Comparison of image-based and time-of-flight-based technologies for three-dimensional reconstruction of infrastructure

As-built spatial data are useful in many construction-related applications, such as quality control and progress monitoring. These data can be collected using a number of imaging and time-of-flight-based (e.g., laser scanning) sensor methods. Each application will demand a particular level of data accuracy and quality, yet little information is available to help engineers choose the most cost-effective approach. This paper presents an analytical and quantitative comparison of photogrammetric, videogrammetric, and time-of-flight-based methods. This comparison is done with respect to accuracy, quality, time efficiency, and cost. To this end, representative image-based three-dimensional reconstruction software and commercially available hardware (two cameras and a time-of-flight-based laser scanner) are evaluated. Spatial data of typical infrastructure (two bridges and a building) are collected under different settings. The experimental parameters include camera type, resolution, and shooting distance for the imaging sensors. By comparing these data with the ground truth collected by a total station, it is revealed that video/photogrammetry can produce results of moderate accuracy and quality but at a much lower cost as compared to laser scanning. The obtained information is useful to help engineers make cost-effective decisions and help researchers better understand the performance impact of these settings for the sensor technologies.