3D Model Viewing Issues

I am having a bit of an issue with 3D and the actual use of it. The 2D maps are brilliant easy and useful. Very easy to share and download. The 3D maps are where the problem lies. I would like to share a 3D map with clients. A lot of people use Sketchfab for this. I actually see where one of your images is on sketchfab. The problem is what data do I need and how do I get it uploaded. I have tried various ways and am coming up short. The obj has the 3D data with no color or texture.

Another issue I have is on my last two maps. The map that was not rendered in 3D is not as good as the other in your 3D preview. It is actually pretty bad. Reason of that and could there be a points refund. The data is exactly the same. The upload was exactly the same. Thanks.

Adam June 02, 2016 16:58

Official comment

We generally recommend using MeshLab for viewing the full resolution OBJ files. Download the OBJ, MTL and JPG texture into the same location. Then download and open MeshLab. Use "Import Mesh" to select the OBJ and the other files will automatically be detected. This will allow you inspect the differences between the full 3D and the 2.5D versions.

The model (OBJ file) is separate from the texture (JPG file) which is what provides the color. The material file (MTL file) describes how the two are related.

When uploading to SketchFab you have to include the OBJ, MTL and JPG texture files. SketchFab limits the amount of model faces that can be uploaded depending on what plan you have. You can used MeshLab to decimate the model to an appropriate number of faces before upload.

The 3D model preview came out worse on your second job because it was processed with the full 3D option. The Full 3D option has much more detail associated with it but is still limited to being 10,000 faces in the preview. That is why it looks worse. The model will be better when viewed in a proper viewer like MeshLab.

Tudor June 02, 2016 17:16

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6 comments

Hi, I have created a Model with MME with data from MapPilot flight. I have the 3 files (OBJ, MTL and JPG) in the same directory.When loding the OBJ file into MeshLab with "Import Mesh", it loads and comes with a messagehat can't locate the MTL file. The model is white.

What is the issue ? Thx.

DAVE BEHR June 06, 2016 09:24 0 votes

The model being white makes sense if the texture or material isn't found.

We were able to load it successfully on Mac and Windows so you might want to try redownloading the files. The MTL file is 261 bytes.

You could also try putting the 3 model files in a directory on their own incase there is something in the other files messing it up.

Jay June 06, 2016 22:26 0 votes

-1

This seems to be the same problem I am having. I need to share a 3D model with a client..I do not want to have to start giving them instructions about Meshlab and various files etc...they will just want something to click on....can this be done?

Kestrelvideo September 19, 2016 20:19 -1 votes

My 3D Model and material file will not open. I downloaded the MeshLab but when I try to input it i would not see any file. I am using min 3 pro.

Zota Stevens February 23, 2025 01:37 0 votes

You can't rename the files. They all go together and must not be renamed. They must all be in the same folder. Select the OBJ and the others are found.

If you don't like this for delivery to others we recommend using SketchFab.

Zane February 24, 2025 02:55 0 votes