> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/3d-scanning/troubleshooting/faq-3d-scanning.md).

# General

## General Digital Reconstruction Questions <a href="#general-digital-reconstruction-questions" id="general-digital-reconstruction-questions"></a>

### Can I scan transparent objects? <a href="#can-i-scan-transparent-objects" id="can-i-scan-transparent-objects"></a>

Scanning transparent, translucent and glossy objects is **extremely difficult** using structured-light scanning and photogrammetry. If the texture of the object is not required, **the object can be covered in a matte finish such as paint or powder** to scan the geometry.

#### On Full Body Scanning <a href="#on-full-body-scanning" id="on-full-body-scanning"></a>

Scanners have difficulty with glossy objects, and as such, **hair is difficult to resolve**. If you want to perform a body scan, try covering the head with a hat.

### How do I scan feature-poor or texture-poor objects? <a href="#how-do-i-scan-feature-poor-or-texture-poor-objects" id="how-do-i-scan-feature-poor-or-texture-poor-objects"></a>

You can add registration marks to objects. We recommend using masking tape and drawing shapes with a black marker on the tape. These features will serve as reference points and help align scans. You can also draw directly on the target object if that is appropriate.

### Regarding Photogrammetry, what is the best way to ensure my object is scaled correctly? <a href="#regarding-photogrammetry-what-is-the-best-way-to-ensure-my-object-is-scaled-correctly" id="regarding-photogrammetry-what-is-the-best-way-to-ensure-my-object-is-scaled-correctly"></a>

There are several methods to scale your object. You can **place a ruler in the target object environment** to serve as a reference point. **Scale the object** after the fact in a 3d modelling package such as **Rhino3d** using reference measurements taken from your object that you were scanning.

## Artec EVA <a href="#artec-eva" id="artec-eva"></a>

### I keep losing tracking, how do I get my object back? <a href="#i-keep-losing-tracking-how-do-i-get-my-object-back" id="i-keep-losing-tracking-how-do-i-get-my-object-back"></a>

In order to maintain tracking, ensure that you move slowly and look at the artec studio window rather than the subject. If tracking is lost, slowly return to your previous position.

### How do I get a point cloud when using the Artec EVA? <a href="#how-do-i-get-a-point-cloud-when-using-the-artec-eva" id="how-do-i-get-a-point-cloud-when-using-the-artec-eva"></a>

Unfortunately, there is no way to export point-cloud data from Artec hardware or software.

### **Why does Smooth Fusion not work?** <a href="#why-does-smooth-fusion-not-work" id="why-does-smooth-fusion-not-work"></a>

If smooth fusion fails check that your layers do not have an excessively high max error (>0.5) and/or 'Warning' labels, you may do the following:

{% content-ref url="/pages/-LXuuguPfeELlLDLii96" %}
[Frame Selection](/next-lab/3d-scanning/guides/artec-eva-3d-scanner/frame-selection.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Agisoft <a href="#agisoft" id="agisoft"></a>

### How do I get a point cloud when using Agisoft? <a href="#how-do-i-get-a-point-cloud-when-using-agisoft" id="how-do-i-get-a-point-cloud-when-using-agisoft"></a>

You can export your dense cloud. Select `[Export Points]` and follow the dialogue prompts.

## Meshroom <a href="#meshroom" id="meshroom"></a>

### How do I get a point cloud when using MeshRoom? <a href="#how-do-i-get-a-point-cloud-when-using-meshroom" id="how-do-i-get-a-point-cloud-when-using-meshroom"></a>

You can **export point cloud data** in the `.ply` file format by adding a **ConvertSFMFormat node** to the output of the **StructureFromMotion node,** then connecting this to a **Publish node**. After **computing**, `right-click` and open the file location to access the .`ply` file.

## Leica BLK360 <a href="#leica-blk360" id="leica-blk360"></a>

### Can Students Rent out the Leica BLK360? <a href="#can-students-rent-out-the-leica-blk-360" id="can-students-rent-out-the-leica-blk-360"></a>

Unfortunately, students are unable to loan out this piece of equipment. Please speak to your tutors/coordinators and they can loan it out for their students to use.