Abstract
Photogrammetry is the process of using photographs of real-world objects to create digital 3D representations of those objects. Software uses data drawn from photos to create “point clouds” that get denser until a 3D “mesh” is generated, which is the basis of the full 3D digital model; such models can be printed with a 3D printer. Photogrammetry offers the capability for users to create models that would otherwise be impossible or difficult to obtain, providing angles and perspectives that greatly enhance the study of objects, buildings, and landscapes. It can also be used in virtual and augmented reality.
The 7 Things You Should Know About... series from the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) provides concise information on emerging learning technologies. Each brief focuses on a single technology and describes what it is, where it is going, and why it matters to teaching and learning. Use these briefs for a no-jargon, quick overview of a topic and share them with time-pressed colleagues.
In addition to the 7 Things briefs, you may find other ELI resources useful in addressing teaching, learning, and technology issues at your institution. To learn more, please visit the ELI Resources page.