Metashapelib

A library for extending Metashape functionalities.

Current functionalities:

• Run Montecarlo simulation for estimating on-ground accuracy of a photogrammetric project (upgraded version of the precision_estimate.py script from Mike James).
• Functions for automatizing processing workflow
• Functions for importing and exporting data
• Integration with Deep-Image-Matching
• Integration with other SfM software packages
• Multitemporal processing with ICEpy4D
• Other functionalities

Use Metashape as external module

Create Environment with anaconda

Download the current .whl file and install it following these instructions (using the name of the .whl file that you downloaded).

conda create -n metashape python=3.10
conda activate metashape
pip3 install Metashape-"XX".whl
pip3 install -e .

License

Metashape license: You need a license (and associated license file) for Metashape. The easiest way to get the license file, is by installing the Metashape Professional Edition GUI software (distinct from the Python module) and registering it following the prompts in the software (you need to purchase a license first). Once you have a license file (whether a node-locked or floating license), you need to set the agisoft_LICENSE environment variable (search onilne for instructions for your OS; look for how to permanently set it) to the path to the folder containing the license file (metashape.lic).

With Linux (Ubuntu 22.04), to permanently setup agisoft_LICENSE environment variable for floating license, modify your .bashrc file:

sudo nano ~/.bashrc

add the line (replace port and address with your values)

export agisoft_LICENSE="port"@"address"

source ~/.bashrc

Check if the new environmental variable is present:

printenv | grep agisoft

Install external modules in Metashape built-in pyhton environment

Follow the official guide https://agisoft.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/31000136860-how-to-install-external-python-module-to-metashape-professional-package

For Linux:

./metashape-pro/python/bin/python3.8 -m pip install "python_module_name"

Issues

Reach Python Console

In Metashape app, if Reach Python Console does not work and gives the following error

Failed to import qtconsole.inprocess: libffi.so.6: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory
Construction of rich console failed - using simple console

You need to manually install libffi6 with

wget https://mirrors.kernel.org/ubuntu/pool/main/libf/libffi/libffi6_3.2.1-8_amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./libffi6_3.2.1-8_amd64.deb

Credits

The Monte Carlo simulation part is strongly inspired by the work "3-D uncertainty-based topographic change detection with structure-from-motion photogrammetry: precision maps for ground control and directly georeferenced surveys" by James et al. (2017) and "A MONTE CARLO SIMULATION STUDY ON THE DOME EFFECT" by Roncella et al. (2021).