Abstract:
Close range photogrammetry has increasingly diverse practical
application within the biological sciences. Its use in large mammal research for
size and/or mass estimation has proven extremely beneficial. Recent
photogrammetric technique advancements have improved its applicability in
the field, although some analytical components remain time consuming. The
use of automated coded targets, associated with commercially available
software, was evaluated to simplify photogrammetric analysis without
compromising its practicality. The effects of variable target size and shape,
lighting conditions, number of photographs, photograph target coverage and
project processing time were assessed. Augmenting a published
photogrammetric field technique by including coded targets greatly reduced
analysis time. The simplified method is attractive for use by a wider range of
both specialist and non-specialist users for applications within the animal
photogrammetry field.
