Techniques Database

A comprehensive collection of techniques for 3D reconstruction, modeling, and analysis in visual investigations. Use the search bar to filter by name, category, or tags.

All CategoriesAcquisition & GenerationAnimation & DynamicsFoundation & PreparationModeling TechniquesOptimization & RefinementUtility WorkflowsAll Tags2D to 3D3D reconstructionAIGaussianLiDARMCPOSINTSfMUVaccuracyalgorithmsalignmentanalysisanimationassemblyassetsautomationboolean operationsbrushescalibrationcamerachronolocationclayclothcomponentsconstructive solid geometryconversioncoordinatesdepthdimensionsedgesenvironmentfacesfluidsfocal lengthfootageforensicgenerationgeolocationgeometryheightmapimage processingimportingkinematicslandscapelibrariesmachine learningmappingmapsmeasurementsmeshmodelingmodelsmodularmotionneural renderingnovel view synthesisoptimizationorganicpathperformanceperspectivephotographyphotorealisticphysicspoint cloudprecisionprimitivesproceduralretopologyreusableriggingrulesscalesculptingsensorsensorsshadowssimulationsmoothingstillsubdivisionsunsurfacesterraintexturingtimetopologytrackingunwrappingutilityverticesvideoworkflow

Name	Category	Tags	Description
AI Mesh Generation	Acquisition & Generation	AImachine learningmeshautomation	Using artificial intelligence to automatically generate and optimize 3D meshes from various inputs.
Analyzing Footage	Foundation & Preparation	footageanalysiscamerasensor	Understanding the technical characteristics of source footage for accurate 3D reconstruction.
Blender MCP Workflows	Utility Workflows	MCPAIautomationworkflow	Workflows involving the Model Context Protocol in Blender.
Boolean Modeling	Modeling Techniques	boolean operationsprimitivesconstructive solid geometry	Using boolean operations (union, intersection, difference) to create complex shapes from primitives.
Camera Matching	Foundation & Preparation	cameraperspectivealignmentfocal length	Techniques for matching virtual cameras to real-world photographs and footage for accurate scene recreation.
Camera Tracking	Foundation & Preparation	trackingmotionvideopath	Tracking camera movement in video footage to recreate motion paths in 3D space.
Chronolocation	Foundation & Preparation	chronolocationtimeshadowssun	Determining the precise time and date of an event using visual evidence.
Depth Map Modeling	Modeling Techniques	depthsensorsgeometryLiDAR	Using depth information from images or sensors to create accurate 3D geometry.
Direct Modeling	Modeling Techniques	modelingverticesedgesfaces	Fundamental modeling techniques involving direct manipulation of vertices, edges, and faces.
Gaussian Splatting	Acquisition & Generation	neural renderingphotorealisticGaussiannovel view synthesis	Modern 3D reconstruction technique using Gaussian functions for photorealistic rendering.
Geolocation	Foundation & Preparation	geolocationmapscoordinatesOSINT	Determining the precise geographic location of an event or evidence.
Image-Based Modeling	Modeling Techniques	image processingmodeling2D to 3D	Creating 3D models directly from 2D images without traditional modeling techniques.
Measurements, Scale & Dimension	Foundation & Preparation	scaledimensionsmeasurementscalibration	Setting up accurate scale and dimensions in 3D scenes for realistic measurements and analysis.
Modular Modeling	Modeling Techniques	modularreusableassemblycomponents	Building complex scenes by assembling reusable modular components and assets.
Photogrammetry	Acquisition & Generation	3D reconstructionphotographypoint cloudSfM	Creating accurate 3D models from multiple photographs using structure from motion algorithms.
Precision Modeling	Modeling Techniques	precisionmeasurementsforensicaccuracy	Creating highly accurate models with precise measurements and dimensions for forensic applications.
Procedural Modeling	Modeling Techniques	proceduralalgorithmsgenerationrules	Using algorithms and rules to generate complex geometry and textures procedurally.
Retopology & Mesh Optimization	Optimization & Refinement	retopologyoptimizationtopologyperformance	Improving mesh topology and optimizing geometry for better performance and animation.
Rigging & Animation	Animation & Dynamics	rigginganimationkinematicsmotion	Creating rigs and animations for 3D models to simulate movement and interactions.
Sculpting	Modeling Techniques	sculptingorganicclaybrushes	Organic modeling technique that simulates working with clay.
Simulation & Physics-Based Modeling	Animation & Dynamics	simulationphysicsclothfluids	Simulating physical phenomena like cloth, fluids, and rigid bodies.
Sourcing Models	Acquisition & Generation	assetslibrariesimportingmodels	Finding and using third-party 3D models for your scenes.
Subdivision Surfaces	Modeling Techniques	subdivisionsmoothingtopologysurfaces	Technique for creating smooth high-resolution surfaces from low-resolution meshes.
Terrain & Landscape Generation	Acquisition & Generation	terrainlandscapeenvironmentheightmap	Creating realistic terrain and landscapes for environmental context in investigations.
UV Unwrapping	Optimization & Refinement	UVtexturingunwrappingmapping	Unfolding 3D meshes into 2D space for texturing.
Video to Still	Utility Workflows	videostillconversionutility	Converting video footage into high-quality still images for analysis.

How to use these techniques

These techniques are designed to work within Blender and other 3D software to help create accurate forensic reconstructions. Each technique page includes detailed workflows, best practices, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Working with Sourced Models

When you bring a model into your scene from Sketchfab, a photogrammetry pipeline, or a CAD export, the workflow depends on the condition of the mesh and what you need it for. Use this as a quick reference for choosing the right technique:

Step	Question	Technique
1	Where do I find a model?	Sourcing Models — Sketchfab, scans, CAD exports, licensing, format compatibility
2	Is the geometry usable?	Evaluating Mesh Quality — diagnostics, red flags, and decision criteria
3	Does it have broken geometry?	Mesh Repair — fix non-manifold edges, duplicate vertices, holes, and flipped normals
4	Is it too dense for my scene?	Decimation & LOD — reduce polygon count while preserving form
5	Do I need clean, editable topology?	Retopology & Mesh Optimization — rebuild the surface with proper edge flow
6	Do I need to build a new model from it?	Reference Modeling — use the sourced model as a proportional guide for clean geometry

Not every model needs every step. A clean mid-poly model from Sketchfab might only need minor repair (step 3) before it's ready. A raw photogrammetry scan might need decimation, then retopology. Let the mesh condition drive the technique — see step 2 for the assessment workflow.