Accurate Measurements without LIDAR: Demystifying 360° Photogrammetry with ARX Geo 360º

Direct facade medication in the panorama (360º Image)

In the mapping sector, it is common to believe that only laser sensors (LIDAR) can provide highly accurate three-dimensional measurements. This view, however, is being challenged by new photogrammetric approaches that use georeferenced 360° panoramic images. ARX Geo 360º, software developed by ARX Tecnologia in Brazil, is one example: it enables measurements directly on 360° images through photogrammetric intersection, eliminating the need for LIDAR.

In this article, we explain how 360° image-based measurement with GNSS/IMU works, highlight the operational advantages of a laser-free approach, and compare results. We also discuss when LIDAR is still required, present typical use cases (urban mapping, road surveys, cadastral applications).

360° Measurement with GNSS/IMU and Photogrammetry

How It Works

Measurement from 360° panoramic images is based on classical photogrammetry principles. In a mobile mapping system such as the ARX 672 (by ARX Tecnologia), a high-resolution digital camera (72 MP) captures spherical images at regular intervals along the route, while an integrated GNSS (satellite positioning) and IMU (inertial unit) continuously record the camera’s position and orientation.

Each 360° image is therefore accompanied by precise georeferencing metadata, indicating where and how the photo was taken.

These overlapping images allow the use of photogrammetric intersection for measurements.

In practice, this means that a point of interest visible in at least two different images can have its 3D position calculated by triangulating the camera view rays.

The ARX Geo 360º software uses orientation parameters (from GNSS/IMU) and camera calibration to project vectors from each image; when the same target (e.g., the base of a pole) is selected, the system automatically calculates its 3D coordinates by intersection. With two 3D points of an object, it becomes possible to measure real distances – such as pole heights, sign widths, bridge spans, trees, or any other asset – all directly on the 360° panorama.

Thanks to the high resolution of modern 360° cameras and the accuracy of GNSS/IMU registration, photogrammetric measurements achieve survey-grade precision. In practice, it is possible to extract coordinates with errors of just a few centimeters – comparable to laser surveys. The advantage is that the entire environment around the vehicle is visually documented, allowing users to virtually revisit the scene as many times as needed.

In summary, 3D measurement from 360° imagery works by combining computer vision and precise georeferencing: the hardware captures the world in geolocated photos, and the software reconstructs spatial distances using photogrammetric techniques.

Accurate measurement without LiDAR

Technical and Operational Advantages of a Laser-Free Approach (No LIDAR)

Choosing a mobile mapping system without a laser scanner (LIDAR) offers several technical and operational benefits, especially when using a specialized solution such as ARX Geo. Key advantages include:

• Simpler and more affordable equipment: Systems based solely on 360° cameras tend to be more compact and lightweight, making installation on different vehicles easier. Without the LIDAR module (an expensive and relatively heavy device), hardware costs and specific maintenance needs drop significantly. This makes the technology more accessible to companies and municipalities, without compromising mapping quality. Industry studies show that cameras can meet the accuracy requirements of most mobile mapping projects while reducing investment substantially. In other words, excellent results are achieved with a leaner sensor set.

• Faster operation and easier training: Data collection with cameras is straightforward – simply drive through the area of interest while images are automatically captured. There is no need to worry about laser scanning parameters or surface reflectivity; any visible feature is captured in the image. Training teams to operate the system and process photographic data is usually faster, as images are intuitive to interpret. Navigation in software such as ARX Geo 360º is visual and user-friendly, allowing technicians to identify assets and take measurements directly on panoramic photos.

• Rich visual data: 360° photographs provide full visual context of the environment. This is a qualitative advantage over raw laser points – in images, it is easy to distinguish objects (for example, a traffic sign from a light pole, based on shape and color), while monochromatic point clouds often require heavier processing. Visual richness also benefits AI applications, enabling automatic identification of elements such as signs and building facades directly from the imagery. Thus, the photographic database serves multiple purposes (visual analysis, AI detection, reporting) in addition to measurement itself.

Reduced Data Volume, Costs, and System Complexity

An important consequence of eliminating LIDAR is the drastic reduction in data volume and associated costs for storage and processing. Laser surveys generate extremely dense point clouds – millions of points result in heavy files requiring robust infrastructure. Another challenge with large data volumes is file transfer between field operators (vehicle systems) and office teams.

360° image-based mapping generates significantly smaller datasets: each panorama is a single file (measured in megabytes), and collection intervals (e.g., one photo every 10 meters) can be configured per project.

In terms of workflow, image-only collection simplifies data acquisition. The photogrammetric processing required for measurements is carried out automatically or semi-automatically by the software, avoiding heavy filtering and point-cloud registration steps. The learning curve is also shorter: working with photos and maps is routine for many GIS teams, while handling dense 3D point clouds requires greater technical expertise.

From a financial perspective, these factors translate into operational savings. Less data to store means lower investment in servers or cloud services; simpler processes reduce processing hours and the need for highly specialized staff.

Situations Where LIDAR is Still Necessary

Despite advances in 360° photogrammetry, there are scenarios where LIDAR remains irreplaceable or advantageous. For example, in heavily wooded urban areas where cameras cannot “see” through foliage. In such cases, LIDAR stands out for its ability to capture information at different vegetation levels. Laser pulses partially penetrate tree canopies, generating multiple returns that form a detailed 3D point cloud.

For forestry projects, densely vegetated urban areas, or environmental surveys, laser scanning is generally the required choice for accurately representing terrain and vegetation structures. The good news is that these situations are a minority in day-to-day surveys – and outside of them, 360° cameras deliver excellent cost-benefit performance.

Typical Use Cases of 360° Photogrammetry (Urban, Road, Cadastral)

High-resolution panoramic image-based mobile mapping fits particularly well into several common ground survey scenarios. Typical use cases include:

• Urban Mapping and Smart Cities: In urban contexts, where streets contain a wide range of assets and details, 360° mapping enables fast cataloging and measurement of infrastructure. Municipalities can collect data on traffic signs, traffic lights, street furniture, pavement conditions, and even building facades. A practical example is updating municipal cadasters: 360° imagery makes it possible to identify unregistered constructions or building expansions, aiding in property tax reassessment. Photogrammetric measurement helps dimension setbacks, building heights, and street widths, providing valuable data for urban planning.

• Road Surveys and Roadway Inventories: On highways and roads, georeferenced imagery supports inventory creation and event documentation. From collected data, technicians can measure lane width, assess horizontal and vertical signage, identify pavement defects, and locate elements such as guardrails, bridges, viaducts, and special structures – all virtually, without returning to the field. Photogrammetry offers speed and safety advantages: less time is spent with teams on the roadside collecting points manually, since most information is extracted from the images. Accuracy is sufficient to support engineering projects (e.g., resurfacing, road widening) with time savings.

• Other domains also benefit: railways (track mapping, level crossings, right-of-way monitoring), environmental studies (risk areas, erosion along roads), and civil defense (documenting scenarios for emergency planning). In all these cases, the portability and speed of mobile image mapping allow frequent updates and large urban coverage without prohibitive costs.

Accurate measurement LiDAR-free

ARX Geo and the Brazilian Context

ARX Geo was conceived and developed in Brazil by ARX Tecnologia, with expertise from Master’s and PhD graduates from UNESP – one of the most prestigious universities not only in Brazil but in all of Latin America. The team focuses on the specific demands of tropical countries, such as high temperatures, strong winds, and humidity, while also adapting seamlessly to regions with more stable conditions.

• Adaptation to local reference systems: From the start, the software was designed to work with Brazil’s official geodetic systems (SIRGAS2000, SAD69 when required, UTM and state TM/Polyconic projections). This ensures measurements are ready to integrate into municipal cadasters and Brazilian cartographic bases without complex conversions.

• Easy-to-use interface and data protection compliance: ARX Geo features an intuitive interface that makes it simple for teams to operate. The software also incorporates privacy safeguards in line with Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD), ensuring the anonymity of individuals captured in images, as well as blurring license plates and other sensitive data.

• Development by Brazilian specialists: The technical team behind ARX Geo includes Marcelo Pacheco: master in Cartographic Sciences and specialist in software development and geotechnology systems, Roberto Ruy: PhD in Cartographic Sciences and Mapping Projects graduated from UNESP and Thiago Tiedtke: Master in Cartographic Sciences with expertise in navigation and mapping sensor integration graduated from UNESP as well. Their knowledge ensures the software is optimized for extreme conditions, from calibrating 360° cameras under tropical sun to robust post-processing in complex urban scenarios.

• Local partnerships and ecosystem: ARX Tecnologia partnered with Mosaic to combine cutting-edge hardware with ARX Geo software. It also collaborates with Brazilian institutions and pilot clients to refine the product based on real field feedback. The system has been tested in mapping projects across Brazilian cities of various sizes, ensuring adaptability – from large metropolitan areas to interior highways.

• Integration with existing GIS systems: Local support and flexible licensing (rental, lifetime purchase, or DLL integration into client software) make the total cost of ownership more attractive than an expensive LiDAR system. 

In short, ARX Geo 360º is an innovative Brazilian solution that incorporates state-of-the-art mobile photogrammetry, tailored to Brazilian realities. For national and international geotechnology companies, this means access to international-level technology (as an alternative to LIDAR) with local support, competitive costs, and features designed for their context.

Conclusion

The idea that only LIDAR systems are capable of highly accurate 3D measurements no longer reflects today’s technological reality. Solutions based on georeferenced 360° imagery, precise GNSS/IMU, and modern photogrammetry have proven to deliver comparable results across multiple applications, while offering clear advantages in simplicity, cost, and versatility.

ARX Geo 360º, developed by ARX Tecnologia, exemplifies this evolution: a platform that demystifies LIDAR dependence by enabling mapping companies to perform accurate surveys directly from panoramic photographs. With it, urban, road, and cadastral mapping tasks become faster and more efficient without sacrificing quality.

Each project must be critically assessed to select the appropriate technology. In many day-to-day scenarios – city streets, highways, asset inventories – 360° photogrammetry fully meets requirements, delivering centimeter-level accuracy and a rich visual database. LIDAR remains relevant for specific contexts (dense forests, complex 3D modeling, etc.), but it is no longer the only reliable option.

For geotechnology professionals, it is encouraging to have alternatives like ARX Geo that combine innovation and local expertise. This approach lowers entry barriers and opens the door for more organizations to benefit from high-precision mobile mapping, choosing the right tool for each challenge – whether it’s a laser beam or a 360-degree camera.

ARX Geo 360°