Manual 3D reconstruction models from photographs

Written by Paul Bourke
June 2010


Introduction

The following documents an exercise to create accurate 3D models, by hand, from a collection of photographs. One site was geometrically quite simple and an emphasis was made to create high quality photo-realistic textures, the second example was more geometrically complex and simpler textures were used on a higher polygon count model. In both examples documented here the models were presented using the Unity game engine, the original models were created in 3DStudioMax. The choice of Unity was made due to its wide platform deployment. Mac, MSWindows, and web players are provided here but Unity also supports IOS (iPhone, iPodTouch, iPAD), Android, XBOX360, and PS3 deployment. Having said that, the model presented here have not been optimised or simplified, they are relatively high polygon count models that require above average graphics hardware for smooth interaction.

The raw material for this exercise was largely based upon photography from a project managed by Prof David Kennedy (et al) of the University of Western Australia, additional photographs were sourced from Flicker.



Um er Rasas (Amman, Jordan)

Um_er_Rasas.kmz

Sample photographs

 

Model geometry

 

Textured model

 

Unity3D

Downloadable versions



Qasr Kharana (Amman, Jordan)

Also known as Qasr al Harrana or Qasr al Kharanah.

Qasr Kharaneh.kmz

Sample photographs

 

Interior samples (Courtesy Flicker)

Model geometry

 

Textured model

 

 

 

Unity3D

Downloadable versions


Model of the Tomb of Cyrus

Download

Game controls

  • "a", "d" to slide left and right.
  • "w", "s" to move forward and reverse.
  • Mouse to change view direction.
  • Move to small blue disks to view photographs from correct location.
  • Stand in the center of the bubbles to see the correct panorama