Free
Photogrammetry creator and viewer
Create stunning 3D photogrammetry for free by uploading images or video.
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🤳🏽 Capture 3D on your smart phone
Capturing using Photogrammetry will produce a 3D mesh that can be used in most 3D softwares such as Blender, 3D Studio Max, Sketchup, and more.
With Polycam, you can enjoy additional features including:
Rotate, pan, and zoom in on finer details
Rescale and measure
Reprocess as a Gaussian Splat!
Pro
Capture spaces in fine detail with
Pro
Optimize your 3D model with Remesh tool
Capture a space
with XL Photogrammetry
Capture quota
5 / month
200 total
Unlimited
Images per capture for Photogrammetry
Video length per capture for Photogrammetry
$8.33/mo
Billed annually,
or $17.99 monthly.
Using XL Photogrammetry for capturing interiors
Why use Photogrammetry over LiDAR to capture interiors?
Although LiDAR mode is great for creating relatively quick captures of the interiors of buildings or homes, Photo Mode is a great option if you want photo-realistic recreations of the space that includes finer details. This method will take a bit more time but can result in highly detailed 3D renders of the subject area that LiDAR scan may otherwise not output. Watch this video for further explanation!
Upgrading to PRO is necessary to create captures from more than 250 constituent images (hence “XL Photogrammetry”).
How do I create an XL Photogrammetry scan?
Creating an XL Photogrammetry capture is similar to how you'd capture an interior space using LiDAR mode, but with some extra steps in order to make sure you're getting extra coverage of the space.
First, prepare the space you want to recreate. You will need clear paths around the perimeter of the space. You'll also want to take note of any potential obstacles that may impede your movements as you make your way around the space. You will be making 3 different passes around the space, with each accomplishing different things.
The first pass will be taken around the perimeter of the space. Place your back against the wall so you're facing in towards the center of the space and choose a starting point so you remember where to end this first pass (a door/entrance works great). Here, you should point your camera up towards the ceiling and capture frames downwards towards the floor. Take a single step to either direction of yourself and repeat this process until you've made a complete revolution of the space.
Ideally, you'll want at least a 30% overlap between frames, but preferably 50% overlap for best results!
The second pass will involve positioning yourself towards the center of the space - imagine a small “ring” that encircles the center point of the room. This will be the path you'll take as you stand towards the center of the space and face outwards. Repeat the process of taking several captures from each position along the center “ring” until you've made another complete revolution.
The third and final pass will aim to add realistic details into your render. Identify any notable objects, landmarks, or fixtures within your interior space that you'd like to focus on. Start off by capturing frames up close by the object, and gradually move away from it so that you can capture frames that contextually place the point of detail within the rest of the interior. Repeat this process for anything that has finer details.
Once you've finished, you should have a large number of frames that need to be processed - this is great! For best results, open up your workspace on your computer and select “Create a capture”. From there, select “Create a 3D Model”. Select all of the photos generated from all 3 passes and wait for Polycam to process your XL Photogrammetry capture.
Keep in mind that you can use any camera available with this technique - including a DSLR camera! Whatever device you end up using, try to use as wide of a lens as possible to help you capture more within each frame. On your DSLR this means a wide-angle 10mm or 20mm lens, and if you're using your iPhone, make sure you're using your wide-angle lens (0.5x).
Polycam Brand Lead & Technologist
Wyatt is a narrative technologist using modern techniques to help guide the ancient practice of storytelling. For over a decade, Wyatt has been using various Photogrammetry techniques within various mediums including art, film, gaming, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I use Polycam's free photogrammetry software to make 3D models?
It's easy, simply upload your images to create a 3D model with photogrammetry. We recommend using a minimum of 20 images or a video that's at least 20 seconds. We'll then process it and construct a 3D model that you can then store and edit within your Polycam account.
How do I make great 3D photogrammetry scans?
We recommend choosing a subject that has lots of surface detail and texture. Take at least 20 pictures or a video captured from all angles.
Creating beautiful 3D photogrammetry scans is easy once you get the hang of it – check out our photogrammetry user guide for more tips.
What can I do with my 3D models on Polycam?
All models you create with this tool will be automatically saved in your Polycam account. From within your account, you can edit your models, and export in 12+ formats to popular software such as Blender, SketchUp, Unreal, Unity, and more. You can also share your models with friends or colleagues by sending them a link.
Is Polycam free photogrammetry software?
Yes, it's free to use this tool, the Polycam website, and the iOS and Android mobile apps to create, edit, and store 3D models and assets.
There's an option to upgrade to a Pro account if you'd like unlimited object mode captures, all export formats, and more.
Can I use this tool for drone photogrammetry?
Polycam makes it easy to turn drone footage into expansive 3D models. Simply upload your keyframed drone images to this tool and you'll get a capture back in minutes.
Polycam is compatible with all popular drones including DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mini 4 Pro, and DJI Phantom 4 Pro. You can see examples of drone photogrammetry
What is photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is a technology that captures precise three-dimensional measurements and visual representations of objects, terrain, or structures using photographs. It relies on advanced software to analyze multiple images taken from different angles, enabling accurate reconstruction and measurement of the subject. Photogrammetry finds applications in various industries, including architecture, archaeology, geospatial mapping, and 3D modeling, offering invaluable insights and data for a wide range of projects.
Try other Polycam tools
Gaussian Splatting Tool
Create and view immersive 3D scenes
Drone Photogrammetry
Create 3D models from drone footage
3D LiDAR Scanner
Create and view 3D LiDAR models