Photogrammetry and LiDAR in capture workflow?

[A. Forrest]

I've been experimenting with combining the two lately, photogrammetry for texture detail and LiDAR for structural accuracy and it's actually crazy, like good kinda crazy how much cleaner and more complete the results are when you layer them, since I'm still getting the hang of it, I'm still trying to figure out the best way to align and merge the data, some days I have good luck and other dayss...I just have to sleep
So thats where I need help, anyone can help how you guys handle the fusion

 

[LidarRiley]

Hey, good to find someone also doing the same!
For alignment and merging, what's been most consistent for me is using a robust registration method in a software like CloudCompare or RealityCapture.
I typically start by getting a coarse alignment based on common points or features visible in both datasets, and then use an ICP algorithm for a fine-tuned global registration.
Sometimes a little manual tweaking of control points is still needed for tricky areas, but the ICP usually gets it 90% of the way there.
It definitely takes some practice to get a smooth workflow, but keep at it!

 

[senstarg66]

This sounds so cool! I'm just starting to play around with photogrammetry myself, so hearing that layering them gives you cleaner results is really exciting. what kind of projects are you usually working on when you combine them? also what software is good for beginners? Thanks!

 

[PulseMap]

A friend of mine attempted to combine drone LiDAR with photogrammetry at an old mill site. The first few tries didn't go so well, but once he got the hang of CloudCompare's alignment tools and control points, everything fell into place. It was really neat to see how well the two data sets worked together.