Recording the SS Thistlegorm: Rapid Multi-Image Underwater Photogrammetric Survey of a Large Second World War Wreck

Abstract

This paper describes the workflow followed to survey and monitor the interior and exterior of a large and complex metal wreck, the SS Thistlegorm in the Red Sea, using digital photogrammetry. Utilizing a simple single-camera rig and off-the-shelf software, this study presents a cost-effective and easily replicable method for monitoring change in metal wrecks that meets professional standards and can involve non-specialists in data collection. This paper details the background of the SS Thistlegorm, the equipment used, and the photogrammetric surveys conducted in 2017 and 2022. It outlines the importance of having a clearly thought-out data-management system when working on a large target recorded over a limited series of dives. In particular, this paper considers testing the accuracy of the data obtained and describes the post-processing workflow in detail. The conclusion underscores the feasibility of achieving an accurate geo-referenced baseline 3D survey with readily available equipment and how these data can contribute to historical research and ongoing monitoring efforts.