Agisoft Metashape Professional Photogrammetry for Research, Surveying & Heritage
Agisoft Metashape is a professional photogrammetry software for creating 3D spatial data from digital images, widely used in surveying, archaeology, heritage preservation, and scientific research.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Agisoft LLC
- Category
- Photogrammetry & Mapping
- Pricing
- One-Time License
- Starting Price
- $179
- Best For
- Researchers and academics in archaeology and geology
We use Agisoft Metashape for professional projects. See our workflow →
What is Agisoft Metashape?
Agisoft Metashape (formerly PhotoScan) is a versatile photogrammetry software developed by Agisoft LLC in St. Petersburg, Russia. Since its initial release, it has become one of the most widely used photogrammetry tools in research, archaeology, and professional surveying due to its balance of accuracy, flexibility, and reasonable pricing.
Metashape processes digital images to generate dense point clouds, textured 3D meshes, orthomosaics, and DEMs/DTMs. It supports both aerial and close-range photogrammetry workflows, and its Python API enables extensive scripting and automation for batch processing.
At THE FUTURE 3D, we use Agisoft Metashape for projects where detailed control over processing parameters is required, particularly in heritage documentation and scientific research applications. The software's multispectral processing capability also makes it valuable for specialized agricultural and environmental surveys across our Southeast Florida service area.
Agisoft Metashape Key Features
Comprehensive capabilities that make Agisoft Metashape a professional choice for photogrammetry & mapping.
Dense Point Cloud Generation
Generate dense point clouds with millions of points from overlapping photographs. Multiple quality levels allow balancing accuracy with processing time.
GCP & RTK Integration
Full georeferencing support with ground control points, check points, and RTK/PPK positioning data. Comprehensive accuracy reporting and error analysis.
Multispectral Processing
Process multispectral imagery for vegetation indices (NDVI), agricultural analysis, and environmental monitoring. Unique capability among photogrammetry tools.
Python API & Scripting
Extensive Python API enables automation, batch processing, and custom workflows. Script every step from image import to final export.
Network Processing
Distribute processing across multiple computers on a network for faster results. Ideal for large datasets requiring significant compute power.
DEM & Orthomosaic Generation
Create Digital Elevation Models (DEM/DTM), orthomosaics, and tiled models. Export in GIS-compatible formats for spatial analysis.
Agisoft Metashape Pricing & Plans
Agisoft Metashape uses a one-time license model for long-term value.
Standard Edition
- Sparse/dense point clouds
- 3D mesh generation
- Orthomosaic export
- Basic measurements
Professional Edition
- Everything in Standard
- Georeferencing & GCPs
- Multispectral processing
- Python API
- Network processing
Educational
- Standard features
- Academic use only
- Non-commercial license
Don't Want to Buy Software?
At THE FUTURE 3D, we own Agisoft Metashape licenses and use it for client projects. You get professional photogrammetry & mapping deliverables without purchasing software yourself. Get a free project quote →
Agisoft Metashape Pros & Cons
Advantages
- One-time purchase with affordable perpetual license
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio ($3,499 for Professional)
- Strong Python API for automation and batch processing
- Multispectral processing for agricultural applications
- Wide format support and flexibility
- Large user community with extensive documentation
Limitations
- Processing speed slower than RealityCapture
- User interface is functional but dated
- No cloud processing option
- Limited collaboration features
Who Should Use Agisoft Metashape?
Agisoft Metashape is Best For
- Researchers and academics in archaeology and geology
- Heritage preservation and cultural documentation
- Surveyors needing affordable professional photogrammetry
- Agricultural and environmental mapping with multispectral data
- Users needing extensive scripting and automation
Consider Alternatives If
- Users needing cloud-based collaboration
- Projects requiring fastest possible processing (consider RealityCapture)
- Teams needing built-in collaboration tools
- Beginners wanting simple one-click workflows
Technical Specifications
System Requirements
- Operating System
- Windows 7/10/11, macOS, Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
- RAM
- 16GB minimum, 64GB+ for large projects
- Storage
- SSD with 50GB+ free space
- GPU
- NVIDIA GPU with CUDA support recommended
Supported File Formats
Integrations & Compatible Platforms
Agisoft Metashape Alternatives
Depending on your specific needs, these alternatives may also be worth considering.
How We Use Agisoft Metashape
Our professional workflow leveraging Agisoft Metashape for client projects.
Import drone imagery and camera calibration data
Align photos with GCPs for georeferenced accuracy
Generate dense point cloud at high quality settings
Build textured 3D mesh for visualization
Create orthomosaic and DEM exports
Run Python scripts for batch processing and custom reports
Deliverables We Produce with Agisoft Metashape
Related Services Using Agisoft Metashape
Compatible Equipment
Agisoft Metashape works with data from these scanners and drones that we use.
Industries Using Agisoft Metashape
Agisoft Metashape Services Near You
We provide professional photogrammetry & mapping services using Agisoft Metashape across Southeast Florida. 1-hour response time.
Agisoft Metashape FAQ
What is Agisoft Metashape?
Agisoft Metashape (formerly PhotoScan) is a professional photogrammetry software that creates 3D models, orthomosaics, and DEMs from digital images. It is widely used in surveying, research, archaeology, and heritage preservation.
How much does Agisoft Metashape cost?
Metashape Standard costs $179 and Professional costs $3,499, both as one-time perpetual licenses. Educational pricing is available at $59 for Standard. This makes it one of the most affordable professional photogrammetry options.
Is Agisoft Metashape better than Pix4D?
Both are excellent professional tools. Metashape offers a more affordable perpetual license and better scripting capabilities. Pix4D has a more modern interface and better cloud options. Choice depends on workflow needs and budget.
Can Metashape process multispectral imagery?
Yes, Metashape Professional can process multispectral imagery from cameras like MicaSense for agricultural applications, generating vegetation indices like NDVI, NDRE, and other custom band combinations.
Does Metashape support Python scripting?
Yes, Metashape Professional includes a comprehensive Python API that allows automating every step of the workflow. Users can create custom processing scripts, batch operations, and integrate with other Python tools.
What is the difference between Metashape Standard and Professional?
Standard ($179) covers basic photogrammetry: point clouds, meshes, orthomosaics. Professional ($3,499) adds georeferencing with GCPs, multispectral processing, Python API, network processing, and advanced analysis tools.
Can Metashape run on Mac and Linux?
Yes, Agisoft Metashape is fully cross-platform and runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux (Debian/Ubuntu). All platforms have identical features and capabilities.
Can THE FUTURE 3D process projects with Agisoft Metashape?
Yes, we use Agisoft Metashape Professional for heritage documentation, research projects, and specialized photogrammetry work across Southeast Florida. Contact us for a free project quote.
Need Professional Photogrammetry & Mapping Services?
We use Agisoft Metashape for client projects across Southeast Florida. Get a free quote for your project—no software purchase required.