Printable Models of Every Statue & Landmark on the Planet
I love traveling. Besides getting to take a break from reality, relax and enjoy a new and exciting area, one of my favorite activities is to explore the famous landmarks of each new destination I visit. Unfortunately, travelling is expensive, and like the majority of those out there reading this article, I don’t have the time nor the finances to visit all the places I would love to see with my own eyes.
A London, England based company, MyMiniFactory is seeking a way to fix this problem, at least to some extent. Through an initiative launched this week, the company seeks to 3D scan the world, and they need the help of you and I to do so. The project has a lofty goal of creating a library of 3D printable models of every statue, monument, and landmark building around the globe.
“The idea is that we want to build a repository of artworks, landmarks and sculptures from around the world,” explained Rees Calder, a marketing coordinator for the company, to 3DPrint.com. “We want to create a digital library of all these items, whereby people will be able to eventually download hundreds, if not thousands of 3D representations of iconic items from across the globe. They will have free access to these models, which they can print for themselves, or simply browse an extensive collection of 3D representations of these items, enabling people to experience these significant works regardless of their location.
The company has already begun scanning various statues and landmarks within the London area, but will rely on the public to capture the rest of the world in 3D. They are asking that anyone, anywhere, go out and take several pictures of statues and landmarks which they come across. The instructions on how to capture the images will be posted online shortly.
“What this involves is going out with a good quality camera – even a good quality phone camera, and taking pictures from various angels,” explained Calder. “Generally speaking, moving slowly in a full circle around the object taking photos every foot or two should suffice – obviously there will be various factors that come into play – location, finish, background etc”
For those wishing to help out, there is a decent reward for doing so, one other than knowing that you have contributed to quite an ambitious project. MyMinFactory, first takes the images submitted, feeds the data into software which stitches the images together, and then has their technicians prepare the models to be 3D printed. They will then place each model online along with the others within the library, in addition to 3D printing it out themselves. The 3D print will be shipped for free to the individual who contributed by providing the images.
“The finished print can then be sent to the “scanner”, as a thank you for their contribution,” stated Calder. “We are hoping that this fosters a sense of community within the 3D printing/scanning world, bringing people together to create a truly worthwhile resource!”
There are already several statues and monuments within the library, which are completely free for anyone to download to print out at home. MyMiniFactory also offers to print each model out for a small fee of just $9.99. Further instructions and details will be provided shortly within the company’s newsletter.
Let us know if you intend to help out with this incredibly ambitious project, or if you have downloaded and scanned any of the landmarks or statues. Discuss in the Scan The World forum thread on 3DPB.com.
