Evaluation of three-dimensional reconstructions from arbitrary images

This paper investigates computer vision techniques for three-dimensional reconstruction having as source of information non-professional images captured from cameras of arbitrary position and orientation. The main purpose is to compose a methodology for 3D reconstruction, aiming specially at its use in the documentation of historic buildings and monuments through their three-dimensional modeling. For being particularly suitable, the technique of shape from stereo is then more closely analysed. Laboratory experiments, with controlled environment and objects are carried out in order to study the influence of some elements in the quality of reconstruction. A practical application with actual photographs of old buildings is presented, and final conclusions are drawn.