Objective

The client was looking for a 3D model of this historic ship to be included on their interactive website. Other than online images, the only other reference was a poor-quality point cloud produced most likely through photogrammetry and available for viewing on Sketchfab.com. Though it couldn’t be downloaded, the client wondered if it could be used to create an accurate reconstruction.

Approach

Though the original was only a point cloud and could not be downloaded from Sketchfab, digital photogrammetry was carried out to create a reference model for the reconstruction. Digital photogrammetry can be done by rotating the digital object and taking screenshots in the same way you would when taking photographs of a physical object.

Using this reference, an entirely new model was reconstructed in 3DS Max. Because this was a reconstruction model, textures also had to be added. This involved more advanced 3D modeling, UV mapping, and texturing skills.

Outcome

The final model and newly created textures were exported in the pre-specified file formats required. These were uploaded to a website for an interactive online experience by the client.

Innovation

Digital photogrammetry is an unusual but useful way to use an existing point cloud, mesh, or model for reference in a reconstruction. This project proved that an accurate reconstruction can be created even without access to the original object or its photogrammetric imaging.