Underwater Photogrammetry and 3D Reconstruction of Submerged Objects in Shallow Environments by ROV and Underwater GPS

Underwater 3D reconstruction techniques such as underwater photogrammetry are the latest trend in low cost survey techniques. Allowing for high resolution models to be fabricated using off-the-shelf digital cameras and editing software, this method in shallow water environments provide a welcome alternative to costly methods such as Lidar & Sonar. We discuss the method of using current low cost ROV’s as platforms forming the basis of underwater photogrammetry surveyance, providing speed and stability over the traditional use of divers. New technologies now available in the low cost market give the abilities for underwater vehicles to be tracked and positioned in real time using acoustic transponders in a network with known surface GPS. Such advances will enable photogrammetric models to be georeferenced which is of great aid to areas of research not limited to archaeological heritage and coral reefs studies.