Photography

Atop the highest point in Lynn, the historic Stone Tower offered an interesting subject to 3D scan with photogrammetry. This capture was performed with a DJI Mini 4 Pro and 254 photos shot in less-than-ideal weather. Despite high winds, drained batteries, and harsh sunlight, the result is a detailed 3D mesh that preserves the tower’s detailed masonry. The Process Drone-based photogrammetry makes it possible to capture large structures that are difficult to document with handheld cameras. The DJI Mini 4 Pro’s high-resolution camera (8064×6048) provides exceptional detail in each image, enhancing the quality of the 3D reconstruction. While the sunny weather felt great on the skin, it posed challenges for scanning. Harsh shadows on the building were captured in the images and carried over into the 3D model. This “baked-in” lighting may be acceptable depending on the output. When used in scenes with different lighting conditions, it may reduce the realism depending where the model is placed . After generating the initial scan, I apply both automated and manual techniques to optimize the 3D model. This process significantly reduces file size and loading time while preserving the original visual detail when textures are applied. The result was a 99.12% reduction in face count, and a 99.37% reduction in file size.  About the Tower This tower was built on the highest point in Lynn MA in 1936. It’s purpose was for fire observation. The tower stands about 48 to 50 feet tall with a cube-shaped base and an octagonal structure topped by arched windows. On clear days, you can see all the way to Boston from the top! The interior of the Stone Tower may be visited from Tuesday through Saturday, between 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, if a park ranger is available. It may also be visited separately by appointment.  Bringing the Tower to Life in 3D Capturing the Stone Tower was not just a technical challenge; it was also a great opportunity to connect with locals. The process sparked genuine curiosity from morning hikers passing by. Several people stopped to ask about the drone and the scanning process, showing how engaging this technology can be.  If you are interested in learning more about photogrammetry or have a structure you would like to see brought into 3D, feel free to reach out. Responsive Model Viewer with Rotation‑Only Controls