Smartphone Distance Measurement Application Using Image Processing Methods

Abstract

This study introduces a new method to measure the distance of an object from an observer location using image processing methods by utilizing smartphone camera technology. This study involved the development of an application for distance measurement where users can measure the distance of an object using their smartphone. For this study, the basic image processing method was used to determine the proportional width of the object marker which then be used to derive the distance to the object. The application has been successfully developed where the distance from the smartphone to the object marker can be obtained with an accuracy of +/-0.05 meters for distances of less than 3 meters. However, further research needs to be conducted to enhance the application modules for better distance measurement accuracy. This study indicated that the development of smartphone applications using image processing methods has great potential to be applied in various distance measurement applications in the near future, especially in data collection activities for the production of small-scale topographic maps or for land surveying applications.