3D Scanning Trees – Course Registration

ABOUT
This fall, Using Trees will offer its first open enrolment course in photogrammetric 3D scanning of trees. No prior experience is required, and enrolment is open to anyone interested in learning these processes.

Across five hands-on sessions, participants will learn general photogrammetry techniques, consider how these methods can be applied specifically to trees, test tools for working with point cloud models, and make illustrated and analytical drawings from the trees they have captured digitally. There will also be plenty of time for questions and discussion throughout.

Each two-hour class will be hosted remotely via Zoom. During the course, a full recording of each session will be made available for participants joining from distant time zones, or for those who are unable to attend a given week. Participants will also be able to reach the instructor outside of class hours for support throughout the course.

SCHEDULE
Classes will run on Sundays from 12:00–2:00 PM Eastern Time (Toronto). Below is a brief outline of the course structure. All registrants will receive a detailed course outline and notes on any necessary preparations before the course begins.

Week 1 // Oct 25 – Introductions and taking good photos of trees
Week 2 // Nov 1 – Basic photogrammetry workflows
Week 3 // Nov 8 – Advanced photogrammetry tools and manipulating point clouds
Week 4 // Nov 15 – How to make drawings of trees from point clouds
Week 5 // Nov 22 – No scheduled class – working week with access to instructor
Week 6 // Nov 29 – Presentations of the work achieved and discussions

REQUIREMENTS + DETAILS
– All participants will need access to a computer. Both Mac and Windows systems will work well for this course.
– All participants will need access to a camera. SLR-style cameras and smartphone cameras can both produce very good photogrammetry scans.
– During the course, participants will use several software packages. The required 3D scanning software is either free or available through a fully functional trial that will last for the duration of the course. Additional drawing software will be introduced in the second half of the course, but participants will be able to use their preferred programs for this part of the work.

STUDENT DISCOUNT
A 50% discount is available to registrants who are currently full-time students at any level of study. Those registering at this rate will be asked to provide evidence of enrolment, and should register using their school-related email address.

MORE INFO
This course builds on the ongoing tree scanning research, teaching and practice of Using Trees founder Zachary Mollica. In particular, participants can expect to learn a process for producing work similar to the results demonstrated here by Zac’s students at the University of Toronto: https://zacharymolli.ca/project/toronto-tree-scans/. A few slides from this work are also shown above, by students Liam Cassano, Annie Song, Julia Song and Caterina Tian.

For any questions, please DM @zacharymollica on Instagram, or reach out via the contact page on this site.