Master Agisoft Metashape

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Step 1: Adding Image Files to Agisoft Meta Shape
• Step 2: Aligning the Images
• Step 3: Filtering Tie Points
• Step 4: Building the Dense Cloud
• Step 5: Building the Mesh
• Step 6: Creating Image Textures
• Step 7: Building the Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
• Step 8: Creating Contours
• Step 9: Creating Orthomosaic
• Step 10: Creating 2.5D Mesh for Orthomosaic
• Conclusion

Introduction

Processing through Agisoft Meta Shape can be a complex task, and there are various opinions on how it should be done. In this guide, I will take You through a step-by-step process for achieving results efficiently. I will explain each setting and why I choose to run them the way I do. From adding image files to creating an orthomosaic, I will cover everything you need to know to get high-quality results.

Step 1: Adding Image Files to Agisoft Meta Shape

The first step in the process is to add your image files to Agisoft Meta Shape. This can be done by either adding individual files or a folder containing all the images. Once the images are loaded, you can turn on the camera icon to confirm that the image positions are as expected.

Pros:

• Easy to add image files
• Provides a visual confirmation of image positions

Cons:

• None known

Step 2: Aligning the Images

After adding the image files, the next step is to Align them. Agisoft Meta Shape offers multiple options for aligning images, ranging from low to high settings. It is recommended to use high settings, especially if you have ortho information. By selecting the source data as the reference, the software can accurately align the images without estimating their positions.

Pros:

• Accurate alignment of images
• High-quality results

Cons:

• Alignment process may take longer with high settings

Step 3: Filtering Tie Points

To enhance the accuracy of the results, it is important to filter the tie points. This step eliminates erroneous points and ensures cleaner outputs. Agisoft Meta Shape provides a gradual selection tool for filtering tie points. By analyzing the points and selecting a suitable precision threshold, you can remove unwanted points below the surface.

Pros:

• Improves accuracy of camera calibration
• Cleaner results for further processing

Cons:

• Tiresome process, but necessary for optimal results

Step 4: Building the Dense Cloud

Once the tie points are filtered, it is time to build the dense cloud. Agisoft Meta Shape offers different settings for building the dense cloud, with high settings providing greater quality but taking more time to process. It is important to consider the level of filtering required to avoid removing valid points during the aggressive filtering process.

Pros:

• Higher quality dense cloud with proper filtering
• Improved accuracy in subsequent modeling steps

Cons:

• Processing time may increase with higher settings

Step 5: Building the Mesh

After creating the dense cloud, the next step is to build the mesh. Agisoft Meta Shape allows you to build the mesh from the dense cloud or depth maps. It is recommended to use the dense cloud option for better results. While high settings provide more detailed meshes, it is important to balance the settings with your system's memory capacity.

Pros:

• Detailed mesh for accurate representation
• Can choose the level of Detail Based on memory capacity

Cons:

• High settings may Consume more memory and processing time

Step 6: Creating Image Textures

To add realistic textures to the model, image textures need to be created. Agisoft Meta Shape offers automatic settings for creating image textures, but the resolution can be adjusted based on project size and quality requirements. It is recommended to evaluate the textures and Rerun the process if necessary to achieve optimal results.

Pros:

• Realistic textures for improved visualization
• Easy process with automatic settings

Cons:

• Textures may require adjustment for optimal quality

Step 7: Building the Digital Elevation Model (DEM)

The next step is to build the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). There are different options for building the DEM, including using the dense cloud, tie points, or mesh. It is important to select the appropriate ground point class for accurate representation. Observing and refining the dense point cloud can help improve the quality of the DEM.

Pros:

• Creation of accurate digital terrain model
• Flexibility in choosing input sources for the DEM

Cons:

• Manual refinement may be required to achieve optimal results

Step 8: Creating Contours

After building the DEM, contours can be created to represent elevation levels. Agisoft Meta Shape allows you to choose the contour interval and the desired elevation range. The contours can be exported to other software for further refinement and customization. It is important to review and assess the quality of the contours for accuracy.

Pros:

• Representation of elevation levels
• Exportable for customization in other software

Cons:

• Contour quality may require manual refinement

Step 9: Creating Orthomosaic

The orthomosaic is a georeferenced image created by stitching together aerial photographs. Agisoft Meta Shape offers options to create an orthomosaic from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) or the mesh. It is recommended to use the DEM as the base for the orthomosaic. The resulting orthomosaic can be assessed for quality and compared to the 3D model for differences.

Pros:

• Georeferenced representation of the area
• Easy creation process with flexible options

Cons:

• Manual adjustment may be required for optimal results

Step 10: Creating 2.5D Mesh for Orthomosaic

To achieve a more accurate orthomosaic, it is recommended to Create a 2.5D mesh. This mesh follows the ground and vertical features while avoiding the rounded effect of the 3D model. Agisoft Meta Shape provides the option to create a 2.5D mesh, which can be used to improve the quality of the orthomosaic. Careful observation and comparison with the 3D model can help assess the differences.

Pros:

• Improved accuracy in the orthomosaic
• Better representation of vertical features

Cons:

• May require additional processing time

Conclusion

Agisoft Meta Shape offers a comprehensive set of tools and settings for processing images and creating accurate 3D models, DEMs, and orthomosaics. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can achieve high-quality results for your projects. Remember to evaluate and adjust the settings based on your project's requirements and hardware capabilities.