WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

Modern technology combined with skilled divers can produce unprecedented outcomes in underwater imaging. Photogrammetry is the process of using the latest software to combine photos or video into a highly accurate 3D model.

Fine details and otherwise unseen parts of a of a dive site or submerged artifact can be revealed by meticulous documentation and the creation of a stunning 3D model. Even in extreme low visibility, photogrammetry can be successful with the right techniques, and can reveal a dive site that’s otherwise shrouded in sediments.

GUE’s Photogrammetry Diver course is designed to introduce divers to the skills and procedures for using underwater photogrammetry to create digital 3D models. Skilled divers with the right equipment can produce better results than nearly any other method of survey.

WHO IS IT FOR?

This course is for anyone who is interested in contributing in an efficient manner to underwater documentation projects at any scale. To benefit from this course the participants must possess basic underwater photography skills and basic photo/video equipment. Experienced photographers are welcome in the class: while the equipment to create a photogrammetry model is the same as you’re used to, the techniques and results are very different. Newer photographers are also welcome to take the course, as substantial traditional photography or videography skills are not required to create a 3D photogrammetry model.

A simple consumer camera (like a GoPro) and a laptop are sufficient to produce your first photogrammetry models and learn the fundamental techniques of underwater photogrammetry.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

The class is designed to introduce photogrammetry with progressively more difficult challenges, typically over the course of four days. The first day of class will focus on the history of photogrammetry, the mechanics of the process, and use of photogrammetry software. You can expect to create a simple model of a subject on land before the end of day one.

Day two of the GUE Photogrammetry class will start with a long dive to collect photos or video of your first underwater subject. After collecting the data, we’ll spend the afternoon processing it into 3D models, critiquing your photos (to produce better results in the future), and learning more advanced processing techniques. Our third day of class will be similar to day two: taking pictures of a subject, processing the data, and further refining our data collection skills for photogrammetry. Our final day of class will involve the creation of a complete 3D model of a more complex subject.

Course outcomes include, but are not limited to: basics of photogrammetry, using both still imagery and video; setting up underwater imaging equipment and lights; underwater teamwork and workflow; organization; setting up a workflow in photogrammetry processing software; and creating final 3D models for publishing.

PREREQUISITES AND DURATION

Applicants for a GUE Photogrammetry program must:

• Be a minimum of 16 years of age.

• Be physically and mentally fit.

• Be a non-smoker.

• Be able to swim.

• Obtain a physician’s prior written authorization for use of prescription drugs, except for birth control, or for any medical condition that may pose a risk while diving.

• Have passed the GUE Recreational Diver Level 1 course or the GUE Fundamentals course.

• Have a minimum of 75 logged dives beyond autonomous entry-level scuba diver (or equivalent) and 25 logged dives beyond GUE certification.

• For a full list of course prerequisites, click here.

The GUE Photogrammetry course is normally conducted over four days. It requires a minimum of three dives and at least 32 hours of instruction, encompassing classroom lectures, land drills, and in-water work.

COURSE SCHEDULING & COSTS

Please see the Course Scheduling & Costs page for more information about how to schedule a class and costs related to taking a GUE course.