Optimising the GoPro HERO 11, 12 and 13 Cameras for Underwater Photogrammetry

Andrew J. Woods¹, David A. Newman², Daniel Adams¹

¹Curtin HIVE (Hub for Immersive Visualisation and eResearch), Curtin University

²GoPro

GoPro cameras are often used for underwater photogrammetry purposes. For those not already familiar, underwater photogrammetry is the process of capturing photographs of underwater wrecks, underwater cultural heritage, and other underwater objects and subsequently using photogrammetry processing software to generate digital 3D models of those sites. We have developed a series of steps that can be followed to improve the image capture performance of recent GoPro camera models which is expected to improve the quality of 3D models processed from those images. The process makes use extensive use of GoPro Labs which is a custom firmware for advanced users of GoPro cameras.

The code has been tested with GoPro HERO11, HERO12 and HERO13 cameras. The code has NOT been tested on other GoPro cameras (e.g. 10, 10 Bones, 9, 8, 7, MAX). It may work but might fail completely.

The document is in active development. We are in beta-release stage at the moment. The full version of the document will eventually be hosted on this page.

If you are interested in being a beta-tester, please complete this form: "weblink to form"

The current document version is: v5h 16 September 2024.
The current BOOT code version is: V28B