7 Photogrammetry Books That Define the Field

These Photogrammetry Books, authored by leading experts like Kike Calvo and George D. Whitmore, provide authoritative insights and practical knowledge.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if you could capture the world in stunning detail just by harnessing the power of images? Photogrammetry, the art and science of extracting precise measurements from photographs, has quietly revolutionized mapping, engineering, and environmental monitoring. As drones and digital imaging surge in popularity, mastering photogrammetry is more essential than ever.

The books featured here come from respected authors such as Kike Calvo, George D. Whitmore, and Thomas Luhmann, who have shaped the field through their extensive research and real-world applications. Their works balance mathematical rigor, technological advancements, and hands-on guidance, making them indispensable resources for learners and professionals alike.

While these carefully chosen books offer proven frameworks and foundational knowledge, you might also consider creating a personalized Photogrammetry book tailored to your unique background, skill level, and goals. This approach builds on expert insights to accelerate your learning journey and adapt to your specific interests in drone mapping, GIS integration, or 3D imaging.

Best for drone mapping beginners
Kike Calvo is an award-winning photographer and journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic and The New York Times. His deep expertise in visual storytelling and environmental issues informs this approachable guide on drone photogrammetry. Calvo’s personal experience and industry insights make this book a practical tool for anyone looking to harness drones for mapping and conservation projects.
2015·72 pages·Photogrammetry, Drone Technology, Spatial Data, Environmental Monitoring, Mapping Techniques

Kike Calvo’s extensive experience as an award-winning photographer and journalist shapes this field guide into a down-to-earth introduction to drone-based photogrammetry. Instead of overwhelming you with technical jargon, Calvo breaks down essential concepts like georeferencing, orthomosaics, and 3D point clouds using accessible language enriched by interviews with industry professionals. This book helps you understand the hardware and software needed to either build your own drone mapping system or select a commercial solution with confidence. You’ll find particular value if you’re involved in environmental research, conservation, or any application requiring precise spatial data captured by UAVs.

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Best for digital photogrammetry fundamentals
George D. Whitmore is a renowned expert in photogrammetry and geospatial sciences, known for his contributions through publications and educational resources. His deep understanding of the field and its evolution with computing advancements uniquely positions him to write this book. Whitmore’s expertise shines as he explains the shift to soft-copy photogrammetry, making complex digital imaging and satellite program topics accessible. This authoritative background ensures you’re learning from someone who has shaped and observed the discipline’s progress firsthand.
Elements of Photogrammetry book cover

by George D. Whitmore··You?

576 pages·Photogrammetry, Geospatial Science, Digital Imaging, Satellite Imaging, Image Processing

When George D. Whitmore recognized the transformative impact of advancing computer technologies, he re-envisioned photogrammetry to reflect a shift toward digital methods. This book guides you through the evolution from traditional mapping to soft-copy photogrammetry, detailing digital imaging systems, satellite program advances, and image processing techniques critical to modern applications. You’ll gain a solid grasp of how computational speed and storage capabilities have reshaped photogrammetric mapping, with chapters dedicated to digital scanners and satellite imagery analysis. If you’re involved in geospatial sciences or seeking to update your knowledge with contemporary methods, this text offers foundational insights without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for tailored learning pathways
This personalized AI book about drone photogrammetry is created after you share your background, experience level, and which aspects of spatial data capture interest you most. By focusing on your specific goals in drone mapping and photogrammetric analysis, the book delivers targeted content that helps you navigate complex technical topics more efficiently. AI enables this tailored creation, ensuring the material aligns precisely with what you want to learn and achieve in this evolving field.
2025·50-300 pages·Photogrammetry, Drone Technology, Spatial Data, Image Processing, 3D Modeling

This tailored book explores the intricate world of drone-based photogrammetry and spatial data with a personalized focus to match your background and goals. It covers essential principles of image capture, processing, and analysis, revealing how drones transform spatial data collection. The content examines advanced photogrammetric techniques including 3D modeling, orthomosaic generation, and GIS integration, providing a clear pathway through complex concepts. By concentrating on your specific interests, this book helps deepen your understanding of spatial measurement accuracy, sensor calibration, and data visualization. This personalized guide ensures you engage directly with the aspects most relevant to your expertise and aspirations, making your learning efficient and focused.

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Best for advanced 3D imaging techniques
Thomas Luhmann is a prominent figure in the field of photogrammetry, affiliated with Jade University of Applied Sciences in Germany. His deep involvement in advancing close-range photogrammetry and 3D imaging has shaped this comprehensive guide. Drawing on his authoritative background, Luhmann offers a detailed exploration of the mathematical and system-based aspects of precise 3D imaging. This book reflects his commitment to providing readers with a rigorous and practical understanding of close-range photogrammetry techniques.
Close-Range Photogrammetry and 3D Imaging (De Gruyter STEM) book cover

by Thomas Luhmann, Stuart Robson, Stephen Kyle, Jan Boehm··You?

2019·843 pages·Photogrammetry, 3D Imaging, Imaging Techniques, Mathematics, System Calibration

Thomas Luhmann's extensive expertise in photogrammetry shines through in this third edition, which delves deeply into close-range photogrammetry and 3D imaging methods. You discover detailed mathematical foundations and practical systems that reveal the three-dimensional shapes of both manufactured and natural objects, supported by thorough explanations and illustrative case studies. The book suits professionals and advanced students aiming to master precise imaging techniques and apply them across diverse fields like manufacturing, archaeology, and civil engineering. Chapters on system calibration and error analysis provide particularly valuable insights that sharpen your technical skills, making it a focused and methodical resource rather than a casual overview.

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Paul R. Wolf, Ph.D., formerly a professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, brings extensive academic experience to this work, joined by Bon A. DeWitt, Ph.D., a seasoned Geomatics Program Director at the University of Florida specializing in photogrammetry and digital mapping. Their combined expertise, along with Benjamin E. Wilkinson's focus on remote sensing and software development, grounds this book in authoritative knowledge. Their deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of photogrammetry makes this a valuable resource for mastering modern techniques and GIS applications.
Elements of Photogrammetry with Application in GIS, Fourth Edition book cover

by Paul R. Wolf, Bon A. DeWitt, Benjamin E. Wilkinson··You?

2014·696 pages·Photogrammetry, GIS, Mapping, Laser Scanning, Imaging

Drawing from decades of academic expertise in geomatics and photogrammetry, the authors present a detailed exploration of both fundamental and advanced photogrammetric techniques. You'll gain a solid grasp of imaging principles, stereoscopic methods, laser scanning, and their integration with GIS applications, supported by clear example problems and extensive visual aids. The book delves into practical challenges like aerotriangulation and topographic mapping, making it especially useful for those involved in spatial data collection and analysis. If you're seeking a textbook that balances theoretical foundations with contemporary technological advances in photogrammetry, this offers a thorough and structured approach.

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Best for digital workflow specialists
Clifford W. Greve is a recognized expert in photogrammetry and remote sensing, contributing significantly to the field through his editorial work and publications. His authoritative background makes this book a valuable resource for those looking to expand their expertise in digital photogrammetry techniques and applications.
250 pages·Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, Digital Imaging, 3D Modeling, Sensor Calibration

Clifford W. Greve's extensive experience in photogrammetry and remote sensing shines through in this focused addendum to the Manual of Photogrammetry. You gain specialized insights into digital photogrammetry techniques that build upon traditional methods, enhancing your understanding of image processing, 3D modeling, and data accuracy. This book is particularly suited for professionals and advanced students seeking to deepen their technical grasp of digital workflows and precision measurement in photogrammetry. By exploring specific chapters on sensor calibration and digital terrain modeling, you’ll find practical knowledge directly applicable to surveying and mapping projects.

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Best for custom learning paths
This AI-created book on close-range photogrammetry is tailored to your skill level and specific interests. By sharing your background and goals, you receive a custom guide that focuses on the practical steps you need to master photogrammetry efficiently. It’s designed to bridge expert knowledge with your unique learning needs, making complex techniques more accessible and relevant. This personalized approach ensures you gain exactly the skills you want, without wading through unrelated content.
2025·50-300 pages·Photogrammetry, Photogrammetry Basics, Close-Range Techniques, 3D Reconstruction, Image Calibration

This personalized book delves into the practical mastery of close-range photogrammetry, designed to match your background and ambitions. It explores rapid, hands-on techniques for capturing accurate measurements from images, focusing on the essential skills needed to excel within a 90-day period. By tailoring content to your specific goals and current expertise, it reveals a clear pathway through complex concepts, enabling you to gain confidence and competence efficiently. The book emphasizes real-world applications and step-by-step processes, helping you build a solid foundation while advancing toward proficiency in photogrammetry with precision and clarity.

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Best for practical close-range applications
Thomas Luhmann is a prominent figure in photogrammetry and an editor at Jade University of Applied Sciences in Germany. His extensive background in close-range photogrammetry shapes this book, making it a thorough guide for accurate 3D measurements. Joined by experts Stuart Robson, Stephen Kyle, and Jan Boehm, Luhmann offers a comprehensive resource grounded in both theory and practical application across multiple disciplines.
Close Range Photogrammetry and 3D Imaging book cover

by Thomas Luhmann, Stuart Robson, Stephen Kyle, Jan Boehm··You?

2018·684 pages·Photogrammetry, Imaging Technology, 3D Reconstruction, Digital Imaging, Image Orientation

Thomas Luhmann, a respected editor at Jade University of Applied Sciences, brings decades of expertise in close-range photogrammetry to this detailed second edition. You’ll explore the precise mathematics behind image orientation and 3D reconstruction, alongside practical insights into hardware and software implementation. The book walks you through diverse applications—from engineering and manufacturing to medical science and archaeology—demonstrating how to achieve accurate 3D measurements with digital imaging. Chapters on targeting and illumination reveal how to optimize imaging conditions, making this a solid resource if you need a thorough understanding of photogrammetric techniques and their real-world utility.

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Best for airborne imaging technology
Dr. Rainer Sandau, PhD 1997 and habilitation 1990, is Chief Scientist at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin, Germany. With over 25 years devoted to airborne and spaceborne remote sensing, he brings authoritative insight into digital airborne camera technology. His expertise underpins this book, which delves into the intricate components and processes behind modern photogrammetric imaging systems, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to master airborne data acquisition techniques.
2009·355 pages·Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, Imaging Technology, Sensor Systems, Digital Cameras

Drawing from over 25 years of experience in airborne and spaceborne remote sensing, Dr. Rainer Sandau delivers a detailed exploration of digital airborne cameras and their technological evolution. You gain insight into how digital sensors overcome limitations of film-based systems by capturing high-resolution geometric and spectral data in a single flight, with chapters devoted to sensor components, optics, and data processing workflows. This book suits professionals and researchers aiming to understand the integration of optics, electronics, and software in modern photogrammetric instrumentation. While technical, it clearly outlines the complex interactions within camera systems, helping you grasp both capabilities and constraints of digital airborne imaging.

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Conclusion

These seven Photogrammetry books collectively map out a clear path through theory, technology, and application. If you seek a solid introduction to drone-based mapping, Kike Calvo’s guide offers practical clarity. For those aiming to grasp digital methods and GIS integration, Whitmore’s and Wolf’s texts deliver authoritative depth. Meanwhile, Luhmann’s and Greve’s volumes sharpen technical skills in close-range and digital photogrammetry.

If you’re looking to implement photogrammetry efficiently, combining Calvo’s accessible drone insights with the precise imaging techniques from Luhmann can accelerate your projects. Alternatively, those focused on airborne imaging technology will find Sandau’s exploration invaluable.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Photogrammetry book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and confidently navigate photogrammetry’s evolving landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "So You Want to Create Maps Using Drones?" by Kike Calvo if you're new to photogrammetry. It breaks down drone-based mapping simply, making complex concepts accessible before moving to more technical texts.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Photogrammetry?

Not at all. Titles like Calvo’s are beginner-friendly, while others such as Luhmann’s dive deeper into technical details. You can progress at your own pace depending on your background and goals.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with introductory works like Calvo’s and Whitmore’s, then advance to specialized books by Luhmann and Greve for close-range and digital photogrammetry techniques.

Do these books focus more on theory or practical application?

They offer a balance. For example, Whitmore’s book emphasizes digital theory, while Calvo’s guide and Luhmann’s volumes provide hands-on techniques and real-world case studies.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Photogrammetry changes?

While some foundational texts date back a few years, their core principles remain relevant. Complement them with current resources or personalized books to stay updated on recent advances.

Can personalized books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes! These expert books provide strong foundations, and personalized books tailor that knowledge to your specific needs, helping you apply principles efficiently. Explore creating your own Photogrammetry book to bridge theory and practice.

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