Submerged_Stories
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For a while now I've been interested in photogrammetry, which is the art and science of making 3D models out of still photos. The tools to make this possible are increasingly accessible and being adapted for use underwater. There are some stunning wreck 3D models that have won photo contests and the tools are being used for scientific study of underwater artifacts.
I really wanted to dip my toes into the water of underwater 3D scanning and a recent dive trip to Aruba proved to be the perfect case study. Aruba is a hidden gem of a wreck diving destination giving me plenty of targets. The diving is shallow and easy with plenty of light so I was able to focus on learning.
Underwater photogrammetry is harder than it looks! And I made it harder for myself by using a GoPro instead of a stills camera. But after a lot of experimentation and peristence, it worked! I made a scan that I am happy with of a plane wreck propellor.
skfb.ly
It's (very!) far from perfect, but it's mine. I still have a very long way to go but I made a video showcasing my journey to date. It takes you through the full journey from the reef to the desktop and what it took to turn raw dive footage into a full 3D model.
I really wanted to dip my toes into the water of underwater 3D scanning and a recent dive trip to Aruba proved to be the perfect case study. Aruba is a hidden gem of a wreck diving destination giving me plenty of targets. The diving is shallow and easy with plenty of light so I was able to focus on learning.
Underwater photogrammetry is harder than it looks! And I made it harder for myself by using a GoPro instead of a stills camera. But after a lot of experimentation and peristence, it worked! I made a scan that I am happy with of a plane wreck propellor.

Underwater Propellor | Aruba - Download Free 3D model by sabster
My first attempt at underwater photogrammetry! This is the underwater wreckage of a propeller from an unidentified plane. This was scanned during a scuba dive to the Arashi Reef in Aruba. I did an earlier scan of this without color correcting the source footage but didn’t like the output. I...

It's (very!) far from perfect, but it's mine. I still have a very long way to go but I made a video showcasing my journey to date. It takes you through the full journey from the reef to the desktop and what it took to turn raw dive footage into a full 3D model.