How do you deal with noise, artifacts, and missing data in your photogrammetry and 3D scan results?

1 Clean up your images

The first step to deal with noise, artifacts, and missing data is to clean up your images before processing them with photogrammetry or 3D scanning software. This means removing any unwanted elements, such as dust, reflections, shadows, or people, that can interfere with the alignment and reconstruction of your images. You can use image editing tools, such as Photoshop or GIMP, to crop, mask, clone, or adjust your images. You can also use specialized tools, such as Meshroom or RealityCapture, to detect and remove blurry or duplicated images.

2 Optimize your settings

The second step to deal with noise, artifacts, and missing data is to optimize your settings for photogrammetry or 3D scanning software. This means choosing the right parameters, such as resolution, quality, accuracy, or density, that suit your needs and goals. You can also use advanced features, such as masks, control points, or regions, to guide the software and improve the results. You can experiment with different settings and compare the results to find the optimal balance between speed, quality, and size.

3 Refine your meshes

The third step to deal with noise, artifacts, and missing data is to refine your meshes after processing them with photogrammetry or 3D scanning software. This means smoothing, filling, or editing your meshes to remove any noise, artifacts, or holes that can affect the appearance and functionality of your models. You can use mesh editing tools, such as Blender, ZBrush, or Meshmixer, to sculpt, retopologize, or repair your meshes. You can also use specialized tools, such as MeshLab or Instant Meshes, to simplify, decimate, or remesh your meshes.

4 Generate your textures

The fourth step to deal with noise, artifacts, and missing data is to generate your textures after refining your meshes. This means projecting, baking, or painting your textures to add color, detail, and realism to your models. You can use texture generation tools, such as Substance Painter, Quixel Mixer, or Mari, to create realistic and high-quality textures. You can also use specialized tools, such as xNormal or Knald, to generate normal maps, ambient occlusion maps, or other maps that can enhance your models.

5 Test your results

The fifth step to deal with noise, artifacts, and missing data is to test your results before using them for digital compositing. This means importing, rendering, or animating your models to check their quality and performance. You can use rendering tools, such as Maya, Houdini, or Unreal Engine, to test your models in different lighting and environmental conditions. You can also use animation tools, such as Blender, Cinema 4D, or Unity, to test your models in different motions and interactions.

6 Adjust your workflow

The sixth and final step to deal with noise, artifacts, and missing data is to adjust your workflow according to your feedback and results. This means revisiting any of the previous steps and making changes or improvements to your images, settings, meshes, textures, or tests. You can also use different tools or techniques to achieve different results or effects. You can learn from your mistakes and successes and refine your skills and knowledge.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?