Method and system for remote virtual visualization of physical locations

A computer system for remote three-dimensional (3D) visualization of a physical structure, comprising:

• one or more processors;
• a communication component connected to the one or more processors and configured to send and receive electronic communications via a communication network;
• and
• a non-transitory program memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer system to:
• collect a first plurality of images of the physical structure from one or more imaging vehicles;
• photogrammetrically identify first points in the first plurality of images, the first points associated with at least one of edges, vertices, and surfaces of the physical structure;
• determine a difference between the first points in the first plurality of images and second points in a second plurality of images of the physical structure, the second plurality of images collected prior to the first plurality of images;
• generate a virtual 3D model of a changed feature of the physical structure based at least in part on the difference;
• provide the virtual 3D model of the changed feature to one or more remote devices.

A tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing executable instructions for remote three-dimensional (3D) visualization of a location that, when executed by at least one processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to:

• receive a first plurality of 2D images of the location from one or more imaging vehicles;
• identify first points in the first plurality of 2D images, the first points being associated with at least one of edges, vertices, and surfaces of the location;
• determine a difference between the first points in the first plurality of 2D images and second points in a second plurality of 2D images of the location, the second plurality of 2D images collected prior to the first plurality of images;
• determine a changed feature of the location based at least in part on the difference;
• generate a virtual 3D model of the changed feature by photogrammetrically converting at least a portion of the first points in the first plurality of 2D images to third points in a 3D space corresponding to physical dimensions of the location and the changed feature;
• and
• provide the virtual 3D model to one or more remote devices.