For an automatic detection of the 3D shape of objects by photogrammetry, the background of the photogrammetric point markers is characterized by area markers which comprise a plurality of point markers and have a characteristic optical configuration that is expressed, e.g., in the color, shape, texture, or gray level of the surface area of the area marker. During the image processing of the photogrammetric images taken of an object, first the area markers and then the point markers present in the respective area markers are referenced in relation to one another. Instead of using area markers, a further embodiment uses constellation-type point marker arrangements, which are first referenced before the individual point markers forming the constellations are referenced. The method is particularly useful for the 3D detection of body parts which have been clad with an envelope marked in accordance with the invention, prior to the photogrammetric evaluation.