Implement Photogrammetry in Commercial Diving & ROV Operations: A Resource Guide (Page 2 of 3)
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Relevant Digital Applications
As previously suggested in the introduction of this study, early photogrammetry computer programs in the 1960s-1980s were mostly proprietary and tied to specialized hardware like analytical plotters or mainframes, limiting access to government, military, and large firms rather than broad distribution. Things started to evolve by the late 1990s with advancements in general-purpose computing, such as the early versions of Microsoft Windows, and continued in the 2000s, where open source options emerged, resulting in today's offer of free alternatives to proprietary products that, on their side, have evolved to become more affordable and user-friendly than during the early 2000s. As the computing industry evolves rapidly, it is impossible to compile a precise list of applications and software developers. Also, underwater photogrammetry requires software solutions that address the challenges posed by the underwater environment, leading to only a few solutions adapted to this purpose. Consequently, the list below is based on applications cited in literature and on the internet, but should not be limited to them. For convenience, they have been classified according to the following criteria: - Applications reputed suitable for underwater photogrammetry. - Applications used for underwater photogrammetry, but less cited. - Adaptable open source options.
1 - Applications reputed suitable for underwater photogrammetry.
1.1 - Agisoft Metashape: This software is developed by Agisoft LLC, a company founded in 2006 - Address: 64 Kirochnaya Street, St. Petersburg - Russia, 191015 - Phone: +7 (812) 621-33-41 - Email: info@agisoft.com - Website: https://www.agisoft.com/ - Legal Status: Limited Liability Company (LLC) This commercial photogrammetry solution supports 3D model creation, textured meshes, orthomosaics, and is widely used in underwater archaeology, marine biology, mapping, and survey projects, with strong accademic references. It is also reputed for its ease of use. - Minimum computer requirements: OS: Windows, macOS, Linux CPU: Multicore Intel/AMD (≥4 cores) RAM: 8 GB (16+ GB recommended) GPU: NVIDIA/AMD with OpenCL/CUDA support Prices: Standard Edition: from ~$179 USD Professional Edition: $4,779 – $62,000 USD,
1.2 - Meshroom: Meshroom is developed by the AliceVision Association, headquartered in Paris, France. The organization, founded in 2019, operates as a nonprofit association focused on advancing 3D digitization and photogrammetry. - Address: 26 Rue de Poitou 75003 Paris - France - Website: https://alicevision.org/ - Legal Status: Nonprofit association This software is free and opensource, available worldwide via GitHub and the official website. It allows customization of algorithms for challenging environments, such as underwater imaging (low light, turbidity, color distortion). It is reported as compliant and effective for underwater photogrammetry, especially in research contexts. - Minimum computer requirements: OS: Windows, Linux (macOS unofficial) CPU: Multicore Intel/AMD RAM: 8 GB minimum GPU: NVIDIA CUDAenabled (required for dense reconstruction) - Price: Free
2 - Applications used for underwater photogrammetry, but less cited
2.1 - 3DF Zephyr: 3DF Zephyr is developed by 3Dflow SRL, a company founded in 2011 as a spinoff from the University of Verona and the University of Udine that focuses on Computer vision, photogrammetry, 3D reconstruction, and image processing. - Address: Via Santa Teresa 12, 37135 Verona - Italy. - Website: https://www.3dflow.net - Legal Status: Società a Responsabilità Limitata (equivalent to Ltd) This commercial software is recommended by the community for beginners experimenting with photogrammetry and is considered suitable for small-to- medium projects or hobbyist use. It offers tools for handling challenging lighting and distortion conditions and has been reported in underwater photogrammetry projects, including marine archaeology and diving surveys. - Minimum computer requirements: OS: Windows only CPU: Multicore Intel/AMD RAM: 8 GB minimum GPU: NVIDIA/AMD with DirectX 11 support - Prices: Free version (limited features) / Lite Edition: ~€149 Pro Edition: ~€3,000 / Aerial Edition: ~€4,000
2.2 - RealityCapture: RealityCapture is developed by Capturing Reality, which was acquired by Epic Games in 2021 - Address: Drienova 3, Bratislava, 821 01, Slovakia - Headquarters Epic Games: Multivista, 3 Scrutton Street, London - UK - Website: https://www.capturingreality.com - Legal Status: Commercial company This commercial software is used for mapping and surveying, as well as visual effects (VFX), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). It is reputed for its speed and high-quality 3D reconstruction results from photos and/or laser scans. It is reported to be usable for underwater projects, but is less frequently cited in academic papers than Agisoft Metashape. - Minimum computer requirements: OS: Windows 64bit only CPU: ≥4 cores RAM: 8 GB (16+ GB recommended) GPU: NVIDIA CUDAenabled (≥1 GB VRAM, CUDA 3.0+) - Prices: $1,850 USD per seat annually for non-game industries Pay-per-input model also available for smaller projects.
3 - Adaptable open source options.
3.1 - OpenDroneMap (ODM): OpenDroneMap (ODM) is an opensource project, founded in 2014, and supported by contributors and nonprofits. - Address: United States (Address not mentioned) - Website: https://www.opendronemap.org/ - Legal Status: OpenDroneMap is not mentioned as a legal entity; It seems to be a collaborative, community-led initiative. This software, is cited in underwater photogrammetry projects, especially where opensource, customizable workflows are preferred. - Minimum computer requirements: OS: Windows, macOS, Linux (Docker-based) CPU: Multicore Intel/AMD RAM: 8 GB minimum GPU: Optional (CPU-based processing possible, slower) - Prices: Free if installed manually / Pre-built installer: ~$57 USD Cloud based: $24–99/month depending on tier
3.2 - WebODM: WebODM is drone-mapping software developed by UAV4geo that specializes in generating accurate maps, elevation models, 3D models, and point clouds from images. - Address: 2525 W Bay Dr Apt A42, Belleair Bluffs, Florida, 33770, United States - Website: https://www.webodm.net/ - Legal Status: Private limited liability company (LLC), founded in 2018. This software is mentioned as suitable for underwater operations and is designed for both professionals and hobbyists. - Minimum computer requirements: OS: Windows, macOS, Linux (Docker-based) CPU: Multicore Intel/AMD RAM: 8 GB minimum GPU: Optional (CPU-based processing possible, slower) - Prices: Free if self hosted / WebODM lightning cloud “Starter”: $24/month, “Pro”: $35/month, “Business”: $99/month. A free trial period is offered for paid versions.
3.3 - COLMAP: The COLMAP project was initially developed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) by Johannes Lutz Schönberger and collaborators. It is now maintained as a community-driven project under a permissive opensource license, allowing anyone to use, modify, and redistribute the application. - Address: No corporate headquarters mentioned on their website. - Website: https://colmap.github.io - Legal Status: Opensource project, licensed under the BSD license (not a commercial company). This software offers a wide range of features for reconstructing ordered and unordered image collections. It is adaptable to underwater datasets but requires technical expertise and is therefore frequently cited in academic computer vision, less so in marine fieldwork. - Minimum computer requirements: OS: Windows, macOS (manual build), Linux CPU: Multicore Intel/AMD RAM: 8 GB minimum GPU: NVIDIA CUDAenabled (for dense reconstruction) - Price: Free
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Institutions providing training
1 - Universities
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Inspection methods commonly used in the commercial diving and ROVs industries, such as those mentioned in ISO/EN 9712 and the CSWIP modules 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4, do not include photogrammetry. It may be possible that some training establishments approved to teach these standards offer such courses in additional modules. However, the research undertaken did not confirm this point. As a result, we can consider the following three training processes: • Academic formations by universities • Formations in specialized training centres • Online training It is worth noting that while courses at specialized training centres and online programs are organized solely for photogrammetry, academic programs are usually part of long-term curricula aimed at educating engineers or archaeologists and include numerous other modules. Photogrammetry is therefore rarely taught in isolation at these institutions. Please note that we focused on institutions renowned for teaching photogrammetry. However, while we aimed to compile a directory covering most of the world, some establishments may be missing because we didn't find them or because there is no clear evidence that they offer such courses. Also, bear in mind that we have no agreements with the universities and schools listed here, and that this list is provided for guidance only.
University of Rhode Island (URI): Address: Kingston Campus Kingston, RI 02881 - USA Website: https://www.uri.edu Phone: +1 401-874-1000 Email: admission@uri.edu Note: The School of Oceanography & Department of Ocean Engineering offer courses in marine geospatial techniques and underwater survey.
Texas A & M University: Address: 400 Bizzell St. College Station, TX 77843 - USA Website: https://www.tamu.edu Phone: +1 979-845-3211 Email: admissions@tamu.edu Note: The Nautical Archaeology Program (College Station) has a mandatory training in underwater recording, including photogrammetry.
University of Miami: Address: 1320 S Dixie Highway Coral Gables, FL 33146 - USA Website:https://www.miami.edu Phone: +1 305-284-2211 Email: info@miami.edu Note: The “Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science” offers courses in coral reef monitoring, underwater 3D modeling, and environmental surveys.
University of California, San Diego (Scripps Institution of Oceanography): Address: Scripps Institution of Oceanography UC San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92093 - USA Website: https://scripps.ucsd.edu Phone: +1 858-534-3624 Email: sio-info@ucsd.edu Note: Scripps Center for Marine Archaeology (SCMA) hosted an underwater Photogrammetry Workshop teaching 3D documentation workflows for submerged sites. The Coastal Processes Group at SIO runs a photogrammetry program using Structure-from-Motion (SfM) for 3D coastal mapping, drone surveys, and elevation modeling.
University of West Florida: Address: 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514 - USA Website: https://uwf.edu Phone: +1 850-474-2000 Email: (Anthropology & Archaeology Division) anthropology@uwf.edu Note: The Anthropology & Archaeology Division of this university is reputed for its programs in maritime archaeology with photogrammetry modules.
Marine Institute – Memorial University of Newfoundland: Address: 155 Ridge Road St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador A1C 5R3 - Canada Website Marine Institute: https://www.mi.mun.ca Phone: +1 709-778-0200 Email: information@mi.mun.ca Note: The Marine Institute’s Master of Applied Ocean Technology (Ocean Mapping) is a graduate-level program focused on ocean mapping, data collection, and hydrographic surveying
University of Southampton: Address: University Road Southampton SO17 1BJ - United Kingdom Website: https://www.southampton.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)23 8059 5000 Email: info@southampton.ac.uk Note: The Department of Archaeology (Centre for Maritime Archaeology) is considered a pioneer in archaeological photogrammetry and provides a module titled “Be familiar with digital photogrammetry in archaeology”. The Geography & Environmental Science department is also mentioned as providing training in photogrammetry.
University of St Andrews: Address: St Andrews Fife KY16 9AJ - United Kingdom Website: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 47 6161 Email: enquiries@st-andrews.ac.uk Note: The Coastal Resources Management Group at the University of St Andrews is a co-leader in a major UK marine-mapping project (FiSMaDiM) focused on mapping areas of high importance for the fishing industry within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone. Also, “photogrammetry” is mentioned in the BL 4249 Scientific Diving program.
University of Edinburgh: Address: Old College South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL - United Kingdom Website: https://www.ed.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)131 650 1000 Email: communications.office@ed.ac.uk Note: The School of GeoSciences offers geomatics and surveying courses, including 3D modelling and photogrammetry.
Université de Marseille / Aix-Marseille Universite: Address: 58 Boulevard Charles Livon 13284 Marseille Cedex 07 - France Website: https://www.univ-amu.fr Phone:+33 (0)4 13 55 00 00 Email: contact@univ-amu.fr / international-relations@univ-amu.fr Note: Associated with the DRASSM (Department of Underwater Archaeological Research), the national agency that heavily utilizes and trains in photogrammetry. In addition, Researchers from Aix-Marseille Université are co-authors of the ROV 3D Project on deep-sea underwater photogrammetry.
University of Southern Denmark (SDU): Address: Campusvej 55 5230 Odense M - Denmark Website: https://www.sdu.dk Phone: +45 6550 1000 Email: sdu@sdu.dk Note: Offers a maritime archaeology programme with a focus on digital recording and photogrammetry.
University of Malta: Address: University of Malta Msida MSD 2080 - Malta Website: https://www.um.edu.mt Phone: +356 2340 2340 Email: info@um.edu.mt Note: Its Department of Classics & Archaeology offers underwater cultural heritage management courses with photogrammetry.
NOVA University Lisbon: Address: Campus de Campolide 1099-085 Lisboa - Portugal Website: https://www.unl.pt Phone: +351 21 380 1600 Email: info@unl.pt / international@unl.pt Note: NOVA university is ssociated with the Portuguese national archaeology department. Also it co-hosted the SHA 2023 Conference on Historical and Underwater Archaeology, including a session titled: “A photogrammetry of the past: a time to observe and a time to record”.
Università degli Studi di Napoli "L'Orientale" (UNIOR): Address: Palazzo Du Mesnil Via Chiatamone, 61/62 80121 Napoli (Naples) - Italy Website: https://www.unior.it Phone: +39 081 690 9111 Email: urp@unior.it / relint@unior.it Note: This university offers one of the most prestigious Underwater/ Maritime Archaeology programs in the world. Digital recording, especially photogrammetry, is a cornerstone of their methodology. They provide specialized courses and field schools (e.g., at the Baia site) where students receive hands-on training.
Università di Bologna: Address: Via Zamboni, 33 40126 Bologna Italy Website: https://www.unibo.it Phone: +39 051 209 9111 Email: urp@unibo.it / internationaldesk@unibo.it Note: This university has a Department of History and Cultures. Its Maritime Archaeology Research Group is highly active and publishes extensively on photogrammetric methodologies. They integrate this technology into their academic curriculum and field projects in the Adriatic and beyond. Their Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), also provides formations on Photogrammetry.
Università Ca' Foscari Venezia: Address: Dorsoduro 3246 30123 Venezia (Venice) - Italy Website: https://www.unive.it Phone: +39 041 234 8111 Email: urp@unive.it / incoming.mobility@unive.it Note: The Department of Humanities focus on digital heritage and archaeology. It Offers courses and research projects applying photogrammetry to lagoon and marine contexts. This department is cited in several papers.
Università degli Studi di Sassari: Address: Piazza Università 21 07100 Sassari - Italy Website: https://www.uniss.it Phone: +39 079 229 111 Email: urp@uniss.it / relint@uniss.it Note: The Department of History, Human Sciences and Education hosts the Mediterranean Maritime Archaeology Master's program, which includes significant practical training in underwater digital documentation techniques, including photogrammetry.
Politecnico di Milano / Politecnico di Torino: Address: Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32 20133 Milano (MI) Italy Website: https://www.polimi.it Phone: +39 02 2399 1 Email: info@polimi.it / international@polimi.it Note: Departments of Architecture, Design, and Engineering. While not exclusively underwater-focused, these elite technical universities offer advanced degrees in Geomatics, Surveying, and 3D Modeling. Their courses in close- range photogrammetry, laser scanning, and computer vision provide the fundamental engineering principles that are directly applicable and often used in collaboration with marine archaeologists.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) - Department of Marine Technology: Address: Otto Nielsens veg 10, 7052 Trondheim, Norway Website: https://www.ntnu.edu/imt Phone: +47 73 59 55 00 Email: kontakt@marin.ntnu.no Note: Offers courses in underwater robotics and sensor systems, including photogrammetry (TBA4255 – Photogrammetry).
University of Zadar - Department of Archaeology: Address: Ul. Mihovila Pavlinovića 1 23000 Zadar - Croatia Website: https://www.unizd.hr/cimmar/involved-departments/department-of- archaeology Phone: +385 (0)23 200 600 Email: info@unizd.hr Note: The International Centre for Underwater Archaeology (ICUA), also based in Zadar, runs underwater archaeology courses and field schools that include digital documentation techniques.
University of Haifa - Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies: Address: 199 Aba Khoushy Ave Mount Carmel Haifa 3498838 - Israel Website: https://maritime.haifa.ac.il Phone: +972 4 824 0106 Email: maritime@univ.haifa.ac.il Note: This university provides photogrammetry formations in the Department of Maritime Civilizations (archaeology) and the marine science units.
Alexandria University: Address: El-Shatby, Alexandria Egypt Website: https://www.alexu.edu.eg Phone: +20 3 5921678 Email: cma@alexu.edu.eg Note: Photogrammetry formations are provided at the Alexandria Centre for Maritime Archaeology & Underwater Cultural Heritage (CMAUCH). Also, A UNESCO Chair on Underwater Cultural Heritage was established in 2020.
National Institute of Oceanography (NIO, CSIR): Address: Dona Paula Goa 403004 - India Website: https://www.nio.res.in / https://www.nio.org/ Phone: +91 832 2450 300 Email: oceaninfo@nio.org Note: This university conducts research and offers training in marine archaeology and survey,
Silpakorn University - Faculty of Archaeology: Address: Wang Tha Phra Campus Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon Bangkok 10200 Thailand Website: https://su.ac.th/en/faculty-archaeology.php Phone: +66 2221 5875 Email: FAC-ARCHA@su.ac.th Note: Multiple public sources show that Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Archaeology is active in archaeological research and training, that photogrammetry is used in Silpakorn research outputs, and that Thailand’s national underwater archaeology programs use photogrammetry and run training sessions where university staff/students commonly participate.
Flinders University - College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences: Address: Humanities Rd, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia Website: https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/courses/undergraduate/archaeology- maritime Phone: +61 8 8201 3911 Email: https://www.flinders.edu.au/about/contact-us Note: Flinders University is an internationally reputed photogrammetry-teaching institution in the underwater archaeology domain.
University of Western Australia (UWA): Address: 35 Stirling Highway, Perth WA 6009, - Australia Website: https://www.uwa.edu.au/contact-us Phone:+61 8 6488 6000 Email: general-enquiries@uwa.edu.au Note: UWA is a reputable, research institution using photogrammetry in maritime archaeology and cultural heritage.
James Cook University (JCU): Address: 1 James Cook Drive Douglas QLD 4814 - Australia Website: https://www.jcu.edu.au/ Phone: +61 7 4781 4111 Email: general.enquiries@jcu.edu.au Note: James Cook University offers photogrammetry instruction as part of its module “Techniques in Marine Biology”.
RPM Nautical Foundation: RPM Nautical Foundation is a maritime archaeology research organization specializing in deepwater and shallow water survey using ROVs, multibeam sonar, and photogrammetry. Address: Suite 404, 1111 12th Street, Key West, FL 33040, USA Website: https://rpmnautical.org/ Phone: +356 7927 1344 RPM Nautical Foundation does not offer structured, open-enrollment courses, certifications, or standardized curricula. Instead, and similarly to MAP-GAMSAU Laboratory, it provides training in a restricted, mission-based, and professional context.
2 - Training centres
The Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) - International: NAS is a non-profit organization created to research, record, and protect underwater and coastal heritage for the benefit of everyone. It delivers this mission through education, research, ethical standards, and public engagement. Address: Fort Cumberland, Fort Cumberland Rd, Portsmouth PO4 9LD - UK Website: https://www.nauticalarchaeologysociety.org/ Phone: +44 (0)23 9281 8419 Email: nas@nauticalarchaeologysociety.org The organization offers photogrammetry courses priced from £75 to £155, depending on the level and whether the student is a society member. As a prerequisite, participants must have completed an eLearning theory course (£55). Course duration: 1 - 2 days
Global Underwater Explorers (GUE): GUE is a non-profit diving education organization specializing in high-level sport diving training, conservation, and exploration. Their structure includes an international instructor network. Address: 18487 High Springs Main Street, High Springs, FL 32643, USA Website: https://www.gue.com/ Phone: +1 386-454-0820 Email: info@gue.com The organization offers a 4-day Photogrammetry Diver course to its members who are at least 16 years old and hold an organization-issued diver certification. Prices are up to approximately $1,300-1400
MAP‑GAMSAU Laboratory: MAP-GAMSAU is a CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research) laboratory specializing in digital methods for heritage documentation, including advanced underwater photogrammetry. Address: MAP-Gamsau Campus CNRS Joseph Aiguier Bâtiment US 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier 13402 Marseille Cedex 09, France Website: http://www.gamsau.map.cnrs.fr Phone: +33 (0)4 91 16 43 42 Email: map@map.cnrs.fr The organization does not organize scheduled courses. Instead, it is involved in research participation, workshops, academic collaboration, and can organize classes when asked. :
IVM Technologies - Subsea Photogrammetry Solutions & Training: IVM Technologies is primarily a manufacturer of subsea photogrammetry equipment and a developer and builder of subsea 3D modelling systems. The company also rents equipment and provides training. Address: Impasse Paradou Bat 1 Hall A, 13009 Marseille - France Website: https://www.ivm-technologies.com/services/ Phone: The company website states that it can organize tailored training sessions, whether the client’s team is new to photogrammetry or needs support to increase its existing team capacity. Prices are not mentioned
3 - Online training
Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro (ISCR): The Italian Central Institute for Restoration (now under the Higher Institute for Conservation and Restoration) has a Sub-Aquatic Archaeology Division. Address: Via di San Michele, 23 00153 Roma - Italy Website: http://icr.beniculturali.it/ Phone: +39 06 584 341 Email: iscr@cultura.gov.it The institute is among the pioneers in applying photogrammetry for the documentation, conservation, and virtual restoration of submerged sites. They offer specialized professional training courses for heritage specialists.
SEAmagination: SEAmagination is a commercial/for-profit entity that provides education and services in photogrammetry, including courses and workshops (online and some field projects), and also implements photogrammetry projects in cultural heritage, underwater Address: Ahtri 12, 10151 Tallinn - Estonia Website: https://seamagination.com/ Phone: +48 733 656 068 Email: contact@seamagination.com Seamagination provides online underwater photogrammetry courses for archaeology and digital heritage. Their training includes tutor-led sessions, coursework, and flexible scheduling
Pix4D: Pix4D is a commercial, for-profit software company that develops photogrammetry and mapping software. Address: Route de Renens 24 1008 Prilly, Vaud Switzerland Website: https://www.pix4d.com/ Phone: +41 21 653 70 00 Email: https://www.pix4d.com/contact-training-topics/ This company offers e-learning, along with workshops and webinars, to help users understand and apply photogrammetry, including professional workflows and best practices. However these formations do not include underwater operations.
Agisoft Metashape: Agisoft Metashape a leading underwater photogrammetry software provider already mentioned in this discussion. Address: 64 Kirochnaya Street, St. Petersburg, Russia, 191015 Website: https://www.agisoft.com/ Email: info@agisoft.com Phone: +7 (812) 621-33-41 This company is known to offer extensive official video tutorials and webinars.
EIVA (NaviSuite Training): EIVA is an engineering company operating in the offshore and shallow water construction and survey industries. It provides software, equipment, integrated system solutions, rental services, support, and training to a wide range of customer segments, covering virtually any subsea task. Address: Niels Bohrs Vej 17 8660 Skanderborg - Denmark Website: https://www.eiva.com/ Email: eiva@eiva.com Phone: +45 8628 2011 This company provide E-learning courses comprising modules such as hydrography, ROV navigation, subsea mapping, multibeam & photogrammetry integration
POSER: POSER (oPen sOurce Simulation platform for tEaching and tRaining underwater photogrammetry) is an open-source platform designed to facilitate the education and training of underwater photogrammetry techniques. Funded by the ISPRS Educational and Capacity Building Initiatives (ECBI), POSER aims to provide users with a robust tool for understanding and mastering underwater imaging and photogrammetry. - ISPR website: https://www.isprs.org/default.aspx - Website POSER: https://github.com/GEOSS-UNISS/POSER/wiki/Introduction - Software download: https://github.com/GEOSS-UNISS/POSER/wiki/Installation