Digitizing in 3 Dimensions

Meshroom is an open source, free photogrammetry program based on the photogrammetric computer vision framework AliceVision. It can be effectively used to generate 3D models with multiple file output options including stl., obj., and ply. It also has a very robust support and user community, so there are several 'how-to guides' and walkthrough videos available. It can generate models from virtually any set of photographs, but using photo sets from the same source will yield the best results.

Alice Vision Website

Meshroom Manual

Meshroom Tutorial

While it is a free program and well documented, it may not be immediately user friendly to those starting out in photogrammetry. With this in mind, please be aware of the following:

• the computer that you use to run Meshroom MUST have a GPU
• Meshroom is very light on editing capabilities, so try to follow the (photography best practices)
• make a note of the Meshroom processing folders, as the program will not give you export file/location options
• models will achieve a higher detail if your photos are in sequential order
• try to take photos with a tripod or turntable, regular angles and spacing will allow Meshroom to make more precise calculations

Once you have the exported 3D model, please consider using a 3D model editor such as Blender or MeshMixer to remove unnecessary data and fix any errors within the model file. Though using Meshroom to create 3D models may require the use of expensive cameras and computers, these are already available to all UIUC staff and students through the library system's (loanable tech) and (space reservation) services.