Introduction to CGI Photogrammetry and 3D Scanning

Have you ever wondered how modern video games and films achieve stunningly realistic 3D models of real-world objects and environments? Photogrammetry is the powerful process of converting photographs into highly detailed 3D assets, and understanding its core principles is essential for any aspiring digital artist. This text-based course guides you through the foundational concepts of photogrammetry, from capturing the right source images to understanding how software processes them into 3D geometry. You will learn how to evaluate the pros and cons of this technique, prepare assets for production, and explore modern advancements in the field. What you'll learn: Understand the fundamental terminology and science behind photogrammetry; Analyze the pros and cons of photogrammetry compared to traditional 3D modeling; Learn the best practices for capturing high-quality source photographs; Explore the workflow of converting images into 3D meshes and PBR textures; Discover modern trends including mobile-based scanning and neural reconstruction basics; Master clean retopology concepts to make scanned models production-ready. The course starts with essential terminology and physical concepts before moving into practical capture strategies and modern pipeline integration. Through written explanations and clear step-by-step breakdowns, you will gain a solid conceptual foundation. Designed entirely for beginners, this course requires no prior experience in 3D modeling or photography. Start reading today to unlock the potential of real-world 3D scanning.