How to transform any 360-degree video into 3D (using photogrammetry)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of transforming any 360-degree video into a 3D mesh using photogrammetry. You'll learn how to utilize the free software Meshroom and compare its results with other tools like Metashape and Reality Capture. This skill is particularly useful for creating immersive environments and enhancing visual content for various applications, from gaming to virtual reality.

Step 1: Prepare Your 360-Degree Video

• Select a Suitable Video: Choose a high-quality 360-degree video that has sufficient overlap between frames. This overlap will help in recognizing common features for the 3D generation.
• Consider Lighting: Ensure the video is well-lit. Poor lighting can lead to difficulty in feature recognition.
• Export the Video: Make sure to export the video in a format compatible with Meshroom, such as MP4 or MOV.

Step 2: Install Meshroom

• Download Meshroom: Visit the official website and download the latest version of Meshroom.
• Installation: Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system (Windows or Linux).
• Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer has a compatible GPU for optimal performance, as photogrammetry can be resource-intensive.

Step 3: Import Your Video into Meshroom

• Open Meshroom: Launch the application after installation.
• Create a New Project: Start a new project where you will import your video.
• Add Video File: Drag and drop your 360-degree video into the project workspace.

Step 4: Generate 3D Mesh

• Configure Settings: Adjust settings if necessary (e.g., feature extraction, depth map settings) based on your project needs.
• Start Processing: Click on the “Start” button to initiate the photogrammetry process. Meshroom will analyze the video and generate a 3D model.
• Monitor Progress: Watch the progress bar and ensure there are no errors during processing.

Step 5: Compare Results with Other Software

• Export the Model: Once processing is complete, export the 3D mesh from Meshroom.
• Use Metashape and Reality Capture: Import the same video into Metashape and Reality Capture to generate 3D meshes.
• Evaluate the Outputs: Compare the quality, detail, and processing time of each software's output.

Step 6: Post-Processing the 3D Mesh

• Refine the Model: Use software like Blender or ZBrush for additional editing and refinement of your 3D model.
• Texture Mapping: Ensure that the textures from the video are properly applied to the 3D model for realism.
• Export for Use: Once satisfied, export the final model in a suitable format (e.g., OBJ, FBX) for your intended application.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you've learned how to transform a 360-degree video into a 3D mesh using Meshroom, while also comparing results with Metashape and Reality Capture. Remember to focus on high-quality videos and proper lighting for the best results. Experiment with different software to find what works best for your projects, and don't hesitate to refine your meshes further in post-processing for optimal quality. Happy creating!