3D Media - Models

For the documentation of buildings, capture of spaces and objects for processing into 3D models was the most appropriate technique of creating content for potential integration into our proposed documentation prototype, immersive storytelling applications, or for presentation in less complex contexts, such as public 3D platforms and museum websites.

3D house models work as a perfect stage for sharing information about a building, whether you are standing inside it or if you are anywhere else in the world.

For open-air museums, the creation of 3D models usually involves capturing data from the real-life object and processing it into a model. Two techniques are frequently used in the cultural heritage sector in general: Photogrammetry and Laser scanning.

Photogrammetry is a technique used to create accurate 3D models and measurements of objects or environments from 2D photographs. Photogrammetry software works by analyzing multiple overlapping images of a subject taken from different angles, identifying common points in the photos. These points are triangulated to determine their spatial positions, constructing a detailed 3D representation. The process typically involves capturing images, aligning them, and generating a dense point cloud, which can be further processed into a mesh and textured for realism.

It all starts with a plan. For example, it is best to make a 3D model of both the inside and the outside of the building, but for that you could argue that the building must be as empty as possible. Most digital cameras are sufficient for making photos for a 3D model. You need to take a whole lot of photos in a systematic way, preferably using only one camera, under stable circumstances (so do not record a bit today, and the rest next week). You can take a drone to take pictures from above, to construct the roof in the models. Otherwise, there are open holes in the roofs and ceilings of the model.

There are a number of commercial and open-source photogrammetry packages, two of the most popular suitable for non-commercial organisations are:

There are also mobile photogrammetry apps available, which are easier to use than their desktop counterparts, but do not yield the same quality models, and may be restricted to mobile phones with certain features such as LiDAR cameras. For example: Reality scan, Polycam, Capture, Qlone.