- Sample Projects and Course-Related Uses
- Scanning Tips (How to Get a Successful Scan)
- Attribution and Copyright
- Experiential Learning Hub Support and Services
3D scanning involves the use of a device to record the shape, size, and appearance of real-world objects or environments. The data gathered during scanning can then be modelled or otherwise used to render and represent the subject object or space.
You can perform 3D scanning with devices like the Einscan Tabletop Scanner, or a mobile device with Niantic’s free Scaniverse app. Although Scaniverse is available on both iOS and Android devices, an iPhone or iPad with Scaniverse installed is recommended.
Recent generation iPads featuring both camera and depth (LiDAR) sensing make great use of Scaniverse, and can create 3D models and photorealistic scenes featuring objects, rooms, and outdoor spaces. Scaniverse is not as suited for small objects as the Einscan tabletop scanner, and conversely, the tabletop scanner cannot accommodate overly large objects and does not capture spaces or rooms. These “all-in-one” solutions include data capture, processing, and production steps, allowing for streamlined workflows to producing content for projects and course-related use.
In addition to these methods, Agisoft Metashape (a stand-alone PC software) can produce 3D spatial data, models, and media content from collections of photographs in a process known as photogrammetry. Metashape presents a more advanced and customizable workflow, and is a greater time investment than the EinScan or Scaniverse solutions. You must supply the software with a collection of photographs previously captured, unlike the “all-in-one” solutions above, which include the data capture portion. Metashape is versatile, and is suited for any sized object, as well as rooms and outdoor spaces.
For more information on utilizing scanned assets, as well as the differences between 3D assets and 360 panoramic imaging, refer to our support page: EON-XR: Support for Instructors.
Sample Projects and Course-Related Uses
- Creating Immersive Xperiences in EON-XR: Educators and students can create and access immersive lessons or presentations featuring their 3D scanned assets.
- This fossilized nautiloid was photographed from numerous camera positions and modelled using Agisoft Metashape before being used to create a 3D tour of the object:
-
- The Urbandale Centre for Home Energy Research (CHEeR house) was photographed from the air with a micro-drone. The photos were processed into a 3D model using software available in the ELH (Agisoft Metashape) and published to EON-XR.
-
- This starfish was scanned and modelled using the EinScan SPv2 tabletop scanner before being published online through both EON-XR and Sketchfab, another platform that allows for online viewing, interacting, and annotations but does not include the built-in tools for lesson plans or assignments that EON-XR does. These platforms include VR and AR viewing options using VR headsets and mobile devices.
- Creating Offline Immersive Experiences or Presentations: 3D scanned assets can be imported into free-for-educational-use software such as Twinmotion, AutoDesk VRED, and game engines like Unity. This allows viewing and presenting the scanned assets in VR headsets without publishing them online.
- 3D Printing & Manufacturing: 3D scanned assets can be 3D printed or used in computer-controlled machining to create physical 3D representations of objects. 3D Printing services are available at the MacOdrum Library.
- The starfish featured above was 3D printed at 1-to-1 scale in the Future Learning Lab
Scanning Tips (How to Get a Successful Scan)
This section contains tips for scanning. This includes tips for what to do before scanning and for scanning with the Einscan Tabletop Scanner and iPad with Scaniverse app installed. Agisoft Photoscan is a more advanced workflow better detailed in the user manual and practice.
Subjects that are difficult to scan for all available options (these kinds of objects can cause errors in scans; may not produce expected results or require advanced techniques and workflows):
- Transparent objects like glass
- Shining, reflective, or glossy objects like varnished metal parts
- Dark colour objects such as those made of black material or painted or powder-coated black
- Fuzzy or very fine objects like hair or plant stems
- Hollow pattern objects like the Eiffel Tower latticework
- Non-stationary objects
- Repetitive patterns or geometric mosaics like Parquet flooring
**Please note that Gaussian Splat methods can accommodate some of these more difficult subjects**
Examples of Difficult-to-Scan objects:
- Black varnished wood clarinet. The keywork scans, but not the black body
General Tips for All Available Options
- Check for errors: You may review your scans and notice sections of your image are not aligned properly; these are errors. Errors can occur when the scanner has been disrupted during the scanning process or when an object gets scanned too quickly.
- Save the raw data or scan projects as a backup if you need to reprocess your work; if you only save your processed output, you can’t go back and may lose what you need later.
- Before returning or leaving a public device or computer, ensure you are logged out of all accounts and no usernames or passwords are saved. This applies particularly to the iPads and EON-XR.
Before Scanning
- Choose the right scanner for your work
- The EinScan Tabletop Scanner is best suited for objects larger than 30 mm³, smaller than 250 mm³, and weighing less than 11 lbs.
- Example: A volute shell (from a marine snail of family Volutidae of class Gastropoda) scanned, modelled, rendered, and animated
- The EinScan Tabletop Scanner is best suited for objects larger than 30 mm³, smaller than 250 mm³, and weighing less than 11 lbs.
-
- The iPad with Scaniverse is best suited for objects and spaces larger than 200 mm³
- Example: Brickwork / Tree / Steel Structure
- The iPad with Scaniverse is best suited for objects and spaces larger than 200 mm³
EinScan Tabletop Scanner
Carleton University’s Mediaspace is host to Experiential Learning Hub tutorial videos. An excellent starting point for learning how to use the EinScan scanner is the video, “3D Scanning for Beginners with the Einscan SP V2” (trailer & full video).
To find additional guidance on using the EinScan Tabletop Scanner, consult the manufacturer’s EinScan SP V2 support pages:
Mobile Device with Scaniverse App
The Scaniverse app can utilize Gaussian splatting, photogrammetry, and LiDAR (when available). To produce high-quality scans using an iPad with the Scaniverse app installed, be sure to:
- Plan ahead to decide how you’ll move around the object or area you want to scan. Make sure you have a clear path with as few obstructions as possible.
- Decide whether to capture a Splat or a Mesh – splats are photorealistic 3D scenes extending to infinity. Meshes are made of textured polygons that can be edited easily and used with a wide variety of 3D tools
- Move slowly and smoothly during the scanning process to improve tracking accuracy and reduce motion blur
- Remove all red lines: While scanning using the Scaniverse app, continue scanning until all of the red lines on the scan are gone. This will reduce the number of errors and empty spaces in your final image.
- Select the proper processing mode in Scaniverse: After you’ve finished scanning, you have 3 processing options for your scan. If you save the Raw Data, you can always reprocess to compare the results:
- Speed: For fast renders of simple objects (with little to no texture),
- Area: For capturing rooms or other small spaces
- Detail: For complex object (with texture)
If you save a scan while using Scaniverse, upload it to EON-XR directly.
- Do not save scans on OneDrive while using shared devices. Before returning a public device, ensure you are logged out of EON-XR.
For information on how to use or download the Scaniverse app, visit the Scaniverse support page.
Attribution and Copyright
All Carleton University faculty, students, staff, and guests who use Carleton University’s scanning tools and services are subject to terms of use. Objects and environments that you scan may be protected by copyright laws. The act of scanning an object or environment does not necessarily grant you the right to use or reproduce those scans. The original copyright holder retains the legal right to the scanned content. For more information on the copyright implications associated with scanning, refer to Carleton University’s Acceptable Use Policy.
If you create and share content, you may wish to protect that content by adding a Creative Commons license: Creative Commons frequently asked questions
Questions regarding copyright, attribution, and licensing should be discussed with the MacOdrum Library: copyright@carleton.ca
Experiential Learning Hub Support and Services
You can consult the Experiential Learning Hub page for more information about our support and services.
If you’d like to book a Creation Suite with an EinScan Tabletop Scanner, you can submit a request via the Creation Suites page or through the ITS Jira Portal.
If you have ideas for incorporating 3D scanning or EON-XR into your course, contact us using the ELH Consultation Form. We’d love to brainstorm with you!