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AI Photogrammetry: how to create and use scale references

Creating scale bars and scale crosses

Open the scale reference creation dialog in Artec Studio.
There are two options:

  • Go to File -> Coded targets and scalebars.

    photo_2025-01-07_10-53-54.jpg

 

  • Alternatively, ensure that a photoset is selected in Workspace. Then, go to Tools -> AI Photogrammetry-> Create Preview -> Settings (). Click the three-dot icon in the Scaled reference section. 

In the open popup window, two options are available: ‘Scale bar’ and ‘Scale cross’. 

 

Scale bar

To add a scale bar:

1. Define the IDs of the two targets, the distance between them (in millimeters), and the name of the scale bar. Note that the IDS must be unique and fall within the range of 1 to 516.

2. Finally, click the Create reference button.

The newly created scale bar will appear in the list of all references on the left. 

 

 

Scale cross

If you don’t have a physical scale cross-reference, you can find a printed version attached to this article or use one available as a PDF document at:
C:\Program Files\Artec\Artec Studio [version]

The file names are ASC A4.pdf for Europe and ASC US Letter.pdf for the USA.

Compared to a scale bar, a scale cross provides a reference not only for the scale of an object but also for its position in 3D space. A scale cross is defined as a combination of two scale bars.

 

To add a scale cross:

1. Define the IDs of the two pairs of targets, the distance between them (in millimeters) in each pair, and the name of the scale bar.

Note that the IDs must be unique and fall within the range of 1 to 516.

2. Finally, click the Create reference button.

The newly created scale cross will appear in the list of all references on the left.

 

Using the created scale bars and scale crosses

Once you have created your scale bar or scale cross reference, the next step is to position it in your scene and capture images that include it. If you are using the printed version of the crossed-scale reference, position the sheet in your scene the same way you would position a physical scale cross-reference. The key here is to ensure that the scale reference is visible in as many images as possible — ideally, it should appear in all of the photographs used for your reconstruction.

 

 

 

Scale bar: Defines the scale of an object, but only along a single axis. It is useful for determining the size of an object but provides no information about its orientation in 3D space.

Scale cross provides more comprehensive information, as it defines both the scale and the orientation of the object in 3D space. This is useful when you need to know not only how large an object is, but also its position and alignment relative to the scene.

 

In case you experience any issues with your Artec 3D scanner or require technical assistance with your device or Artec Studio, in the first instance please contact your local Artec dealer/distributor directly. You can also contact the Artec Support Team by clicking on "Submit a request" button on the bottom right part of the screen or by emailing support@artec3d.com 




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