Which Tool Is Best: 3D Scanning or Photogrammetry - It Depends on the Task

In many educational and clinical settings we are increasingly looking into methodologies for accurate 3D representations of structures and specimens. This is relevant for anatomy teaching, pathology, forensic and anthropological sciences, and various clinical fields. The question then arises which tool best suits the task at hand - both 3D scanning and photogrammetry are options. For the use in medical education the aim is to create 3D models of anatomical specimens with high quality and resolution. Various qualitative and quantitative criteria determine the performance fidelity and results of 3D scanning versus photogrammetry. In our work we found that photogrammetry provides more realistic surface textures and very good geometries for most specimens. 3D surface scanning captures more accurate geometries of complex specimens and in specimens with reflective surfaces. The 3D scanning workflow and capture method is more practical for soft specimens where movement of the sample can lead to distortions. Overall, both methods are highly recommended dependent on the nature of the specimen and the use case of the 3D model.