BYU engineers build 3D virtual campus model by stitching thousands of drone-captured photos together (See also 3dbyu.byu.edu/)
When COVID cancelled research plans for one BYU engineering student, he turned his focus to the BYU campus and a unique opportunity. The campus closure made it possible to fly dozens of drone flights, to document the campus in extraordinary detail and to use the images to create 3D model of the entire space.
“We set out to create a large model of campus, one that both has scope and great detail using drones, using ground photos and by using GPS for accuracy,” says BYU civil engineering graduate student Bryce Berrett.
After gathering more than 120,000 campus images, the team created detailed 3D virtual models of 100+ buildings so detailed they can be used for engineering and building planning, as well as for virtual reality and 3D printing. From cracks on sidewalks, to letters on statues, the 3D model captures a moment in time for an ever-changing campus.
The BYU team has created a website where the public can see portions of the model and participate in a campus scavenger hunt at 3dbyu.byu.edu. BYU computer scientists have also adapted the full model to a full virtual reality fly-through of campus that can be viewed on a super-sized screen in the lobby of the Talmage Building on the BYU campus.
“There are many, many applications for models like these and I think we are just scratching the surface of it,” says Berrett. “On a very basic level, it’s just a great opportunity to preserve our historical heritage here on this campus. This project has helped me to feel like I have something to give back for all of the wonderful opportunities I’ve had to learn at BYU.” …...more
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