Sponsored by the ASPRS Photogrammetric Applications Division, invited panelists will highlight topics on the forefront of research in the applications of photogrammetric technology. Students, researchers, equipment manufacturers, and application developers will have the opportunity to engage in discussion with those on the leading edge of technology development.
11:00 AM – 11:30 PM – Validation of Automated Aerial Photogrammetry Using Reality Scan
The use of automated aerial photogrammetry in crash reconstruction is well established and nearly ubiquitous in the industry. We have explored using Reality Scan (formerly Reality Capture) as a tool for automated photogrammetry from an RTK-featured small unmanned aerial vehicle. The aerial RTK feature and Realty Scan process produces reasonably accurate results of an aerial survey of the ground plane without ground control points.
Lance Phy and Daniel Cruz, Aperture LLC
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Photometric Reconstruction of a Water Park Amusement Ride Using 3D Laser Scanning and Photogrammetry
This case study emphasizes the role of 3D modeling and photogrammetry in reconstructing an overturned rafting incident on an amusement park ride. The forensic team implemented a photogrammetric workflow using drone imagery to create detailed aerial models, while laser scanning provided high-accuracy three-dimensional point clouds that served as the foundation for the digital environment. Advanced computer modeling techniques were used to generate a textured digital twin of the attraction, enabling precise visualization and spatial analysis. The raft was modeled to evaluate damage patterns and correlated with gouging and scrape marks within the trough, which had been identified and located through photogrammetric techniques. By integrating photogrammetry with targeted laser scanning, investigators produced a comprehensive digital reconstruction that supported advanced measurements, simulations, and damage correlation. This presentation will focus on the modeling pipeline, photogrammetric processing steps, and how these technologies deliver actionable insights for forensic analysis in complex amusement ride environments.
Ethan Helms, J.S. Held
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Denver Homicide – Figuring Out What Happened Off-Camera by Syncing Video and Audio Files with Point Clouds
We will be taking a look at the reconstruction of a local shooting case that was partially captured on video. It is a reminder of how the research and work done in the development and validation of photogrammetry tools is used in many different ways, including helping juries to evaluate a person’s guilt or innocence. In this case, a camera match overlay tool was used in conjunction with a 3D point cloud to analyze the movement of two people inside a few small rooms.
Tilo Voitel, Denver Metro Forensics
