Point cloud scan apps and links
Mobile Apps:
POLYCAM
Features:
3D scanning using LiDAR (for supported devices) or photogrammetry, high-quality scans, export to multiple formats.
Pros:
Supports high-resolution scans, multiple export options (OBJ, STL, PLY, GLTF).
Cons:
Requires newer devices with LiDAR for best results, requires premium member to be able to export the files.
Technology:
LiDAR, Photogrammetry.
LUMA_AI
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ai.lumalabs.polar&hl=en
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/luma-ai/id1615849914
AI-Powered 3D Scanning:
Utilizes artificial intelligence to create 3D models from smartphone images and videos.
High-Resolution Outputs:
Produces high-quality, photorealistic 3D models.
Easy Sharing:
Models can be easily shared or embedded into websites.
Integration:
Works with standard smartphones without the need for specialized hardware.
Pros:
Accessibility:
Easy to use, No cost or subscription needed
Quality:
Produces highly detailed and photorealistic models.
AI Technology:
Leverages advanced AI algorithms for accurate and efficient 3D reconstruction.
Cons:
Data Privacy:
Uploading images and videos to cloud-based AI services may raise privacy concerns.
Internet Dependency:
Requires a stable internet connection for uploading and processing data could take very long.
Technology:
Artificial intelligence, Photogrammetry.
Availability:
iOS and Android.
SCANIVERSE
Features:
3D Scanning:
Utilizes LiDAR (on supported devices) or photogrammetry to create detailed 3D scans.
Editing Tools:
Includes tools for trimming, smoothing, and adjusting the scans.
Export Options:
Supports exporting to multiple formats such as OBJ, STL, PLY, GLTF, and FBX.
Sharing:
Allows easy sharing of 3D models via social media or direct links.
Pros:
User-Friendly:
Simple and intuitive interface, making it accessible for beginners. And all the features are free.
Versatile:
Supports both LiDAR and Photogrammetry.
Real-Time Feedback:
Provides real-time feedback during scanning for better accuracy.
Cons:
Quality:
Image quality is quite low compared to other apps and there’s no higher quality setting
Technology:
LiDAR, Photogrammetry.
Availability:
iOS and Android.
Desktop Apps:
REALITY CAPTURE
https://www.capturingreality.com
Features:
High-Quality Photogrammetry:
Converts images(squences) and laser scans into highly detailed 3D models.
Fast Processing:
Optimized for fast and efficient processing of large datasets.
Export Options:
Supports a wide range of export formats, including OBJ, FBX, XYZ, and LAS.
Integration:
Integrates with various workflows and supports scripting for automation.
Cost:
The latest update changes RealityCapture’s pricing model, making it free to artists and studios with revenue under $1 million/year.
Pros:
Accuracy:
Delivers highly accurate and detailed 3D models.
Scalability:
Handles large projects efficiently, suitable for professional use.
Versatile Input:
Accepts input from photos, video and laser scans.
Cons:
Requires:
Some technical knowledge
Hardware Requirements:
Requires powerful hardware for optimal performance.
Technology:
Photogrammetry
Availability:
Windows.
Other Resources:
CLOUD COMPARE
Open-Source Software:
Free and open-source, suitable for processing and analyzing point clouds and 3D meshes
Point Cloud Editing:
Extensive tools for editing, segmenting, and comparing point clouds.
Visualization:
Advanced visualization options, including color, intensity, and normals.
Plugins:
Supports various plugins for extended functionality.
Pros:
Free:
No cost for use, with active community support.
Feature-Rich:
Comprehensive set of tools for professional analysis and editing.
Cross-Platform:
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Cons:
Steep Learning Curve:
Complex interface and advanced features may be overwhelming for beginners.
Manual Processing:
Requires manual intervention for many tasks, which can be time-consuming**.**
Technology:
Point cloud processing, 3D mesh analysis.
Availability:
Windows, macOS, Linux.
Meshroom
https://alicevision.org/#meshroom
Features:
Open-source photogrammetry software, easy-to-use interface, supports multiple formats.
Pros:
Free, good community support, flexible.
Cons:
Slower processing, requires some technical knowledge.
Technology:
Photogrammetry.
Agisoft Metashape
Features:
Professional photogrammetry software, high accuracy, various export formats (OBJ, PLY, XYZ, etc.).
Pros:
Highly accurate, supports large datasets, advanced processing options**.**
Cons:
Expensive, requires a powerful computer.
Technology:
Photogrammetry.
Gaussian Splatting
Gaussian Splatting is a volume rendering technique that deals with the direct rendering of volume data without converting the data into surface or line primitives. The technique was originally introduced in the early 1990s. With advancements in computer graphics, newer methods such as 3D and 4D Gaussian splatting have been developed to offer real-time radiance field rendering and dynamic scene rendering respectively.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaussian_splatting
Check out this experiemtnal implementation of Gaussian Splatting in TouchDesigner as proposed by Tim Gerritsen of yFx Lab:
https://derivative.ca/community-post/asset/gaussian-splatting/69107
HandBrake
Handbrake is an open source video transcoder
