A low‐cost open‐source workflow to generate georeferenced 3D SfM photogrammetric models of rocky outcrops

Abstract : Structure‐from‐Motion (SfM) software and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been increasingly adopted in the geosciences. The current mainstream generation of 3D models is still expensive as it relies on UAVs, Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS) ground control points and commercial software. This paper proposes an end‐to‐end reproducible SfM workflow with minimal legal, financial or field issues. The procedure avoids both UAVs and DGNSS and relies on open‐source software. Interlocked models of a rocky shore in Normandy, France were generated at different scales and point densities, being georeferenced using free spatial data. A spherical target was used for scaling and assessing the relative accuracy, which was better than 1 cm.