The Ultimate Guide to 3D Scanning | FULL WORKFLOW

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The article titled “The Ultimate Guide to 3D Scanning | FULL WORKFLOW” is a comprehensive video tutorial created by pwnisher. The video provides a step-by-step guide to the process of photogrammetry, which involves creating 3D models from high-resolution digital images. The content covers various chapters, such as the introduction, shooting techniques, lighting considerations, image processing, alignment, meshing, and texture mapping.

Photogrammetry is a technique used to stitch together hundreds or even thousands of images to create a detailed 3D model. The video emphasizes the importance of capturing clean and well-exposed images, maintaining consistent camera settings, and shooting from different angles for accurate alignment. Additionally, the video mentions the use of Reality Capture software to align images, create meshes, and export scans. The aim of the video is to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the photogrammetry process and encourage them to join the Photoscan Weekly Challenge on Discord for further engagement and improvement in their scanning workflow.

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Table of Contents

Intro

In the world of 3D modeling, photogrammetry plays a crucial role in creating high-quality and realistic objects. Photogrammetry is the process of stitching together hundreds or even thousands of high-resolution digital images to create one complete 3D model. These objects, although completely fake, can be used to populate 3D environments or even archive historical items. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various steps involved in the photogrammetry process, from shooting clean and well-exposed photos to processing the images and aligning them for reconstruction. So, grab your camera and let’s dive into the fascinating world of photogrammetry.

What can I Scan?

One of the most exciting aspects of photogrammetry is the ability to scan a wide range of objects, from small rocks to large cliffs. Essentially, if it stays still, you can scan it. To get started, you can choose small objects like cacti or pumpkins, and as you gain more confidence, you can move on to larger objects like a skateboard or a bicycle. The key is to choose objects that have interesting shapes and details to capture. It’s important to note that the size of the object will determine the number of photos you need to take for accurate alignment during reconstruction.

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How to Shoot your Photos

Taking clean and well-exposed photos is crucial for a successful photogrammetry process. Each image serves as a reference point, and the more images you have, the better your photogrammetry software can determine the position of each point in 3D space. To ensure sufficient overlap and coverage of your object, it’s recommended to follow the shape of the object at various levels of elevation. Start by taking close-up shots at the midpoint of the object, gradually moving backward while maintaining consistent distance and angle. Aim for 12 to 15 photos per quarter to ensure enough overlap.

How to Shoot a Stereopair

For objects with large surfaces like walls, shooting a stereopair can enhance the quality and accuracy of the scan. A stereopair consists of two pictures of the same point from two different angles. By capturing the same point from different angles, you provide additional data and depth information to the software during alignment and reconstruction. To shoot a stereopair, simply take two photos of the same reference point, slightly adjusting the angle between the shots.

Optimal Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in the quality of your scans. It’s essential to have even and soft lighting to avoid pre-baking harsh lighting into your scan. Setting up bounce lights or shooting outside in the shade or during overcast weather can help achieve this even lighting. Additionally, using a polarizer filter can reduce reflections and further enhance the quality of your scans. The goal is to allow the 3D environment to dictate the lighting conditions of your models, making them more versatile and realistic.

Yoga for Photogrammetry

While the photogrammetry process can be thrilling and rewarding, it can also take a toll on your body. Spending hours taking photos and adjusting positions can lead to back and shoulder strains. That’s why it’s essential to incorporate some yoga poses and stretches into your workflow. Stretching your back and shoulders can help prevent injuries and make the process more enjoyable. Take breaks, stretch, and take care of your body throughout the scanning process to ensure a smooth and healthy experience.

Process your Images

Once you have captured a multitude of images, it’s time to process them to maximize their potential. Using software like Lightroom, you can batch process your images, making adjustments to exposure, shadows, highlights, and noise reduction. This step is not necessary but can significantly enhance the quality of your scans. By brightening up the images, reducing shadows, and flattening them, you allow the 3D environment to dictate the lighting conditions of your models.

Align your Images

After processing your images, it’s time to align them for reconstruction. Reality Capture is a powerful program that can align your images, create meshes, and export your scans. During the alignment process, the software will use the overlapping features in your images to determine their position in 3D space. It’s essential to have a sufficient number of images with significant overlap to ensure accurate alignment. In some cases, you may need to manually set control points to merge different components of your scan.

Set your Reconstruction Region

Once your images are aligned, it’s time to set your reconstruction region. This step involves defining the boundary within which your object will be reconstructed. By setting a reconstruction region, you can exclude unwanted elements or focus on specific parts of your scan. This allows for more efficient processing and reduces the computational requirements. Take your time to carefully define your reconstruction region for optimal results.

Thank You!

Congratulations! You have completed the ultimate guide to 3D scanning with photogrammetry. We have covered the entire workflow, from shooting clean photos to aligning and reconstructing your scans. Photogrammetry is a fascinating process that allows you to bring objects to life in the digital world. Whether you want to populate your 3D environments or preserve historical artifacts, photogrammetry opens up a world of possibilities. We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights and inspired you to explore the exciting realm of photogrammetry. Thank you for joining us, and happy scanning!

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