Scanning & XR · Intermediate
Photogrammetry
Building a 3D model from many overlapping photos of a real object
What is photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is a way of making a 3D model from many overlapping photos of a real object or place. Software finds the same points across the photos, works out where each camera stood, and rebuilds the shape and color. An ordinary camera or a phone is enough.
Think of it like this
Your eyes judge depth by comparing two views. Photogrammetry does the same with dozens or hundreds of views at once.
Where it fits in a 3D project
- Create
- Surface
- Rig
- Animate
- Render
- Export
Create: Building the shape: modeling, sculpting, scanning or generating it.
How photogrammetry works
- 01Photograph the subject from every angle, with plenty of overlap.
- 02The software matches shared features and solves each camera’s position.
- 03It builds a dense point cloud, then a mesh.
- 04It projects the photos onto the mesh as a texture.
Photogrammetry vs gaussian splatting
| Property | Photogrammetry | Gaussian splatting |
|---|---|---|
| Output | A textured mesh | Millions of soft colored blobs |
| Editing in 3D apps | Easy | Limited |
| Shiny or thin objects | Struggles | Handles better |
| Best for | Assets for games, film and printing | Realistic viewing of real places |
Use photogrammetry when you need a mesh to edit or print; use splatting to view a real place as realistically as possible.
Where photogrammetry is used
- Scanning props, rocks and statues for games and film
- Recording buildings and heritage sites
- Realistic product models made from photos
Beginner tip
Shoot in soft, even light, like an overcast day, and avoid shiny or see-through subjects. Reflections confuse the point matching more than anything else.
Terms related to photogrammetry
- Scanning & XR3D scanningMeasuring a real object or place to make an accurate 3D copy
- Scanning & XRPoint cloudA set of 3D points, often from a scan, that outlines a shape
- AI & 3D generationGaussian splattingShowing a real scene as millions of soft, colored blobs that render in real time
- AI & 3D generationNeRF (neural radiance field)An AI model that learns a real scene from photos and shows it from new angles
- ModelingRetopologyRebuilding a messy model with a clean, lighter mesh on top
- ModelingMeshThe surface of a 3D model, made of points, lines and flat faces
Photogrammetry FAQ
Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms