Open Access

ARTICLE

3D Photogrammetric Modelling for Digital Twin Development: Accuracy Assessment Using UAV Multi-Altitude Imaging

Nur Afikah Juhari, Khairul Nizam Tahar^*

Centre of Studies for Surveying Science and Geomatics, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, 40450, Selangor, Malaysia

* Corresponding Author: Khairul Nizam Tahar. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Innovative Applications and Developments in Geomatics Technology)

Revue Internationale de Géomatique 2026, 35, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.32604/rig.2026.070991

Received 29 July 2025; Accepted 04 December 2025; Issue published 19 January 2026

Abstract

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in photogrammetry has grown rapidly due to enhanced flight stability, high-resolution imaging, and advanced Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithms. This study investigates the potential of UAVs as a cost-effective alternative to Terrestrial Laser Scanners (TLS) for 3D building reconstruction. A 3D model of Bangunan Sarjana was generated in Agisoft Metashape Professional v.2.0.2 using 492 aerial images captured at flying altitudes of 40, 50, and 60 m. Ground control points were established using GNSS (RTK-VRS), and Total Station measurements were employed for accuracy validation. The results indicate that the 60 m flight produced the most accurate reconstruction, with a maximum dimensional deviation of 0.051 m. These findings demonstrate that UAV photogrammetry can achieve centimetre-level accuracy in building modelling while significantly reducing costs and operational effort. The study highlights the integration of SfM processing with UAV technology as a practical and efficient method for spatial data acquisition, supporting applications in urban planning, digital twin development, and heritage documentation.

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Keywords

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