Morphology Workshop 2025 „Photogrammetry in zoology – 3D surface reconstructions of small and large objects“
TU Darmstadt. 14.17.05.2025
Organizer: Sebastian Schmelzle & Michael Heethoff (TU Darmstadt)
Workshop description
Modern zoology is faced with the challenge of collecting increasingly precise and detailed data in order to better understand the morphology of a wide variety of animal species. Especially when studying small animals or objects in the macrophotographic size range – such as insects or bone fragments – the precise recording of shapes, sizes and structures is crucial to answering scientific questions. An innovative method that is becoming increasingly important is photogrammetry. This workshop provides a thorough introduction to this technique, which makes it possible to create precise 3D models from simple 2D photographs.
What is photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is a process in which three-dimensional structures are created using photographs.By recording an object from different angles, 3D models can be generated using special software.These models are very precise and offer a detailed digital representation of the object, which is of great use in many areas of zoology.Photogrammetry is a valuable method, especially when studying small animals or objects where high resolution and detail are required. It enables the creation of scaled models that can be used for morphometric analyses, comparative studies and digital collections.
Aims of the workshop
In this workshop, participants will not only learn the technical basics of photogrammetry, but also its specific application in zoological research. The aim of the workshop is to impart the knowledge and skills to independently create 3D models of small and large objects and use them for scientific purposes. At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to carry out a complete photogrammetry workflow – from taking the photos to processing and analyzing the 3D models.