Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Meshroom VS VisualSfM

Compare Meshroom VS VisualSfM and see what are their differences

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Meshroom logo Meshroom

Meshroom is a free, open-source 3D Reconstruction Software based on the AliceVision framework.

VisualSfM logo VisualSfM

VisualSFM is a GUI application for 3D reconstruction using structure from motion (SFM).
  • Meshroom Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-27
  • VisualSfM Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-02-19

Meshroom features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    Meshroom is available for free and the source code is open, allowing users to modify and distribute the software under the terms of the license.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software features an intuitive graphical user interface that makes it accessible to beginners while still offering advanced options for experienced users.
  • Integration with AliceVision
    Meshroom integrates seamlessly with AliceVision, a photogrammetric computer vision framework, ensuring high-quality and accurate 3D reconstructions.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    The software is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux, making it versatile for different user environments.
  • Customizable Workflow
    Meshroom allows users to customize the photogrammetry workflow by modifying the node-based system, providing flexibility in how reconstructions are processed.

Possible disadvantages of Meshroom

  • High System Requirements
    The software requires a powerful computer with a high-end GPU and significant RAM to efficiently process large datasets, which might be a limitation for some users.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic functionalities are user-friendly, mastering advanced features and custom workflows can be challenging and may require a steep learning curve.
  • Limited Documentation
    The available documentation and tutorials are not as comprehensive as some other commercial software, which might make it harder for users to troubleshoot and fully utilize all features.
  • Long Processing Times
    Processing large datasets can take a considerable amount of time, as the software requires extensive computational resources to generate high-quality reconstructions.
  • Lack of Support for Non-Standard Cameras
    Meshroom performs best with traditional DSLR or mirrorless cameras and may not support non-standard cameras as effectively, limiting its usability in some scenarios.

VisualSfM features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    VisualSfM offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface, which makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced users in photogrammetry and 3D reconstruction.
  • Fast Processing
    The software is optimized to handle large datasets efficiently, leveraging multi-core CPUs and GPUs for faster computation, which significantly speeds up the reconstruction process.
  • Integration with CMVS/PMVS
    VisualSfM easily integrates with other tools like CMVS and PMVS, enhancing its capability for dense point cloud reconstruction and allowing more detailed models.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, users have the ability to modify and improve the software, and it allows for community collaboration and sharing of improvements or custom functionalities.

Possible disadvantages of VisualSfM

  • Limited Platform Support
    VisualSfM is primarily built for Windows and macOS, with limited support for Linux, which restricts its use for users relying heavily on other operating systems.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic features are user-friendly, advanced functionality may require a steep learning curve, especially for users new to photogrammetry.
  • Sparse Documentation
    The documentation for VisualSfM is not as comprehensive as some other software, potentially leading to difficulties for users attempting to troubleshoot or fully utilize all features.
  • Limited Support for Non-Standard Inputs
    VisualSfM may struggle with or not support non-standard or highly diverse image datasets, which can limit its use in some complex or custom projects.

Analysis of Meshroom

Overall verdict

  • Meshroom is generally considered to be a good choice for those looking into photogrammetry, especially for users who appreciate open-source tools and require a cost-effective solution for creating detailed 3D models.

Why this product is good

  • Meshroom is a popular open-source 3D reconstruction software developed by AliceVision. It is favored for its ease of use, powerful photogrammetry capabilities, and ability to generate high-quality 3D models from photographs. Its seamless integration with other software and detailed documentation also contribute to its positive reception among users.

Recommended for

    Meshroom is recommended for hobbyists, researchers, and professionals in fields such as archaeology, architecture, and visual effects who seek an accessible and robust photogrammetry tool. It is also suitable for those with a technical background who are comfortable with open-source software.

Meshroom videos

Meshroom -- 3D Models from Photos using this Free Open Source Photogrammetry Software

More videos:

  • Review - MeshRoom Vs Reality Capture with blender
  • Tutorial - FREE MESHROOM A beginner tutorial, introduction to photogrammetry

VisualSfM videos

Free Photo Scanning Workflow! (VisualSFM and Meshlab)

More videos:

  • Review - Turn any camera into a 3D Scanner for FREE! (photogrammetry using VisualSFM)
  • Review - VisualSFM Mac Install - High Sierra Update - LINK UPDATED

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Meshroom and VisualSfM)
3D
86 86%
14% 14
Architecture
85 85%
15% 15
Freelance
87 87%
13% 13
3D Modeling
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Meshroom should be more popular than VisualSfM. It has been mentiond 16 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Meshroom mentions (16)

  • Where is Meshroom SFM source code?
    I know there is this github repo Https://github.com/alicevision/meshroom. Source: about 3 years ago
  • I am new to photogrammetry and have a really stupid question I can't find an answer to on Google.
    You can input your photos into Meshroom using a capable computer or Colab. Even if you're only interested in some of the depthmaps, you'll have to input a full set of images around the object. It will take 2-4 times longer than default but for your usecase you may want to change the 'Downscale' attribute to 1. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Who knows an app for that?
    I know this is r/fossdroid, but I don't think there is any Foss Android application capable of that. However, meshroom came into my mind. It is free and open source with linux support. The downside of it is that you can't create the model right in your phone, but you first need to take many photos to then upload to your computer and process. Source: over 3 years ago
  • 3D modelling just by walking around the object
    This has been used in Video games for the Better part of decade, already. And you can do this yourself without an iphone with lidar, by taking a lot of pictures of an object from various angles, and then use something like meshroom to make a detailed 3d model of it. Source: over 3 years ago
  • 3D modelling just by walking around the object
    This is using the Iphones LIDAR, (basiacally laser depth sensor) to get accurate data, but it can be done also be done without it, just with a lot of pictures of all around the object, from various angles, and some software like meshroom. Source: over 3 years ago
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VisualSfM mentions (2)

  • Softwares recommendations for non-Nvidia GPU
    Do a look on http://www.regard3d.org/ and http://ccwu.me/vsfm/ that not use acceleration. Source: over 3 years ago
  • My girlfriend wants me to print this. If anybody has the STL please reach out. Thanks
    There are a number of steps you can take to make an original of this following a similar idea. So the Etsy shop has images from multiple angles. Alternatively you can grab each frame from the shining with the desired facial expression and use a photogrammetry program and export to blender or whatever you use for 3D modeling. Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Meshroom and VisualSfM, you can also consider the following products

Regard3D - Regard3D is a free, multiplatform, open-source structure-from-motion application.

openMVG - openMVG: "open Multiple View Geometry" is a c++ library for computer-vision scientists...

RealityCapture - RealityCapture is a software solution which automatically produces high resolution 3D models from photographs or laser-scans.

Pix4Dmapper - Photogrammetry software for professional drone-based mapping, purely from images.

3DF Zephyr - Next up in my series of Photogrammetry Software Reviews — after ReMake, PhotoScan & RealityCapture — is 3DF Zephyr (including the Free version).

ContextCapture - Acute3D develops breakthrough photogrammetry software solutions to automatically turn photos into photorealistic high resolution 3D models