Photogrammetry and 3D Modelling Applied to the Creation of Virtual Reality in Realistic Environments: Analysis of Free Software for Image Processing

This paper explores the combination of 3D modeling through photogrammetry with low-cost virtual reality (VR). 3D modeling has become an essential tool in various fields, such as civil engineering and architecture, facilitating project visualization. Photogrammetry, defined as the science of obtaining reliable measurements from photographs, allows for the capture of complex environmental details with high precision. However, the traditional use of photogrammetry requires expensive equipment, limiting its accessibility to companies with greater financial resources. With technological advancements, the use of drones and high-resolution satellite imagery has expanded the scope of this technique. This study adopts a low-cost approach, utilizing affordable cameras and free, open-source software to generate 3D models from terrestrial images. The image capture was carried out at the building of the Graduate Program in Modeling (PPGM) at the State University of Feira de Santana (UEFS), using 100 photos processed in three software applications: Meshroom, Colmap, and Regard3D. The research aims to evaluate the quality of the generated 3D models, considering processing time, point cloud, and texturing. The combination of VR with 3D modeling enhances project presentations and feasibility analyses, offering an accessible solution for professionals in civil engineering and architecture, without requiring significant investment in equipment