Capturing large objects like cars, boats, or other large structures in Polycam requires a bit more care and technique to ensure an accurate and detailed 3D model. Here’s a guide to capturing large objects effectively.
Choose the Right Capture Mode
Polycam offers several modes to capture large objects depending on your device and preferences:
- Photo Mode: Ideal for capturing large objects with high detail. This mode uses multiple images stitched together to form a complete 3D model. It is especially effective for objects like cars or boats, where surface details are important.
- LiDAR Mode (for iOS devices with LiDAR sensors): This mode can quickly capture the overall shape and structure of a large object but may not capture finer details as well as Photo Mode. It’s best for quicker scans and when the object is relatively simple.
- 360 Mode: Good for capturing large objects in their environment, especially when you want to present them within their surroundings.
Prepare the Object and Space
Before you begin capturing please note the following as it will affect the quality of the capture:
- Ensure proper lighting: Lighting is crucial for high-quality scans, especially in Photo Mode. Natural light or well-placed artificial lighting can help reduce shadows and improve detail.
- Clear the area: Make sure there are no obstructions around the object, such as other vehicles or objects, that could interfere with the scan.
- Stable surface: Ensure the object is stationary and won’t move during the capture process.
Capturing the Object
- Photo Mode: Move around the object, capturing multiple angles. For large objects like cars or boats, ensure you capture every side, including the top and any detailed areas.
- Take a minimum of 20-50 photos for basic details. For more complex or detailed objects, aim for 100-200 photos to ensure the software can stitch together a high-quality model.
- Ensure significant overlap between each photo to help the software process them accurately.
- Take a minimum of 20-50 photos for basic details. For more complex or detailed objects, aim for 100-200 photos to ensure the software can stitch together a high-quality model.
- LiDAR Mode: Walk slowly around the object while keeping your device steady. LiDAR Mode allows you to capture both far and near details of the object quickly. Focus on the overall shape and major features of the object.
Review and Edit the Capture
- Inspect for accuracy: Ensure that all parts of the object have been captured properly. Pay close attention to key details like edges, corners, and any complex areas of the object. If you are missing a section, use the Extend tool to take further captures.
- Use the crop tool: If any extra or unwanted mesh polygons surround the model, use the crop tool to remove them. This will give you a cleaner and more focused final model.
- Rescale if necessary: If you need measurements, use the rescale feature to adjust the model’s dimensions to match the real-world size of the object.