Reconstructing humans using photogrammetry

Abstract

Digitalisation is a process that creates virtual 3D versions of real-world scenes and objects. Predominantly used for mapping in GIS science (Konecny, 2014), digitalisation technologies have increasingly become integral to many scientific disciplines such as archaeology (Drap et al., 2015), anthropometry (Weinberg et al., 2004), cultural heritage (Kingsland, 2020; Remondino, 2011), and forensics (Formosa, 2022; Gitto et al., 2020), allowing researchers to conduct detailed analysis – directly or remotely - with minimal risks of contaminating the real subjects. Within the realm of digitalisation technologies, laser scanning technologies have existed for a few decades. However, they remain only within reach of professional entities with large budgets and expertise. Models created by laser scanners are superior in terms of structural integrity and resolutions (i.e., polygon counts), which requires large processing powers to modify and render (Foster & Halbstein, 2014). Recent developments in photogrammetry make it possible for virtually anyone with a camera device and access to commercial photogrammetry software (Stark et al., 2022) to use the technology. This enables idea generation and progress in low-scale projects such as in the case of educational bodies and individual artists. This chapter documents three low-scale projects using photogrammetry carried out at the SIntegraM MAKS Immersion Lab, University of Malta, led by Professor Saviour Formosa, in collaboration with Malta Forensics Lab and Malta Police Force, led by Inspector Charlot Casha. Data collection was assisted by forensics photographer Antoine Fenech. Data processing and dissemination was carried out by research officers Fabrizio Cali and Tram T. N. Nguyen at the SIntegraM MAKS Immersion Lab.