3D Models

In the MRI virtual tour, we superimposed very simple 3D objects on the 360° background. Where did they come from?

Use a 3D modeling tool

It is possible to build such objects in tools like Blender (free) and A-Frame (also free). In the case of the MRI virtual tour, we created objects directly in A-frame. Several 3D modeling tools (Blender, Netfabb, Maya 2022, Rhino6) are available to U of A students and staff through Apporto. These allow you to build, view, and edit 3D models. Such tools are developing quickly, shifting between commercial and open-source offerings, and fast becoming easier to use (e.g., see the online brain2print which can create a printable 3D model from an MRI scan).

Formats and Modeling tools

Not all formats work with all modeling tools. Some tools allow you to convert among formats, but not all of them. And, new formats are being developed.

Download from a repository

More and more repositories of 3D models (many free) exist, and, depending on the model format are most suitable for 3D printing (e.g. STL and OBJ) and/or being added to VR environments (e.g., GLB, FBX, PLY).

Capture a Model

Modern mobile phones offer apps (e.g. the free scaniverse) that facilitate capturing real world objects and exporting them as 3D models that can be used in VR. There are several technologies (as of March 2025) for capturing a model: Photogrammetry, LiDAR, and splatting.

You can view an example splat in the interactive "antimatter" site:

DSP 4 (5 pts): 3D models