Tools Database
REFERENCE
📖1 min read
Introduction​
Tools are separate software. They run outside Blender, read your photos, video, and scans, and turn them into 3D data: point clouds, meshes, splats, orthomosaics, and measurements.
This database covers the tools that matter for visual investigation. The pages do not go deep into every feature. They focus on the workflow: how to get the information you need out of your data quickly and accurately, in a form you can bring into Blender and document.
Use the search bar to filter by name, category, or tags. For addons that extend Blender itself, see the Addon Database.
| Name | Category | Tags | Description | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colmap | Photogrammetry | photogrammetrysfmmvsopen-source | General-purpose Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) pipeline. | Link |
| ComfyUI | Generative AI | aistable-diffusiongenerative-ainodes | The Blender of local generative AI, capable of running state-of-the-art 3D models. | Link |
| Google Earth Pro | Geospatial | geospatialmapssatellite-imageryreferencehistorical-data | A desktop geospatial application for viewing high-resolution satellite imagery, historical data, and terrain. | Link |
| Lichtfeld Studio | Gaussian Splatting & Radiance Fields | gaussian-splattingviewerediting | Free, open-source desktop workstation for training, inspecting, and editing 3D Gaussian Splatting scenes. | Link |
| Meshroom | Photogrammetry | photogrammetryopen-sourcealicevision | A free, open-source 3D Reconstruction Software based on the AliceVision Photogrammetric Computer Vision framework. | Link |
| Metashape | Photogrammetry | photogrammetrycommercialprofessional | Professional photogrammetry software for processing digital images and generating 3D spatial data. | Link |
| Postshot | Gaussian Splatting & Radiance Fields | nerfgaussian-splattingradiance-fields | Radiance Field (NeRF/Gaussian Splatting) creation tool. | Link |
| QGIS | Geospatial | GISmapsterrainanalysis | Open-source GIS application used to analyze and extract map data for investigations. | Link |
| Reality Scan | Photogrammetry | photogrammetrymobileapp | Create detailed 3D models from images and laser scans with ease. | Link |
| Spirula Studio | Gaussian Splatting & Radiance Fields | gaussian-splattingopen-sourcereconstruction | Open-source, cross-vendor 3D Gaussian Splatting trainer that runs a photo or video capture to a splat and a textured mesh in one desktop binary. | Link |
| fSpy | Camera Matching | cameramatchingperspectiveimport | Open-source app for still image camera matching; imports directly into Blender via importer addon. | Link |
How to use these tools​
Many of these tools complement Blender workflows by providing data, analysis, or preprocessing that helps create accurate reconstructions. Install instructions or links to downloads are included per tool.​
Resources​
- Addon Database — tools that run inside Blender
- Techniques Database — the workflows the tools serve
- Introduction — what visual investigation covers