Which is cheaper, photogrammetry or laser scanning?

Photogrammetry has a lower entry cost, since you can start with a good camera or a drone. Laser scanners are more expensive to buy or rent. Factor in processing time too: photogrammetry capture is quick but processing is heavier.

Can I use a drone for both methods?

A drone is mostly used for photogrammetry, capturing overlapping photos of roofs, terrain, and large sites. Some drones carry a LiDAR sensor for aerial laser scanning, which is more precise but more expensive.

Do both methods produce the same file?

Both produce a point cloud, which you can export to the same open formats (E57, LAS, LAZ). So regardless of the method, you can view, measure, and share the result in the same tools, including ATIS.cloud.

Photogrammetry vs Laser Scanning: Which to Choose

Estimated read: 8 min

1.What each method is
2.Photogrammetry vs laser scanning, head to head
3.Cost, time, and skill
4.Which to choose, by use case
5.Can you combine both?

Photogrammetry and laser scanning both produce a 3D point cloud, but they get there very differently. One uses photos, the other lasers.

The right choice depends on the accuracy you need, your budget, the site, and the conditions on the day. This guide compares them head to head and helps you decide.

What each method is

Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry reconstructs 3D geometry from many overlapping photos, taken with a camera or drone. Software finds common points across images to compute depth.

It is affordable, portable, and produces realistic color, but it depends on good lighting and texture. See our photogrammetry software guide.

Laser scanning (LiDAR)

Laser scanning sends laser pulses and measures their return to compute precise distances, millions of times per second. It is highly accurate, works in low light, and captures fine detail, but the equipment costs more. See our LiDAR guide.

Photogrammetry: cheaper, colorful, needs light and texture.
Laser scanning: more precise, works in the dark, costs more.
Same output: both produce a point cloud in open formats.

Photogrammetry vs laser scanning, head to head

Criterion	Photogrammetry	Laser scanning
Accuracy	Medium to high	Very high
Equipment cost	Low (camera or drone)	Higher (scanner)
Speed on site	Fast capture, slow processing	Fast overall
Lighting	Needs good light	Works in low light
Color	Excellent, photo-realistic	Good if camera-equipped

Deux chemins vers le meme nuage de points

Good to know

Both methods output a point cloud in the same open formats (E57, LAS, LAZ), so whatever you choose, you can view and share the result the same way.

View any point cloud, whatever the method

Photogrammetry or laser scanning, upload your E57 or LAS file to ATIS.cloud and share it by link.

Start the 14-day free trial

Cost, time, and skill

Beyond accuracy, the real difference on a project is often cost, time, and the skill each method demands.

Equipment: a camera or drone is cheaper than a laser scanner.
Processing power: photogrammetry needs a strong computer and time.
Expertise: laser registration and photogrammetry both take practice.
Rental: renting a scanner can make laser scanning viable per project.

Time on site vs processing

Photogrammetry: quick to capture, slower to process.
Laser scanning: a bit longer on site, faster to a usable cloud.
Delivery: both end in a point cloud you upload and share.

Which to choose, by use case

Building interior, industrial plant: laser scanning, for precision and low light.
Facade, monument, heritage: photogrammetry for color, or laser for accuracy.
Large terrain or roof: drone photogrammetry.
As-built for BIM: laser scanning, for reliable measurements.
Tight budget, good light: photogrammetry with a quality camera.

Can you combine both?

Yes, and it is common. Many teams use laser scanning for precise interiors and drone photogrammetry for roofs and surroundings, then merge everything into one point cloud during registration.

Laser where precision matters most (structure, tight rooms).
Photogrammetry where color and access matter (facades, roofs).
Register both into one coordinate system.
Deliver a single, complete point cloud to the client.

It is rarely photogrammetry or laser scanning. On a real project, it is often both, each where it does its best work.

ATIS.cloud · Guide comparatif

Merge and share your captures

Whatever method you use, ATIS.cloud lets you view the cloud online and share it by link, up to 1 TB per file.

Start the 14-day free trial

Photogrammetry is affordable and rich in color but needs good light; laser scanning is more precise and works in low light but costs more. Choose by accuracy, budget, and conditions, and combine both on demanding projects. Either way, the output is a point cloud you can view and share the same way.

Frequently asked questions

Photogrammetry can reach high accuracy with good conditions and control points, but laser scanning is generally more precise and more reliable, especially in low light or on low-texture surfaces. For millimetric as-built work, laser scanning is the safer choice.

Industry·6 min

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Photogrammetry vs Laser Scanning: Which to Choose

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