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Photogrammetry Context Menu

Commands available when right-clicking Photogrammetry objects in the Data Tree. Photogrammetry objects include camera positions, projective images, and photogrammetric reconstructions used for creating 3D models from photographs through structure-from-motion (SfM) and multi-view stereo (MVS) techniques.

PhotoGram Group Operations​

Commands available when right-clicking a Photogrammetry Group (folder containing photogrammetric project data).

Menu name: Re-link Images Tooltip Batch reconnect all photogrammetry images to relocated files.

What it does Opens dialogue to batch update image file paths for all photographs in the photogrammetry project. Useful when source images have been moved or renamed after the photogrammetric solution was computed. Can specify new root directory or path transformation rules to update all image references simultaneously without invalidating camera calibrations or 3D reconstruction.

When to use it

  • Fixing broken image links after file reorganisation
  • Moving photogrammetry projects between systems
  • Updating paths after transferring images to new storage
  • Repairing links when image folder structure changes

Notes

Preserves Calibration

Re-linking updates only file paths - camera positions, orientations, and calibration parameters are preserved. The photogrammetric solution remains valid as long as replacement images are identical to originals.

Path substitution can use pattern matching (replace old path component with new). For example, changing C:/OldProject/Images/ to D:/NewProject/Photos/ updates all image paths accordingly. Verify one image displays correctly after re-linking before closing the dialogue. Much faster than re-linking individual photographs when many images have moved together.

Convert Coordinates​

Menu name: Convert Coordinates Tooltip Transform photogrammetry camera positions between coordinate systems.

What it does Opens dialogue to transform all camera positions in the photogrammetry project from one coordinate reference system (CRS) to another. Applies geodetic transformation to camera centres and updates the spatial reference, enabling integration with data in different coordinate systems. Essential when photogrammetric reconstruction is in arbitrary coordinates and needs georeferencing.

When to use it

  • Georeferencing photogrammetry with control points
  • Converting from local to projected coordinate systems
  • Aligning photogrammetry with GIS or survey data
  • Transforming between different map projections

Notes Transformation applies to camera positions (centres of projection). Camera orientations (rotation matrices) may also be updated depending on transformation type. If the photogrammetric solution is in arbitrary coordinates (no initial georeferencing), use control points to establish transformation to real-world coordinates. For transformations between well-defined CRS, standard geodetic transformations apply. Scale may change if going from dimensionless to metric coordinates.

PhotogramSource (Projective Image) Operations​

Commands available when right-clicking individual projective images (camera views) in photogrammetric projects.

Goto​

Menu name: Goto Tooltip Move the 3D view to the camera position.

What it does Centres and zooms the 3D view on the selected camera position, showing where the photograph was taken in 3D space. The view is positioned at or near the camera centre, allowing inspection of the camera's location relative to the reconstructed geometry and other cameras.

When to use it

  • Reviewing camera distribution and coverage
  • Inspecting camera positions in reconstructed scene
  • Navigating between photograph locations
  • Verifying camera placement accuracy
  • Identifying cameras with poor visibility or overlap

Notes Camera positions are typically displayed as frustums (pyramids) showing the field of view. Goto command centres on the camera apex (centre of projection). Useful for understanding which parts of the scene are visible from which cameras. Multiple cameras viewing the same area (high overlap) generally produce better reconstruction quality.

Look Through​

Menu name: Look Though Tooltip Set 3D view to match the camera's viewpoint.

What it does Aligns the 3D viewport to match the selected camera's position and orientation precisely, simulating the view from the camera at the moment the photograph was taken. The viewport adopts the camera's location, viewing direction, and field of view, allowing comparison between the photograph and reconstructed 3D geometry.

When to use it

  • Comparing photographs with 3D reconstruction
  • Verifying reconstruction accuracy visually
  • Identifying areas needing reconstruction refinement
  • Creating renderings that match original photographs
  • Quality control of photogrammetric alignment

Notes

Reconstruction Verification

"Look Through" mode is excellent for quality assessment - overlay the photograph and compare with reconstructed geometry. Misalignments indicate errors in camera calibration, camera pose estimation, or geometric reconstruction.

View frustum matches camera's intrinsic parameters (focal length, principal point, lens distortion). If mesh textures were generated from photogrammetry, looking through the source camera should show nearly perfect alignment between texture and photograph. Discrepancies reveal reconstruction errors. Use this view to digitise features directly from photograph perspective. Exit "Look Through" by manually navigating the viewport.

Common observations when looking through cameras:

  • Good alignment: Edges match between photo and geometry - high-quality reconstruction
  • Offset edges: Camera position or orientation errors
  • Fuzzy/blurred features: Low geometric detail in reconstruction
  • Missing geometry: Areas not reconstructed due to insufficient coverage