Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is the science of inferring measurements and 3D information from photographs.

Techniques for measuring comparative distances between points in a photograph have been around for over a century. But computers have greatly aided the ability to extract data from photographs, especially if there's more than one view available.

Scanning a John Rogers sculpture at the Smithsonian

Among the applications of modern photogrammetry are:
1. The ability to make a 3D model of a sculpture using only photos.

Office interior (Source)

2. The mapping of crowded interior spaces (such as the office above) from a database of photo captures taken within the space.

3. The translation of actual environments into virtual sets for visual effects in movies (link to YouTube video).
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Photogrammetry on Wikipedia