iWitness: Photogrammetry Software compared to iWitnessPRO

With the release of iWitnessPRO, many are asking which photogrammetry software system (iWitness or iWitnessPRO) is better suited for their image-based measurement needs. We've put together the below chart to highlight the differences.

Comparison	iWitness	iWitnessPRO
Create accurate 3D measurements	Yes	Yes
Create accurate 3D models	Yes	Yes
One click target centroiding of synthetic targets	Yes	Yes
Perform the best photogrammetric camera orientation in the industry	Yes	Yes
Easy to use Graphical User Interface	Yes	Yes
Automatic network orientation with "one cursor click" using red-retro coded targets	NO	Yes
Automatic deter- mination of red-retro feature point targets	NO	Yes

The key difference between iWitness and iWitnessPRO is that iWitnessPRO employs red retroreflective coded targets to enable automatic network orientation, with subsequent automatic determination of the coordinates of any targeted feature point.

iWitnessPRO provides all of the functionality of iWitness. iWitnessPRO is the only close-range photogrammetry software system available that permits automatic measurement of Red-Retro Reflective targets in color imagery. It retains the traditional operator-assisted natural feature marking of points, lines, polylines and photo texturing found in iWitness.

Consider the example of modeling a crushed vehicle (front/back, and both sides) with traditional operator-assisted network orientation (e.g., iWitness) which takes a few hours to complete. Using iWitnessPRO, network orientation is completed automatically in a matter of minutes, to an accuracy typically within .02" (.5mm) RMS.

Here's some thought that should help you in your decision with purchasing iWitness Vs iWitnesPRO.

1. If the bulk of your projects will not allow you to apply iWitnessPRO red retro targets, you're best served with using iWitness. You can always upgrade to iWitnessPRO in the future if you desire, so keep that in mind.

2. Is sub-millimeter accuracy required or desirable in your project?: Yes=iWitnessPRO, No=iWitness.

3. Do you feel in some (or possibly many?) of your projects that you anticipate that fully automatic measurement is key to a compressed work flow and your time constraints? Yes=iWitnessPRO, No=iWitness.

4. Are the bulk of your projects outdoors, where measurements over tens of meters are required? Yes=iWitness, No=iWitnessPRO

5. Does the user action of "pushing one button" appeal to you, with the photogrammetric 3D model automatically created?: Yes=iWitnessPRO, No=iWitness.

6. Are you limited to using an "entry level" camera for the photogrammetry imaging?: Yes=iWitness, No iWitnessPRO. Note: for iWitnessPRO we recommend a moderately priced digital SLR camera, circa $450.00.

7. Do you plan on using one of these two systems for interior measurement and expect a high degree of measurement automation and accuracy (e.g., a homicide investigation)?: Yes: iWitnessPRO, No iWitness.

If you own a digital SLR camera, and some of the questions above favor the "automatic measurement" then iWitnessPRO is your best solution.