Deflection measurements with 3D close range photogrammetry

Abstract: Photogrammetry is a great technology to check and track deformations on anysurface. This information is critical in many tranportation industries such as aeronautics and the automotive industry. In this thesis report photogrammetry measurements were done using 2 Aicon cameras providing 3D targets coordinates. The goal of this thesis was to ensure the best environment and positioning of the cameras to gather a good amount and quality of data. First positioning of the cameras is optimized by generating a map of the best projected areas that give the best coverage possible of the object. Then all the post processing was done with python using various mathematical methods to extract as much information as possible from the data recorded. First, data transformation to the correct coordinate system was performed using a sparse point-to-plane ICP algorithm. Then missing data was recovered by interpolating it over the time range. Finally raw deflections measurement were extracted and post processed to get essential information such as rigid body motion and static deformation. After an introduction about what is photogrammetry and why it is of high importance in transportation industries, this thesis tackles all the relative challenges that any photogrammetry specialist may face when dealing with such a technology.