I'm not sure what forum area to throw this in, so here it is:
I want to provide a link to a subject concerning reference material and photogrammetry. Photogrammetry is the art of deriving mathematical information from photos. Since here at Flare... there are many discussion that cross into the realm of staship scales and dimensions I figured it may be useful. I've mentioned this to 3 sites thus far. Flare being one of my favorite sites, I wanted to bring this information and my suggestions here as well. It's a rather long and involved suggestion. So it would be easier for me just to link it.
It would be nice to see this philosophy of handling reference material be promoted here as well.
Thanks.
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
When you start a crusade, be clear. What exactly is it you want? There isn't a clear point to be made here or there other than it seems like your advertising for the two companies in your post at the other message board that you linked to here. That's very close to spamming, which is a big no-no here.
So, what are you getting at?
Posted by TheYoshinator (Member # 1066) on :
Well, reference material for each forum has this commonality- being capable of revealing mathematical information. As for mentioning those two companies related to photogrammetry being spam... I think that would be the case, if I were to be benefited from sales of either. However, in the context of my comments, I think they are relevant. More information about photogrammetry can be gathered at each.
My only want is for people to recognize the value of the photographs they may have in their possession or the photographs they are yet to take. I hope that when they decide to share those... to take these issues into consideration. It will benefit everyone. Not just those at a modeling forum... but also here.. where there are discussions of scales or what have you.
I apologize if that wasn't so clear. I'm no writer. But I hope somehow I get the message across.
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
The only problem is that most of the pictures shared here and elsewhere are screen caps from DVDs and photographs from printed media. Based on what you've said here and there, those pictures would be unsuitable for the analysis of the software you're linking to (and good luck convincing those people to change their methods).
As for fan productions, like ship models and ship schematics, for many people the pictures are going to altered in some way to make them suitable for the web and final presentation (not to mention that perhaps some don't like other people messing with their work). And the schematics don't even come in a standard pictorial format.
What you seem to be advocating is something that will either take a long time get everyone to produce something that is suitable for that analysis or will never ever happen.
As a side note, it matters not whether you personally benefit or not from a link, advertisement, product, etc. for it to be considered spam.
Posted by TheYoshinator (Member # 1066) on :
Yes. You are correct Most pictures are from DVDs and screencaps. But not all.
And as for achieving something that may take a long time? Then I remind you " A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
And lastly... those links are not spam if taken in proper context. Could it be considered as spam... yes, possibly. But then again so could any link... for anything... including links to pics hosted on some other site. Someone could arbitrarily suggest its spam to promote a given ISP or spam to promote JPEGs over GIFs or whatever silly thing. So taken in context, I personally don't think it's spam. It's obvious you do however, sorry about that. But others may not feel it is and may feel that it is relevant to the subject I was touching on.
Anyways... oh well. Posted by Masao (Member # 232) on :
Sure, I've tried to produced orthographic schematics from photographs, as I'm sure a lot of other of us have. It's pretty tough to do if all you have is a poor knowledge of perspective. Franz Joseph, being a trained draftsman, used this technique to produce the Starfleet Tech Manual. The CIA used to do the same kind of thing from pictures of Soviet military hardware. If the program you linked to from Starship Modeler works as advertised, that would be pretty cool. I don't have $895 to play with, unfortunately.
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
The biggest problem I find are getting the artists and such to allow their work to be manipulated in this fashion. A large chunk of them will allow it, but the rest would be dead-set against it (and I doubt there's much to change their minds). Good luck trying, but I doubt this is something the typical fan will be able to use for a while (especially considering that price).
Also, Yoshinator, I said it could be considered spam. I'm satisfied by your explanation that it wasn't.
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