Metashape

Metashape is a software application developed by Agisoft LLC, which is primarily used for photogrammetry and 3D modeling. Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs, especially for recovering the exact positions of surface points. Metashape allows users to process digital images and generate 3D spatial data to be used in GIS applications, cultural heritage documentation, visual effects production, and indirect measurements of objects of various scales.

Overview

Metashape operates by analyzing multiple photographs of a static object or landscape from different angles, employing computer vision and digital image processing techniques to detect unique points and reconstruct the object's three-dimensional shape. This process is known as structure from motion (SfM) and can be applied to images captured by handheld cameras, drones, or even satellite imagery.

Functionality

The software offers a wide range of features, including the ability to stitch large numbers of photos, generate high-resolution georeferenced orthomosaics, and create detailed 3D models. It supports a variety of input and output formats, making it a versatile tool for professionals across different fields such as archaeology, architecture, engineering, and film production.

Key Features

• 3D Model Reconstruction: Metashape can reconstruct objects and scenes in 3D from a series of overlapping images.
• Georeferencing: It supports georeferencing of aerial imagery using GPS data, allowing for the creation of maps and 3D models with real-world coordinates.
• Dense Point Cloud Generation: The software can generate dense point clouds, which are collections of points in space produced by the photogrammetric process.
• Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Creation: Metashape is capable of creating DEMs, which are 3D representations of a terrain's surface.
• Orthophoto Production: An orthophoto is a geometrically corrected aerial photograph that can be used as a map. Metashape can produce high-quality orthophotos.

Applications

Metashape's applications are diverse, ranging from creating digital archives of cultural heritage sites to assisting in urban planning and environmental monitoring. In the entertainment industry, it is used for creating realistic 3D backgrounds and virtual sets. In engineering, it aids in the surveying and monitoring of infrastructure projects.

Technical Requirements

Metashape is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. The software requires a computer with a powerful processor, high RAM capacity, and a dedicated graphics card to efficiently process large datasets and perform complex calculations.

Versions

Agisoft offers two main versions of Metashape: Standard and Professional. The Standard version caters to enthusiasts and provides a basic set of photogrammetry tools. The Professional version is geared towards professionals, offering advanced features such as network processing and multispectral imagery processing.

See Also

• Photogrammetry
• 3D Modeling
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Computer Vision
• Digital Image Processing

External Links

• Official Metashape Website