System and process of using photogrammetry for digital as-built site surveys and asset tracking

A computer-implemented process of using photogrammetry for generating a two-dimensional stitched and annotated digital image, said process comprising the steps of:

• a. selecting a site having at least one as-built structure thereon;
• b. providing a two-dimensional scaling reference object, a three-dimensional scaling reference object or a combination of both configured to be placed on or around said site, said structure, or both said site and said structure;
• wherein said two-dimensional scaling reference object is color coded and has a predetermined length, a predetermined orientation, and a plurality of measurement markings thereon;
• wherein said three-dimensional scaling reference object comprises a plurality of color-coded poles designating a predetermined orientation and configured to be respectively oriented along an X, Y and Z axis;
• c. acquiring a plurality of digital images, still frames and/or video images of said site, said structure, or both said site and said structure;
• some or all of said plurality of digital images including at least one of said reference objects;
• each of said reference objects configured to accurately scale and orient said plurality of digital images of said site, said structure, or both said site and said structure;
• d. electronically communicating said plurality of digital images to a central server;
• e. generating a first three-dimensional point cloud of said site, said structure, or both said site and said structure in said digital images;
• f. identifying one or more of said reference objects in said first three-dimensional point cloud;
• g. identifying one or more features of said site, said structure, or both said site and said structure in said first three-dimensional point cloud;
• h. generating a second three-dimensional point cloud based on said identified one or more reference objects in said first three-dimensional point cloud, on said identified one or more features of said site, said structure, or both said site and said structure in said first three-dimensional point cloud, or a combination thereof;
• and
• i. generating said two-dimensional stitched and annotated digital image of said site, said structure, or both said site and said structure from said second three-dimensional point cloud.