Photo Measuring Software

Ed the Roofer

This sounds pretty much like the lazy mans way to estimating everything, if it actually works.

Get rid of the tape measure and just accept digital photos???

Does anybody know anything about this or similar products?

http://www.appscout.com/2007/08/ipho...e_tape_m_1.php

Ed

Aladdin Builders

Ed, I have e tried this software and in my opinion the accuracy is ill. I have enough trouble trusting architectural drawings. I just don't see or understand the whole angle of a captured photo to be accurate.

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KentWhitten

It works as well as the input from the user. The ones I have tested need many multiple views, the more the merrier. The accuracy will also depend on the software and the camera.

The terminology is called photogrammetry. You can find free software on the web for this. It would be alright for rough estimating. Not great, but it could be very beneficial.

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Ed the Roofer

It seemed like a cool idea.

The reason I checked it out and then wound up Googling, "Digital Photo Construction Measuring Software" or something real close to that, was an e-mail link I got yesterday from
http://allremodel.com/sitemap.html

On that site, they mentioned they have a sophisticated version coming out on February 5th or right around then.

I never heard of this before, so I wanted to find out other peoples experiences.

Ed

hatchet

I've heard of ETemplate which converts the digital images into a cad file that can be input right into a CNC machine to create complex curves and that sort of stuff. You essentially place a bunch of targets and take 5-50 digital pictures - depending on complexity. I read about it in Modern Woodworking and the company who was using it says it's very precise. Says it really shines on elliptical and helix type stuff.
Outside of what I posted above - I can't see where a software like that would be much good for the general construction industry. But for specialized instances where human error could cause problems - it could be very useful.

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WIT Construction Co.
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dougchips

Ed, how close is Renoworks over the width of a roof? For example, let's say you measure the brickmold on an entry door and get 40" when it scales it out for the whole roof how close is it?

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Ed the Roofer

RenoWorks does not digitally size or measure the photo.

That is only a visualization software. (Well, not "Only", I actually think it is quite incredible with the reality of the "After" pictures, even before you do the job.)

From my limited understanding about it, its basic function is to transpose a selected product image and overlay in on top of the existing "Before" photo you take. You then mouse click and strech out lines from point A to point B. It then fills in the designated lined out block with the product of your choice.

That reminds me, I need to contact my primary shingle manufacturer once again to see when they will be getting on board with their product line.

Ed

KentWhitten

Seriously, if you want to learn everything you want to know about this, type in "photogrammetry" in Google and you will see the endless possibilities.

ETemplate is one of the bigger companies. They use it mostly for countertops, but yes, also other things too like swimming pools and such. We didn't go this route because it wasn't as accurate as we needed it to be. It comes in about 1/4" accuracy over 20' or so.

Now, if you really wanna go balls out, check this piece out. Accuracy is in the ballpark of 0.2mm in 65 ft.

Leica TDM5005

It all depends on the equipment. Usually, the more expensive it is, the more accurate it is.

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Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

porkchop

lil off the topic but does anyone use a digital tape measure? I started using it to estimate projects... just curious

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Ed the Roofer

Time for an update.

Has anybody tried out the Version 3 of; iPhotoMeasure

This product goes under the classification of PhotoGammetry, and you have to take your photos directly on center for the best results and also use a measurement template to scale the sizes with. Those sell seperately for $ 5.00 to $ 25.00 depending on the size needed.

The more expensive version goes for $ 249.00, which is still a steal if it is anywheres near close with accurate results.

I will definitely be checking into some photo forums to tweak those guys insight.

Here is a link to the main site:
http://www.iphotomeasure.com/details.asp?desc=version3

Here is a link to a site with a discount code for the version 3:
http://www.constructionresources.net...easurecard.htm

Dang, if this thing is any good, my 50 year old knees will finally be at peace.

Ed

P.S.
edit:

I just downloaded the sample vertion with the tutorial. F'n Awesome!!!!!
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/win/141985

Ed the Roofer

Okay, now I found Version 3 for sale on e-bay for $ 119.95

http://cgi.ebay.com/iPhotoMeasure-CD...QQcmdZViewItem

Ed