Photogrammetry for 3D Outcrop Reconstruction

The patent uses photographs as a simplified copy of the outcrop instead of direct LiDAR scanning. Multiple 2D images capture the essential geometric and textural information, creating a digital representation without requiring heavy LiDAR equipment. This copying approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for geological modeling while dramatically reducing device complexity and portability requirements.

The patent replaces the mechanical LiDAR scanning system with a photogrammetric system using cameras and software processing. Instead of active laser ranging, the system uses passive optical capture followed by computational reconstruction, substituting mechanical complexity with optical and software-based solutions that are more portable and cost-effective.

The patent creates a 3D model from 2D photograph copies rather than processing dense LiDAR point clouds. The photogrammetric approach generates sufficient geometric accuracy for geological applications while producing more manageable data volumes that require less computational power for processing and storage compared to high-resolution LiDAR datasets.

The patent uses standard digital photographs instead of expensive, high-volume LiDAR data. The photographic approach generates sufficient information for geological modeling with much lower data volumes, reducing both the computational resources needed for processing and the storage requirements, making it a more efficient solution for the intended application.

The patent uses photographs as flexible, easily captured copies of the outcrop. Standard digital cameras are more maneuverable and easier to operate in field conditions compared to heavy LiDAR systems. The resulting photogrammetric models are equally effective for geological analysis while being much easier to deploy, operate, and manipulate in various field situations.

The patent replaces the complex mechanical LiDAR system with a simpler photogrammetric workflow using standard cameras. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy, difficult-to-manage equipment while achieving sufficient measurement precision for geological modeling, thereby dramatically improving ease of operation and field flexibility.