Delsol, Isabel Urbina-Barreto
, Emmanuel Augereau, Emmanuel Cordier,
François Guilhaumon, Nicolas Le Dantec, France
Floc’h, and Christophe Delacourt
This study presents a novel, low-cost system named
POSEIDON, which utilizes Structure-from-Motion (SfM)
photogrammetry to create high-resolution 3D models of
the seabed. With a cost of approximately USD 1500, this
adaptable prototype includes floating support, imagery
sensors, and a precise positioning system. Validation of
POSEIDON’s methodology reveals a mean deviation of
5.2 cm compared to traditional terrestrial surveys,
highlighting its potential applications in various scientific
and technical fields.
Authors: Cristina Castagnetti, Paolo Rossi, Sara Righi,
Stefano Cattini, Roberto Simonini, Luigi Rovati,
and Alessandro Capra
This paper explores the principles and methodologies of
underwater photogrammetry, highlighting its
applications, particularly in geological and ecological
contexts. It emphasizes the significance of recent
technological advancements, especially in drone-based
Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry, for creating
detailed 3D models and conducting effective underwater
surveying. The study evaluates the performance of
different drones and an underwater camera for capturing
high-resolution data in shallow waters, demonstrating the
feasibility and advantages of these methods in various
underwater environments.
Authors: Fabio Menna, Scott McAvoy, Erica Nocerino,
Beatrice Tanduo, Louise Giuseffi, Alessio
Calantropio, Filiberto Chiabrando, Lorenzo
Teppati Lose, Andrea Maria Lingua, Stuart
Sandin, Clint Edwards, Brian Zgliczynski,
Dominique Rissolo, Falko Kuester
This paper discusses the challenges of underwater
photogrammetry and the need for proper training for
underwater surveying professionals. It introduces POSER,
a 3D simulation framework built on Blender (open source
freeware), aimed at educating users about underwater
imaging principles. The framework incorporates realistic
water physics to enhance learning experiences through
practical scenarios relevant to various fields, including
marine ecology, archaeology, and subsea metrology.
32 - Bridging Disciplines with Photogrammetry: A Coastal Exploration
Approach for 3D Mapping and Underwater Positioning
- Published by MDPI - Remote sensing
Authors: Matan Yuval, Franklin Teran, Wilson Iniguez,
William Bensted-Smith, and Inti Keith
This article explores the diverse coral reef configurations in
the Galápagos Islands and highlights the impact of
disturbances such as El Niño and mass bleaching on
these ecosystems. Traditional ecological methods have
struggled to adequately capture coral demographic
trends over large areas, which is why the study employs
advanced photogrammetry techniques for underwater
surveys. By developing new methods for 3D annotation
and fractal dimension calculation, the researchers were
able to reveal important variations in coral cover, diversity,
and structural complexity. Their findings contribute
valuable data to a new dataset, Galápagos_3D, that aims
to support long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.
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