Getting Started

Welcome to Our 3D Scanning Platform

Our platform provides high-quality 3D scanning services for museums, researchers, and cultural institutions. This documentation will help you understand our services, technical capabilities, and how to work with our 3D models.

For Museums

Learn about our artifact scanning services and digital preservation solutions.

For Researchers

Access detailed technical specifications and data formats for your research.

3D Models & Formats

Supported File Formats

Format	Description	Use Case
GLB	Binary glTF format with embedded textures	Web viewing, Unity, Unreal Engine
OBJ	Wavefront 3D object format	Blender, Maya, 3D printing
PLY	Polygon file format with color data	Point cloud processing, research
STL	Stereolithography format	3D printing, rapid prototyping
USDZ	Universal Scene Description compressed format	iOS AR Quick Look, Apple ecosystem
Reality	Apple Reality Composer format	iOS AR experiences, Reality Composer

Scan Deliverables

What You Receive

Every scan project includes a comprehensive set of files optimized for different use cases. Here's what each file type means and when to use it.

GLB Files (Binary glTF)

GLB files are the modern standard for 3D web content, combining geometry, materials, and textures in a single file.

8K GLB

Ultra-high resolution

Best for: Professional presentations, detailed analysis, archival quality

4K GLB

High resolution

Best for: Museum displays, research, high-quality web viewing

2K GLB

Standard resolution

Best for: General web use, mobile viewing, portfolio sharing

1K GLB

Optimized resolution

Best for: Fast loading, mobile devices, preview purposes

OBJ Files with Textures

OBJ files are the industry standard for 3D modeling software, provided with separate texture files for maximum compatibility.

8K OBJ

Ultra-high resolution

Includes: .obj, diffuse_8k.jpg, normal_8k.jpg

4K OBJ

High resolution

Includes: .obj, diffuse_4k.jpg, normal_4k.jpg

2K OBJ

Standard resolution

Includes: .obj, diffuse_2k.jpg, normal_2k.jpg

1K OBJ

Optimized resolution

Includes: .obj, diffuse_1k.jpg, normal_1k.jpg

Texture Types Explained:

Diffuse: Base color and surface appearance
Normal: Surface detail and bump mapping for realistic lighting

Additional Files

Thumbnail Render

High-quality preview image

Perfect for: Gallery thumbnails, social media, documentation, quick previews

Apple Reality File (.reality)

Native Apple AR/VR format

Perfect for: iOS AR Quick Look, Reality Composer, Apple ecosystem AR experiences

STL File

3D printing ready format

Perfect for: 3D printing, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, physical reproduction

Usage Recommendations

For Web Display:

• Use 2K GLB for best balance of quality and performance
• Use 1K GLB for mobile devices or slow connections
• Use 4K GLB for high-end presentations

For 3D Software:

• Use OBJ files with 4K or 8K textures for detailed work
• Import into Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, or other 3D software
• Normal maps provide realistic surface detail

For 3D Printing:

• Use STL files for direct 3D printing
• Models are optimized and manifold (watertight)
• Ready for slicing software like Cura or PrusaSlicer

For AR/VR:

• Use .reality files for Apple devices
• Use GLB files for cross-platform AR/VR
• Optimized for real-time rendering

Scanning Process

Our 3-Step Process

Consultation & Planning

We work with you to understand your project requirements, artifact specifications, and desired outcomes.

On-Site Scanning

Our team brings professional equipment to your location for safe, non-invasive scanning of your artifacts.

Processing & Delivery

We process the raw data, create high-quality 3D models, and deliver them in your preferred formats.

Technical Specifications

Scanning Capabilities

Resolution & Accuracy

• Millimeter-level dimensional accuracy
• Up to 8K texture resolution
• Photorealistic color reproduction
• High-resolution texture mapping

Model Complexity

• Triangle count: 10K - 1M triangles
• Optimized for performance
• Multiple LOD (Level of Detail) options
• Scalable geometry complexity

Object Size Range

Small Artifacts

1cm - 10cm

Medium Objects

10cm - 1m

Large Monuments

1m - 10m+

Custom solutions available for objects outside these ranges

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

3D Model Not Loading

If a 3D model fails to load in your browser:

Ensure your browser supports WebGL
Try refreshing the page
Check your internet connection
Clear your browser cache

Download Issues

If you're having trouble downloading models:

Check your download folder permissions
Ensure sufficient disk space
Try using a different browser
Contact support for large file transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the scanning process take?

The scanning process takes multiple steps. The in-person photographs typically take between 30 minutes and 2 hours for larger or more complex objects. Processing time varies by the size and requirements of the order.

Is the scanning process safe for fragile artifacts?

Yes, our photogrammetry-based scanning process uses only cameras and controlled lighting. There is no physical contact with the artifacts, making it completely safe for fragile objects.

What file formats do you provide?

We provide models in multiple formats including GLB, OBJ, PLY, and STL. The specific formats depend on your project requirements and intended use.

Do you offer 3D printing services?

Yes, we can create physical replicas of your scanned artifacts using various 3D printing technologies and materials.

Learning Resources

Interested in learning photogrammetry and 3D scanning? Here are some excellent resources to get you started, including tutorials, software tools, and educational content from the community.

Tutorials & Guides

Check out our latest tutorial on repairing and preparing 3D photogrammetry scans for high-resolution 3D printing:

How to Repair a 3D Photogrammetry Scan for High Resolution 3D Printing →

I'll be posting more tutorials and resources for anyone interested in learning photogrammetry and free or DIY alternatives to commercial processes.

Erik Christensen's ScanSpace

A great YouTube resource for photogrammetry tutorials, techniques, and demonstrations. Erik provides excellent educational content for both beginners and advanced users.

Visit ScanSpace YouTube Channel →

Photogrammetry Software

Meshroom

A powerful open-source photogrammetry software based on the AliceVision framework. Great for creating detailed 3D models from photographs.

Visit Meshroom →

RealityScan

A free photogrammetry application that allows you to create 3D models using your smartphone. Perfect for quick scans and on-the-go modeling.

Visit RealityScan →

Blender

My go-to mesh modeling software. Blender is a comprehensive, free, and open-source 3D creation suite that supports modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering, and more. Perfect for cleaning up and optimizing photogrammetry scans.

Visit Blender →

Documentation