rhizotron
Active Member
Photogrammetry and 3D Printing for Special Habitat Features
This project is for a terrarium setup, but I have a couple ideas in mind involving features for marine tanks. Here I have used photogrammetry to build a 3D model of a tree branch that I then printed as a planting surface for mini epiphytic ferns, mosses and other plants. It took several steps, but I finally got it all assembled and planted last night in this 6-gallon aquarium.
A few years ago, photogrammetry may have seemed to be rather technical and not so accessible, but now there are numerous software options including several available as free downloads. Some are more demanding of PC graphics capability (usually requiring a NVIDIA CUDA GPU) but I found one (the free version of 3DF Zephyr) that runs OK with smaller models on my machine. Some tutorials on the Internet explain photogrammetry with rather elaborate studio photography setups, but with a few tricks a regular phone camera can work just fine. Models of medium resolution are more than adequate for the natural features I have in mind for this one and related projects.
To build this model I collected a 30" branch of Musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana), a small tree/large bush with fascinating ropy stem contours, then took a few dozen photographs in a simple studio setup as inputs for the mesh and 3D model generation.
With a 3D modelling/CAD software (also free and very easy to use Tinkercad) I modified the model for printing. Three longer sections are joined with fiberglass rod alignment pins and epoxy adhesive, while a shorter end cap is attached to a short piece of natural wood.
It has a contrived effect in combination with the live, natural plants, but that's part of the concept I have in mind for it. I bonded Hygrolon wicking terrarium fabric to the replica branch top surface, then secured sphagnum moss and plant cuttings with polyester thread.
An ultrasonic fogger passes through the enclosure top with a bulkhead fitting and generates a fine water mist to maintain humidity and keep the branch moist.
Thanks for reading! I intend to do a couple more projects like this. I'll also post an update at some point to show progress with this mini live plant display.
This project is for a terrarium setup, but I have a couple ideas in mind involving features for marine tanks. Here I have used photogrammetry to build a 3D model of a tree branch that I then printed as a planting surface for mini epiphytic ferns, mosses and other plants. It took several steps, but I finally got it all assembled and planted last night in this 6-gallon aquarium.
A few years ago, photogrammetry may have seemed to be rather technical and not so accessible, but now there are numerous software options including several available as free downloads. Some are more demanding of PC graphics capability (usually requiring a NVIDIA CUDA GPU) but I found one (the free version of 3DF Zephyr) that runs OK with smaller models on my machine. Some tutorials on the Internet explain photogrammetry with rather elaborate studio photography setups, but with a few tricks a regular phone camera can work just fine. Models of medium resolution are more than adequate for the natural features I have in mind for this one and related projects.
To build this model I collected a 30" branch of Musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana), a small tree/large bush with fascinating ropy stem contours, then took a few dozen photographs in a simple studio setup as inputs for the mesh and 3D model generation.
With a 3D modelling/CAD software (also free and very easy to use Tinkercad) I modified the model for printing. Three longer sections are joined with fiberglass rod alignment pins and epoxy adhesive, while a shorter end cap is attached to a short piece of natural wood.
It has a contrived effect in combination with the live, natural plants, but that's part of the concept I have in mind for it. I bonded Hygrolon wicking terrarium fabric to the replica branch top surface, then secured sphagnum moss and plant cuttings with polyester thread.
An ultrasonic fogger passes through the enclosure top with a bulkhead fitting and generates a fine water mist to maintain humidity and keep the branch moist.
Thanks for reading! I intend to do a couple more projects like this. I'll also post an update at some point to show progress with this mini live plant display.
Last edited:
