Meshroom: 3D models from photos using free photogrammetry software

Introduction

Meshroom is an open-source photogrammetry application that allows users to turn a series of photographs into a 3D object. Photogrammetry is the process of creating 3D models from 2D images. Meshroom is a free alternative to other photogrammetry software that can be quite expensive.

To get started with Meshroom, you can download the software from the Alice Vision website. It is important to note that Meshroom requires an NVIDIA GPU with CUDA support. However, it is possible to run Meshroom without an NVIDIA GPU by using draft meshing, although this might result in lower quality results.

Once you have downloaded and extracted the Meshroom files, you can open the application by running the "meshroom_xc" file. Meshroom has both a high-level and a low-level user interface. The high-level interface is designed for beginners and allows users to easily create 3D objects from a set of images. The low-level interface, on the other hand, is node-based and is more suitable for researchers and advanced users who want more control over the photogrammetry process.

To demonstrate the process, the video shows two examples: creating a 3D model of a wooden elephant and a stone lion. In both cases, a set of images were imported into Meshroom, and the photogrammetry process was started. The processing time can vary depending on the number and quality of the images, but it is important to ensure that the images are sharp, well-lit, and taken at various angles to capture the details of the object.

After the processing is complete, Meshroom generates a 3D model that can be viewed in the 3D viewer. The model can be manipulated and explored, and Meshroom also saves texture data that can be used for creating textured objects. To export the model, you can access the Meshroom cache folder, where the output files are saved.

To further clean up and refine the 3D model, the video demonstrates using Meshmixer, a free program from Autodesk. Meshmixer allows users to remove unnecessary polygons, align the model, and make other adjustments to prepare the model for 3D printing or other applications.

Overall, Meshroom is a powerful tool for creating 3D models from photographs. It offers a free and open-source alternative to other photogrammetry software and provides both a high-level and low-level interface to cater to different user needs. By following the recommended guidelines for taking photographs and using additional tools like Meshmixer, users can achieve high-quality results with Meshroom.

Keywords

Meshroom, photogrammetry, 3D models, open-source, software, images, processing, 3D viewer, texture data, Meshmixer, clean up, refine, 3D printing.

FAQ

1. What is Meshroom?

   • Meshroom is an open-source photogrammetry application that converts a series of photographs into a 3D object.

2. Is Meshroom free?

   • Yes, Meshroom is free to download and use.

3. What are the system requirements for Meshroom?

   • Meshroom requires an NVIDIA GPU with CUDA support. However, it is possible to run Meshroom without an NVIDIA GPU using draft meshing.

4. Can I export the 3D model generated by Meshroom?

   • Yes, Meshroom saves the output files in its cache folder, and the 3D model can be exported for further use.

5. How can I clean up and refine the 3D model generated by Meshroom?

   • A program like Meshmixer can be used to remove unnecessary polygons, align the model, and make other adjustments to prepare it for 3D printing or other applications.