Reconstructing Architectural Environment from a Panoramic Image

The use of panoramic images for retrieving information about presented architectural environment is a fast developing field recently. The aim of the herby paper was developing an effective method of reconstruction of the architectural forms from their single panoramic image as well as establishing requirements which panoramic presentation should meet for the restitution purpose. The reconstruction attempt presented in the paper is the conjunction of the descriptive method and computer aid. The starting point in reconstruction process was determination of the base elements of panoramic projection as a horizon line and a base circle, which can be establish in a descriptive way on a flat panorama. Next, the simple formulas were proposed for calculation of 3D coordinates of the characteristic points of the objects given in their 2D unfolded panoramic image. The points established by their spatial coordinates defined lines which in term determined edge models of the presented forms. Presented method of reconstruction seems to be universal and can be useful for restitution of different forms of the panoramic presentation; paintings and photographs. The study shows that reconstructing architectural environment from the single panoramic image mostly depends on the image's content and an initial assumption. It is not always an easy process, however, possible in some cases.