1. A method of obtaining a set of images from which a three-dimensional model of a surface is made, the method comprising the steps of: applying a covering having a pattern within a camera field of view of a surface to be modeled, wherein the pattern includes an array of locally non-repetitive pattern elements; making a set of images of the surface and the covering with the camera, the pattern elements being perceptible in the images; creating a model of the surface using the images of the pattern elements; recognizing an actual distance between pattern elements; calculating a virtual distance between three-dimensional models of the pattern elements; and using the recognized actual distance and the calculated virtual distance to determine at least one of a dimension of or a distance across the surface in the images.