Sea King Photogrammetry Model (Imperial Beach, California)

[beldridg]

A couple years ago, Tyler Stalter and I found and eventually identified a new Sea King SH-3A helicopter wreck. It was an epic journey to get the identification correct and, for a short while, we even thought it might have been the infamous Helo 66.

At the time, we were mainly focussed on identifying the wreck and not photogrammetry so I only had enough pictures to build an "okay" model of only one section of the debris field. Given that it is a debris field, it adds to the complexity of building a model (keeping track of what you have covered, covering the empty areas, etc).

I went back last week and took 1,100 photos (@ 210 fsw) and built what I think is a superb model of the entire debris field. I've posted the details of the dive along with a link to the "live" online model and a bunch of screenshots.

SH-3A Sea King Photogrammetry Model (San Diego — 210 fsw)

Background A couple years ago, Tyler and finally found a helicopter wreck that we had been looking for. It took a lot of detective work and running down a lot of leads before we finally correctly i…

wreckedinmyrevo.com

Below is one screenshot of the model where you can actually see a fish in the left foreground (it posed for the pictures and didn't move!) along with the main debris field with the dipping sonar and main rotor in the right foreground along with a couple of the main blades. The background has the tail section, the tail rotor, and one of the main landing gears.

We are working on a couple more local projects we hope to finish before the end of the year so stay tuned...

Regards,

- brett

 

[Cthippo]

How well does this system work with wrecks where you are accessing both the outside and the inside? Does this confuse the software?

 

[beldridg]

If you do it correctly, it actually works. Here is an example of the Ruby E in San Diego:

Ruby E (San Diego –85 fsw)

Background The Ruby E was the second vessel intentionally sunk off of Mission Beach, San Diego as part of “wreck alley.” She was built in 1934 and sank on June 18, 1989 so she has been …

wreckedinmyrevo.com

If you look through the post and take a look at the on-line model, you can actually "navigate" into the engine room and see both of the 6 cylinder head engines.

I've got a few other examples of engine rooms and interior spaces and have a plan to publish an in-depth article about it but need to find the time. There are some not-so-obvious challenges to doing photogrammetry on internal spaces.



- brett

 

[Cthippo]

Ah, the Cyane. I spent about 6 years trying to identify the remains of one of her sister ships, the USS Hermes.

Thanks for the info!

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

When do we get to see the Britannic?

 

[Cthippo]

When do we get to see the Britannic?

HMHS Britannic (Kea Island, Greece — 385 fsw)

Background The HMHS Britannic is, according to many, the pinnacle of wreck diving. I have always dreamt of diving the wreck but it was always “out of reach” for many different reasons. …

wreckedinmyrevo.com

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

HMHS Britannic (Kea Island, Greece — 385 fsw)

Background The HMHS Britannic is, according to many, the pinnacle of wreck diving. I have always dreamt of diving the wreck but it was always “out of reach” for many different reasons. …

wreckedinmyrevo.com

oh yes, I saw that when it was posted. I meant the photogammetry model. That is a non-trivial task with such a huge ship!

 

[beldridg]

oh yes, I saw that when it was posted. I meant the photogammetry model. That is a non-trivial task with such a huge ship!

Yeah, definitely non-trivial also given the depth and the time available. I have discussed the idea with a few others and I know there has been some progress made, but it is a monumental task.

Right now, I'm working on finishing the Yukon off San Diego which will hopefully be completed soon.

- brett

 

[Nrenee]

This is rad! Thanks for sharing. I’m local to San Diego and so this is especially interesting to me