Agisoft Metashape (v.1.7.2 and newer)

Agisoft Metashape is a powerful photogrammetry software, widely used for 3D model creation from photographs. Enabling GPU acceleration can significantly reduce processing times, especially during tasks like photo alignment and depth map generation, making it crucial for users working with large datasets or high-resolution images.

How to Enable GPU Acceleration in Metashape

1. Launch Metashape
   Open the application from its default path:
   C:\Program Files\Agisoft\Metashape Pro\Metashape.exe

2. Configure GPU Settings

   

   • Navigate to the Tools menu and select Preferences.

   • Go to the GPU tab.

   • Ensure that only your NVIDIA GPU is selected by checking the appropriate box. Uncheck CPU or integrated GPU options for more efficient performance.

By enabling the GPU, you’ll allow Metashape to use CUDA cores for resource-intensive operations like depth map reconstruction and photo alignment.

Top Tips to Speed Up Agisoft Metashape

1. Leverage the GPU for Key Stages
   GPU acceleration is most effective in Metashape for stages like Align Photos and Build Dense Cloud, which are GPU-heavy tasks. Ensuring your system uses a powerful GPU will significantly cut down processing times.

2. Update GPU Drivers
   Regularly update your NVIDIA drivers to benefit from optimizations and fixes for photogrammetry tasks. NVIDIA's Studio Drivers, optimized for creative applications, are highly recommended for Metashape.

3. Disable CPU for GPU Tasks
   For better stability, disable the CPU during GPU-intensive tasks in the Preferences > GPU tab. This ensures that the GPU handles all relevant computations without interference from the CPU.

4. Use an SSD for Faster I/O
   Storing project files on an SSD rather than a traditional HDD will reduce the time spent reading and writing data, especially when dealing with large datasets.

5. Optimize RAM Usage
   Metashape also requires adequate RAM for efficient performance. For most projects, 64GB to 128GB of RAM is sufficient, but larger datasets may benefit from more. This ensures smooth processing, particularly when generating dense point clouds or meshes.

Agisoft Metashape System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Operating System:

  • Windows: Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1607 or later; Windows 8.1; Windows 7 (Service Pack 1; Aero enabled).

  • macOS: macOS 10.9 (Mavericks) or later, up to macOS 11.0 (Big Sur).

• Processor:

  • Windows: PC with a mouse or equivalent input device.

  • macOS: Mac with Apple M1 chip or Intel processor.

• RAM: 4 GB.

• Hard Disk Space: Approximately 938 MB of available space; additional free space required during installation.

• Monitor Resolution: 1280 x 768 display size or better.

• Graphics Card: DirectX 10-compatible graphics cards and above.

Recommended Specifications:

• RAM: 8 GB or more for optimal performance.

• Graphics Card: For hardware GPU acceleration, a Direct3D level 12.0-capable card is required.

• Monitor Resolution: Higher resolutions for enhanced detail and workspace.

Meeting these specifications will help you get the most out of Affinity Photo, ensuring efficient workflows and high-quality outputs. Keep in mind that more complex projects, especially those involving high-resolution images or extensive editing, will benefit from higher-end hardware configurations.

Top Recommended GPUs for Metashape

1. NVIDIA RTX 3080
   The RTX 3080 offers exceptional performance in Metashape, particularly in GPU-intensive stages like depth map and mesh creation, making it one of the best choices for professionals.

2. NVIDIA RTX 3070
   A more budget-friendly option, the RTX 3070 provides strong GPU acceleration, handling most photogrammetry tasks efficiently.

3. NVIDIA RTX 3090
   If working with very large datasets, the RTX 3090 is a top-tier option due to its 24GB of VRAM, ensuring smooth handling of complex 3D models and detailed point clouds.

By enabling GPU acceleration and using these performance tips, you can significantly improve your workflow in Agisoft Metashape, ensuring faster processing and more efficient use of your system's resources.

Enjoy Faster Renderings and Workflow with Vagon

When the goal is to cut down rendering times and speeding up your workflow, every second saved is a victory. But what if you could do more than just save a few seconds?

With Vagon’s cloud PCs powered by 48 cores, 4 x 24GB RTX-enabled NVIDIA GPUs and 192GB of RAM, work on your Agisoft Metashape projects faster than ever. It’s easy to use, right in your browser. You can transfer your workspace and files in just a few clicks and try it yourself!