The Best Agisoft Metashape Plugins and Python Scripts
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The Best Agisoft Metashape Plugins and Python Scripts (2025 Edition)

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Agisoft Metashape is one of the most powerful photogrammetry tools available today. While its GUI offers rich features, many users unlock its true potential by extending it with Python scripts and plugins. Whether you need automation, advanced exports, or QA tools, this article covers the best scripts and extensions to enhance your Metashape workflow in 2025.

Why Use Plugins and Scripts in Metashape?

Python scripting in Metashape allows you to:

  • Automate repetitive tasks (e.g., batch processing, masking, exporting)
  • Run headless jobs on servers or in the cloud
  • Create custom workflows with logic and error handling
  • Access advanced data like camera residuals or point classifications

Plugins, introduced in recent versions, allow even deeper integration, including UI extensions and persistent toolbars within Metashape.

Top 5 Python Scripts for Metashape

1. Batch Orthophoto Export Script

This script automates orthophoto export by iterating over multiple chunks or cameras. It can output in various formats (GeoTIFF, JPEG, PNG) with predefined naming conventions and projections.

Use Case: Surveyors and drone mappers who work with multi-site or time-lapse projects.

2. Automatic Background Masking

This script detects and masks background areas (like sky or studio background) based on color thresholds or edge detection. Especially useful for object scanning and indoor photogrammetry.

Use Case: Cultural heritage digitization and 3D e-commerce object capture.

3. GCP Import and Marker Refinement

This tool reads a CSV file of GCPs and automatically creates and refines markers across aligned photos, improving georeferencing accuracy significantly.

Use Case: Geologists, drone mappers, or any workflow requiring high-precision outputs.

4. Dense Cloud Cleaner

This script removes outlier points in dense clouds based on color, distance, or elevation filters. It drastically reduces post-processing time and improves mesh quality.

5. Automated Report Generator

Generates a complete PDF report from your Metashape project, including camera stats, alignment accuracy, DEM info, and orthophoto thumbnails. Ideal for clients or documentation.

Top 5 Metashape Plugins (2025)

1. 3D Tiles Export for CesiumJS

Official or community plugin that exports Metashape models as Cesium-compatible 3D Tiles, making them viewable on web-based geospatial platforms with full interactivity.

2. Contour Line Generator

Adds a new toolbar button to generate vector contour lines directly from your DEM within Metashape. It supports export to DXF, SHP, or SVG.

3. Metashape-Cloud Uploader

Plugin that connects to a cloud server (e.g., AWS or Azure) and uploads your project for distributed processing or storage. Supports batch chunk uploads and download of final outputs.

4. Python Script Hub

An experimental plugin that lets users manage and execute Python scripts from within Metashape’s GUI. You can install, run, and update scripts without touching the command line.

5. Georeferencing Wizard

A simplified interface for importing and assigning GCPs and checking RMSE errors visually. Great for beginners or educational use.

Where to Find Scripts and Plugins

  • Official Agisoft GitHub: github.com/agisoft-llc/metashape-scripts
  • Community Forum: agisoft.com/forum (search “scripts”)
  • 3DScanHub and Sketchfab Labs: Some developers offer commercial plugins for specific exports and web viewers.
  • Custom Development: Python developers can use Metashape’s API for tailored solutions.

How to Install Plugins and Scripts

Scripts can be run from the “Tools → Run Script…” menu or loaded as modules via the Python console. Plugins go into the metashape/plugins/ folder (check Metashape version requirements) and appear in the toolbar on restart.

Conclusion

Agisoft Metashape becomes exponentially more powerful when extended with Python scripts and plugins. From automating orthophoto exports to enhancing GCP workflows and cleaning point clouds, these tools save time and elevate your results. If you’re not using scripting yet, 2025 is the perfect time to start. Whether you’re a surveyor, archaeologist, or drone mapper, there’s a script or plugin that can make your work smarter and faster.