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Digitizing in 3 Dimensions

Creating 3D models of objects

Processing Photos with Reality Capture

RealityCapture is a photogrammetry program developed by Epic Games (Fortnite, Unreal Tournament, Gears of War) that utilizes the graphics game engine Unreal. It is available with an Epic Games account, and is being used not only for 3D asset creation in video game development, but is also being used to generate 3D files of cultural heritage sites and objects. While the program is not free nor open source, it does have one of the most robust support options and is the most powerful of the three photogrammetry programs we've mentioned. 

RealityCapture Website

RealityCapture Tutorial

Given the graphics engine used by RealityCapture, processing time involved in generating 3D files is very short. The program has a very thorough step-by-step tutorial that will help users through the photogrammetry process. It can utilize photography from virtually any source, including videos, and has more robust editing options than Meshroom and Polycam. While an easy to use program that generates good 3D files, please be aware of the following:

  • a computer with a good CPU and GPU is required
  • the more photos you can provide, the better the 3D model will be
  • though it uses a powerful graphics engine to create 3D models, do follow the (photography best practices)

Though using RealityCapture to create high-quality 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.