Top 5 Photogrammetry Software for Professionals: A Comprehensive Review
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Top 5 Photogrammetry Software for Professionals: A Comprehensive Review

Photogrammetry software is a key tool for professionals who need to create highly accurate 3D models and measurements from photographs. These software applications use algorithms to process large datasets of images, creating detailed 3D models that can be used in a variety of applications. From architecture and construction to mapping and surveying, photogrammetry software is a powerful technology that has become increasingly important in recent years.


In this article, we will explore the top 5 photogrammetry software available on the market. We will examine the features of each software and highlight their strengths and weaknesses. By the end of this article, you will better understand which photogrammetry software is best suited to your specific needs.


Table of Contents

3D model

Agisoft Metashape is one of the most popular photogrammetry software available. It can create high-quality 3D models and maps with its user-friendly interface. It supports a wide range of cameras and file formats, making it a versatile tool for professionals. It also includes features like image geotagging, color correction, and texture mapping. It can handle large datasets with ease and is suitable for projects of any size.


Metashape logo


Developer

Agisoft LLC, founded in 2006.

Pricing

  • Standard License: US$179 with limited features

  • Professional License: US$3,499

OS

  • Windows

  • Mac OS X

  • Debian / Ubuntu

Free Trial

  • 30 days

Pros

  • User-friendly interface

  • Supports a wide range of cameras and file formats

  • Includes features like image geotagging, color correction, and texture mapping

Cons

  • Can be expensive for some users

  • Requires powerful hardware to run smoothly


RealityCapture is a fast and powerful photogrammetry software that can create highly detailed 3D models. It can easily handle large datasets and supports a wide range of input formats. It includes features like mesh cleaning and texture baking, making it a comprehensive tool for professionals. It is particularly useful for industries like architecture, engineering, and construction.


RealityCapture logo



Developer

Capturing Reality, founded in 2013 and acquired by Epic Games in 2021.

Pricing

  • PPI (pay per input) License: start with US$10 / 3,500 credits

  • Unlimited License: US$3,750

OS

  • Windows

Free Trial

  • PPI mode can be used either as a trial

Pros

  • Fast and powerful

  • Can handle large datasets

  • Supports a wide range of input formats

  • Includes features like mesh cleaning and texture baking

Cons

  • Can be expensive for some users

  • It may require a high-end graphics card for optimal performance



Pix4D is a photogrammetry software designed for mapping and surveying professionals. It can create highly detailed 3D models and maps and includes features like image calibration, point cloud editing, and volume measurement. However, the software can be expensive for some users and may have a steep learning curve for beginners.


They have a very wide range of products, we take the most common PIX4Dmapper to introduce.

PIX4Dmapper logo




Developer

Pix4D, founded in 2011.

Pricing

  • Monthly Subscription: US$350 /month

  • Yearly Subscription: US$292 /month

  • Perpetual: US$4,990

OS

  • Windows

Free Trial

  • 15 days

Pros

  • Designed for mapping and surveying professionals

  • Can create highly detailed 3D models and maps

  • Includes features like image calibration, point cloud editing, and volume measurement

Cons

  • Can be expensive for some users

  • May have a steep learning curve for beginners



ContextCapture is a photogrammetry software designed for infrastructure and construction projects. It can create highly detailed 3D models and maps, and includes features like laser scanning and point cloud editing. The software is easy to use, and it can produce high-quality results.


ContextCapture logo




Developer

Bentley Systems, founded in 1984.

Pricing

  • Reality Modeling WorkSuite: US$3,647 /year

OS

  • Windows

Free Trial

  • Not shown on the website, need to contact them.

Pros

  • Designed for infrastructure and construction projects

  • Can create highly detailed 3D models and maps

  • Includes features like laser scanning and point cloud editing

  • Easy to use and can produce high-quality results

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other options on this list


3DF Zephyr is a user-friendly photogrammetry software that can create highly detailed 3D models and maps. It includes features like image alignment, point cloud editing, and texture mapping. The software supports a wide range of cameras and file formats, and it is relatively affordable compared to other options on this list. However, it can be slow when processing large datasets.


Zephyr logo






Developer

3DDLOW, founded in 2011.

Pricing

  • 3DF Zephyr Free: Free with limits

  • 3DF Zephyr Lite: €149.00 + VAT with limits

  • 3DF Zephyr (Monthly): €250.00 + VAT /month

  • 3DF Zephyr Perpetual: €3900.00 + VAT

OS

  • Windows

Free Trial

  • 14 days

Pros

  • User-friendly interface

  • Can create highly detailed 3D models and maps

  • Supports a wide range of cameras and file formats

  • Relatively affordable compared to other options on this list

Cons

  • May not be the best choice for processing large datasets

  • Can be slow when processing large datasets



A Revolutionary New Choice: DataXquad

Overall, Agisoft Metashape, RealityCapture, Pix4Dmapper, ContextCapture and 3DF Zephyr are all powerful photogrammetry software options designed for professionals.


However, they all have something in common: they are expensive, require high-end computer equipment, and require professional knowledge to operate. It is highly unfriendly to pilots, surveyors, small companies, etc. who are new to this field.


If you are one of those people who are troubled by the above, don't worry, DataXquad can help you!


DataXquad is a Pay-Per-Use online data transformation service platform that provides comprehensive data pipeline options with a no-code approach. We simplify the most complicated part of unstructured data transformation so that more unstructured data can be utilized and more industries can derive value from it.


  • Pay-Per-Use

  • No hardware limits, any computer with a browser can use it

  • Easy to use with a no-code approach

  • No need to operate and save lots of time

  • All-in-one platform with preprocessing, photogrammetry, and AI tools




Conclusion


Pricing

Hardware Requirement

Audience

Manual Operation

Agisoft Metashape

US$3,499

High-end computer

Professionals

Yes

RealityCapture

US$3,750

High-end computer

Professionals

Yes

PIX4Dmapper

US$4,990

High-end computer

Professionals

Yes

ContextCapture

US$3,647 /year

High-end computer

Professionals

Yes

3DF Zephyr

​€3900.00

High-end computer

Professionals

Yes

DataXquad

​Pay-per-use

​Any computer with a browser

Anyone

Just upload the images


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