From a photo to 3D

Our 3D models are integrated into our clients' sophisticated simulators and must follow three primary criteria:

1. Accuracy: Our models are crafted to precisely replicate the dimensions and shape of the original objects. This includes the accurate placement of additional structures and attachments, such as weapon systems, radar, and antennas. The texturing is carefully applied to reflect the desired level of wear and tear, ensuring the models look realistic and true to life.

2. Technical specifications and interfaces: Our 3D models are designed to interact seamlessly with the visual system software. The functionality and actuators are allocated between the model and the software in a coordinated manner. Effects and movements are often embedded within the model itself, and the naming conventions and model structure define clear interfaces between the model and the software. A key focus in our modeling process is minimizing the number of polygons. Generally, the models are created in three levels of detail (LOD), and if required, in various stages of destruction.

3. Aesthetics: The overall visual impression of the models is crucial, especially when compared to original photographs. The models must not only be accurate but also visually compelling.

Our colleague Ina is pivotal in managing our production projects from the initial customer request to final acceptance. She accompanies the production process in the following steps:

• Research phase: The production process begins with comprehensive research. Due to the rarity of reliable manufacturer data, we often rely on internet sources for images, videos, and technical parameters. Ina compiles this information carefully and validates it with the customer to ensure accuracy.

• Initial model creation: A 3D artist uses the research data to create an initial, untextured Level of Detail 0 (LOD0) model. Ina then reviews this model for form, size, placement, and completeness of structures and attachments. By this stage, our team has become experts in various model variants and weapon systems, allowing us to spot any inaccuracies. She also verifies technical parameters, such as ensuring no overlapping polygons to prevent Z-buffer flickering and checking the controllability of movable parts and maintenance of interfaces.

• Model refinement and UV unwrapping: The 3D artist incorporates any necessary changes and performs UV unwrapping in Blender. At this point, the customer receives an initial version of the model to test in their simulation.

• Texturing: We proceed with texturing using advanced tools, paying close attention to accurately depict the level of wear and tear on the model. This stage requires detailed work to ensure the textures enhance the model's realism.

• Creation of lower-polygon LODs and destruction levels: The final step involves creating lower-polygon LOD levels. For some customer projects, damage models or destruction levels are requested and are typically crafted manually at this stage of production.

For customer acceptance, Ina prepares a sheet that compares renderings with original images from the research, demonstrating the model's realism.

Russian project 22800 Karakurt-class, corvette - model to photo comparison

While we rarely use photogrammetry for small objects alongside the manual modeling process, it is primarily due to the following reasons:

• The original objects are often only available as single incoherent images, making photogrammetry difficult to apply.

• The overall original object might be too large for effective photogrammetry.

• Photogrammetry often introduces errors that require extensive correction, making it less cost-effective compared to manual modeling.

• The structural requirements from interface descriptions cannot be accurately generated through photogrammetry.

Thanks to cantaloupe's 3D artists and last but not least Ina's work, our production process is designed to ensure our 3D models are accurate, technically sound, and visually impressive, meeting the high standards required by our customers' complex simulators.