Align images using SLAM data/trajectory and images - V2.0.2

[Chani]

Is there a way in Metashape V2.0.2 to use the point cloud and trajectory file to automatically align the cameras more accurately?

We are seeking a method to leverage point clouds (SLAM data) to aid in aligning images captured simultaneously from a fixed point on the SLAM device.

Typically, our SLAM files are aligned to control points (GCPs) during processing, ensuring that the SLAM Lidar data serves as the reference.

Currently, we use Metashape for image alignment, but the initial results are not accurate enough to colourise the SLAM point cloud effectively. We import the SLAM point cloud and its trajectory, then manually add markers throughout the image sequence to achieve better alignment with the point cloud.

I had hoped that we could employ the point cloud and trajectory file to automate the camera alignment process, achieving greater accuracy.

A similar workflow exists for TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) scans, which appears to use embedded images to assist in alignment. However, when attempting to align our data, it seems this method does not work effectively with our non-TLS data, likely because we don't have embedded images.

Is there a specific approach or feature in Metashape 2.02 that allows us to harness the point cloud and trajectory file for more precise camera alignment?

[Chani]

I'm just bumping this to see if anyone new may be able to throw a solution for this. I'm guessing it's not currently possible to align images using a SLAM trajectory file. Maybe some way to script this? I'm not a coder so it is beyond my understanding of where to begin with it.

We also cannot get our SLAM data set to automatically assist with aligning the images, we still have to do it all manually with markers. Very time-consuming and I'm hoping I've overlooked something in the process.

Is there a way in Metashape V2.0.2 to use the point cloud and trajectory file to automatically align the cameras more accurately?

We are seeking a method to leverage point clouds (SLAM data) to aid in aligning images captured simultaneously from a fixed point on the SLAM device.

Typically, our SLAM files are aligned to control points (GCPs) during processing, ensuring that the SLAM Lidar data serves as the reference.

Currently, we use Metashape for image alignment, but the initial results are not accurate enough to colourise the SLAM point cloud effectively. We import the SLAM point cloud and its trajectory, then manually add markers throughout the image sequence to achieve better alignment with the point cloud.

I had hoped that we could employ the point cloud and trajectory file to automate the camera alignment process, achieving greater accuracy.

A similar workflow exists for TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) scans, which appears to use embedded images to assist in alignment. However, when attempting to align our data, it seems this method does not work effectively with our non-TLS data, likely because we don't have embedded images.

Is there a specific approach or feature in Metashape 2.02 that allows us to harness the point cloud and trajectory file for more precise camera alignment?