What are the steps for creating accurate 3D models using photogrammetry?

1 1. Capture photos

The first step is to capture photos of your subject from different angles and distances. You need to cover as much surface as possible, and avoid reflections, shadows, and moving objects. You can use any camera, but a DSLR or a smartphone with a good resolution and a tripod are recommended. You should also use a consistent lighting and exposure, and avoid zooming or changing the settings. You can use a turntable or a drone to rotate your subject or camera, or you can move around manually.

2 2. Process photos

The next step is to process your photos using a software that can perform photogrammetry. There are many options available, such as Agisoft Metashape, RealityCapture, Meshroom, or 3DF Zephyr. These software can automatically align, stitch, and reconstruct your photos into a 3D model. You can also adjust the parameters, such as the quality, the scale, the orientation, and the cropping of your model. Depending on the number and size of your photos, this step can take from minutes to hours.

3 3. Clean up the model

The third step is to clean up your model using a software that can edit 3D meshes. You can use Blender, Meshmixer, ZBrush, or any other tool that suits your needs. You can remove unwanted parts, such as the background, the noise, the holes, or the artifacts. You can also smooth, refine, or simplify your model, depending on the level of detail you want. You can also fix the topology, the normals, and the UVs of your model.

4 4. Apply textures

The fourth step is to apply textures to your model using the photos you captured or using a software that can generate them. You can use the same software you used for photogrammetry, or you can use Substance Painter, Quixel Mixer, Photoshop, or any other tool that can create or edit textures. You can apply different maps, such as diffuse, normal, specular, or displacement, to enhance the appearance of your model. You can also adjust the colors, the contrast, the brightness, and the resolution of your textures.

5 5. Export and import the model

The final step is to export and import your model into the software or platform you want to use it. You can export your model in different formats, such as OBJ, FBX, STL, or PLY, depending on the compatibility and the features of your destination. You can also compress or optimize your model to reduce the file size and improve the performance. You can import your model into Unity, Unreal Engine, Sketchfab, or any other software or platform that can display or manipulate 3D models.

6 6. Enjoy your model

You have successfully created an accurate 3D model using photogrammetry. You can now use it for your projects, such as games, animations, simulations, or presentations. You can also share it with others, or explore more possibilities with photogrammetry. You can experiment with different subjects, settings, software, and tools, and improve your skills and results. Photogrammetry is a powerful and fun technique that can unleash your creativity and imagination.

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?