Our Hands

My partner and I created a plaster cast of our hands on Valentine's Day. I used the Polycam app to create a 3D scan of the cast. I then cleaned up the model and texture in Maya. Now, the cast can exist in a form that won't break or degrade over time.

Polycam

Polycam is a mobile application that allows users to capture and create 3D models of real-world objects and environments using the camera on their device. It is widely used by artists, designers, architects, hobbyists, and professionals who want to bring physical spaces and items into the digital world. Through advanced photogrammetry and LiDAR technology, Polycam makes it possible to generate detailed and accurate 3D scans directly from a smartphone or tablet.

The app is compatible with a range of devices, including those with and without LiDAR sensors. On LiDAR-equipped devices, Polycam takes advantage of the sensor’s ability to detect depth and distance, enabling quicker and more accurate 3D mapping. For devices without LiDAR, the app uses photogrammetry, a process that analyzes photographs taken from multiple angles to reconstruct a 3D object or scene. This makes Polycam accessible to a broad user base while still delivering high-quality results.

One of the main strengths of Polycam is its simplicity. The interface is clean and user-friendly, making it easy for first-time users to begin scanning right away. To create a scan, users walk around the subject while capturing it from different angles. The app processes the data in real time or shortly afterward, producing a 3D model that can be viewed, edited, or shared. The scan can be exported in various file formats, such as OBJ, FBX, STL, and GLTF, which are compatible with many 3D software programs and design platforms.

The ability to quickly turn physical spaces or objects into digital assets opens up many possibilities. Architects and interior designers can scan rooms or buildings for accurate measurements and planning. Game developers and digital artists can capture textures and shapes for use in virtual environments. Teachers and students can use the app to create interactive 3D visuals for education. Even everyday users can preserve memories in a more immersive way by scanning meaningful items or places.

Polycam includes tools for editing and refining scans. After a model is generated, users can crop, rotate, scale, or clean up the mesh. Textures can be preserved for realism, and details can be enhanced through in-app options. This flexibility allows users to tailor their 3D models for specific needs, whether that involves printing, animation, or digital storage. The app also supports cloud storage and sharing, making it easy to collaborate or present work remotely.

One feature that has gained popularity is the Room Mode. With this setting, users can capture entire rooms or large spaces in a way that retains accurate geometry and proportions. This is especially useful for real estate, architecture, and interior design, where accurate spatial representation is essential. The scans generated through Room Mode can be used to create floor plans, virtual tours, or design mockups. The ability to visualize and manipulate a real space digitally helps streamline planning and communication.

Polycam also supports social sharing and community engagement. Users can publish their scans to a public gallery where others can view, like, and comment. This creates a platform for creativity and inspiration, as people from around the world share their scans of landmarks, objects, art, and personal items. The gallery serves not only as a showcase but also as a learning tool, helping users discover new techniques and ideas for their own projects.

Another significant application of Polycam is in the field of 3D printing. Users can scan real-world objects and convert them into printable files. This workflow is valuable for prototyping, manufacturing, art, and repair. By scanning a broken part or a handmade model, a user can recreate it through a 3D printer. This functionality bridges the gap between the physical and digital production processes, making the app an important tool in maker communities and small-scale fabrication.

The app has also proven helpful in cultural preservation and documentation. Museums, historians, and researchers have used Polycam to capture artifacts, sculptures, and historic sites. These scans can be stored digitally to preserve them for future generations or shared with wider audiences through virtual exhibits. The portability and ease of use of Polycam make it ideal for fieldwork and on-location scanning, where traditional equipment might be impractical.

Polycam supports integration with other design and modeling software, such as Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine, and SketchUp. This compatibility ensures that users can incorporate their scans into larger workflows and projects. Whether designing a game environment, planning a renovation, or building a digital portfolio, users can trust that their scans will be usable across multiple platforms.

For educators, Polycam can serve as a hands-on teaching tool. Students studying art, engineering, architecture, or geography can explore three-dimensional concepts through their own creations. Scanning objects related to lessons adds an interactive element to the classroom, helping students visualize and engage with the material in a new way. The app also introduces students to modern digital tools that are relevant in many professional fields.

Polycam continues to grow with updates that improve performance, add features, and expand compatibility. The developers behind the app are active in responding to feedback and working on enhancements that improve the overall user experience. Whether a user is creating for fun or working on a professional project, Polycam provides a versatile platform that turns everyday devices into powerful 3D capture tools.

In conclusion, Polycam is a mobile application that brings the power of 3D scanning to the fingertips of creators, professionals, and hobbyists. Its combination of ease of use, detailed output, and broad applicability makes it a valuable tool in fields ranging from design and education to art and construction. As digital and physical worlds continue to merge, Polycam plays a key role in making that transition accessible and engaging for everyone.

*ChatGPT helped write this post.