Measuring building facades with a low-cost close-range photogrammetry system

The dimensions of facades and window openings are usually determined by direct measurements using tapes and plummets. These direct methods are time consuming and risky for operators, so indirect approaches are needed. In this paper, we analyse a planar-surface measuring system based on close-range photogrammetry to determine its accuracy and precision. This system is composed of a digital camera and a laser distance meter mounted on a support that allows the laser distance meter to be moved independently of the camera. The proposed system can determine the dimensions of objects. Also, this system provides an estimation of the precision of the calculations for the distances between points. By knowing the uncertainty of their measurements, users can accept or reject the measurement depending on the application tolerance. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.