Getting Started with Agisoft Metashape

1. Open Agisoft Metashape and create a new project by selecting File > New.
2. Save your project file to a desired location.

Explore the Interface Before diving into the workflow, take some time to explore the Metashape interface. Familiarize yourself with the various panels, menus, and tools available. Key areas to explore include:

• Workspace Pane: Displays the project structure, including chunks, cameras, and models.
• Menus: The Workflow menu will be the one you reach for the most!
• Model Pane: Visualizes the 3D model and point clouds.
• Reference Pane: This pane is used to reference images and points in space.

1. Import your images by selecting Workflow > Add Photos.
2. Browse to the folder containing your images and select them. Click Open to import the images into your project.

The result is in the Add Photos Chunk

1. Go to Workflow > Align Photos.
2. In the dialog box, set the desired accuracy (e.g., High) and pair preselection (e.g., Generic).
3. Click OK to start the alignment process. This step will generate a sparse point cloud.

The result is in the Aligned Photos Chunk

1. After aligning the photos, go to Workflow > Build Dense Cloud.
2. Set the desired quality and depth filtering options, then click OK to generate the dense point cloud.
3. Once the dense cloud is built, go to Workflow > Build Mesh to create the 3D model.
4. Set the desired parameters and click OK to generate the mesh.
5. To add texture, go to Workflow > Build Texture, set the parameters, and click OK.
   I skipped this step.

1. Ensure that your dense point cloud is generated and classified.
2. Go to Workflow > Build DEM.
3. In the dialog box, select the source data (Dense Cloud) and set the desired parameters (e.g., projection, resolution).
4. Click OK to start the DEM generation process.
5. Once the DEM is built, you can view it in the Model Pane and export it by selecting File > Export > Export DEM.
   The result is in the DEM and OM Chunk.

1. Ensure that your DEM is generated.
2. Go to Workflow > Build OrthoMosaic.
3. In the dialog box, select the source data (DEM) and set the desired parameters (e.g., projection, blending mode).
4. Click OK to start the OrthoMosaic generation process.
5. Once the OrthoMosaic is built, you can view it in the Ortho Pane and export it by selecting File > Export > Export OrthoMosaic.
   The result is in the DEM and OM Chunk.

Using Ground Control Points (GCPs)

1. Import GCPs by selecting File > Import > Import Markers.
2. Align the GCPs with your images by manually marking their positions in the photos.
3. Optimize the alignment by selecting Workflow > Optimize Cameras.

Dense Cloud Classification

1. Go to Tools > Dense Cloud > Classify Ground Points.
2. Set the classification parameters and click OK to classify the dense cloud.

DEM Generation

1. To generate a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), go to Workflow > Build DEM.
2. Set the desired parameters and click OK to generate the DEM.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Alignment Problems: Ensure good image overlap and proper camera calibration.
2. Low-Quality Models: Increase the quality settings for dense cloud and mesh generation.
3. Performance Issues: Use a computer with a powerful CPU/GPU and sufficient RAM.

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