Flat elements on buildings using close-range photogrammetry and laser distance measurement

The dimensions of building facades and window apertures are usually measured by direct methods using tapes and plummets. These methods require several operators, are slow and in many cases imply working in conditions of high risk. This paper proposes to replace these procedures by indirect methods based on close-range photogrammetry and laser distance measurement, resulting in a low cost, quick, simple and safe method. The method is based on taking three photographs with a digital camera and measuring the three distances with a laser meter, with both instruments mounted on a support that is calibrated in multiple turning positions in order to simultaneously measure different elements on a plane that has regular or irregular geometry. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.