Processing 3D Scan Data

3D scanning typically involves taking multiple scans of an object from different angles, and these individual data sets are aligned and merged to create a single polymesh with no overlaps.

The next step is mesh editing, where small holes are filled and missing data is sculpted in from photo references, or by blending data in from additional 3D scans taken of the subject. This edited data can then be supplied in OBJ, PLY, 3DS or STL formats, and at full-rez or at various levels of automatic decimation to reduce the mesh density.

The final optional step is resurfacing, where a lighter SUBD, NURBS or ordered quadmesh is fitted to the edited scan data. This surface data can be supplied in OBJ, PLY, 3DS or IGES formats. The original hi-rez surface detail, if its required, can also be supplied as displacement or texture space normal maps.

headus always supplies edited or surface data, not just the raw individual scans.