Comparative Accuracy Assessment of two Low-Cost Devices for Underwater Structure-from-Motion 3D Reconstruction

Research output: Contribution to conferences › Paper › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

Abstract

The accurate three-dimensional documentation of underwater environments is critical for infrastructure integrity assessments and archaeological studies, yet it often relies on costly equipment. Advances in low-cost Structure-from-Motion techniques provide accessible alternatives to conventional methods, enabling detailed reconstructions using consumer-grade devices. This study evaluates and compares the 3D reconstruction accuracy of two low-cost imaging systems, GoPro HERO13 and Huawei P30, in underwater and dry conditions, using three test objects with varying surface characteristics. High-precision reference models were generated via an ATOS Triple Scan system to quantify absolute accuracy. Results highlight significant performance differences between the cameras in dry conditions, with the GoPro showing improved reliability in underwater conditions, albeit facing challenges with lighting and low contrast environments. However, the Huawei P30 offered superior image resolution but suffered from usability issues in aquatic settings. Overall, dry condition scans yielded higher-quality point clouds, while underwater reconstructions were affected by environmental factors such as reflections, contrast, and lighting limitations. These findings provide practical insights into optimizing workflows for low-budget underwater photogrammetry and suggest potential improvements, including enhanced lighting setups and alternative imaging devices for future studies.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages979-987
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jul 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

Conference

Title25th Congress of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
SubtitleFrom Imagery to Understanding
Abbreviated titleISPRS Congress Toronto 2026
Conference number25
Duration4 - 11 July 2026
Website
LocationMetro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC)
CityToronto
CountryCanada

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-2456-9731/work/222762611
Mendeley 79363cf6-f629-343b-981a-689df7395936
Scopus 105046185737

Keywords

Keywords

  • 3D reconstruction, low-cost, structure-from-motion, underwater photogrammetry