Methodology for the 3D reconstruction of industrials facilities using photogrammetry

Abstract

There are some areas of project engineering where it is especially necessary to know the spatial distribution of the elements that make up an industrial installation to diverse aims: The planning of future actions in the installation, like expansions, reparations and modifications; the documentation of the current state of an installation; and the construction, supervision and control of execution. It is in these areas where photogrammetry has a high potential to develop. The aim of this article is to establish a methodology that defines the way in which photographs should be made, the main parameters of the camera, the use of markers and targets and so on, so that the 3D reconstruction of industrial facilities is possible, quantifying the error committed. On the other hand, the improvement of smartphone camera lenses and the popularity of their use, as well as the proliferation of fish-eye cameras and action cameras like the GoPro as the main reference, has generalized the use of this type of device, which can be used at a very low cost to make 3D reconstructions using photogrammetry. This article will study, in a comparative way, the following tools: A high-end mobile camera, a fish-eye camera and a high-end single lens reflex (SLR) camera. These methodology and configurations will be tested in diverse industrial areas: a computer room, a warehouse with fluid facilities, a mechanized workshop, a mechanical assembly workshop, a workshop for electrical assemblies and a warehouse with a plastic crusher.