Methods, computer programs, and computer systems facilitate deriving three-dimensional measurement information and/or creating three-dimensional models and maps, from single images of three-dimensional objects. Aspects of the invention include obtaining at least one two-dimensional single image of the object, deriving three-dimensional coordinate information associated with the image, and obtaining three-dimensional measurements based on projection and/or shadow measurements of the object and metadata derived from the single image. In another aspect of the method, the method includes the further step of creating three-dimensional models or maps based on the projection and/or shadow measurements.