3D mesh generation - DIGITAL PRODUCTION https://digitalproduction.com Magazine for Digital Media Production Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:33:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 236729828 Epic Games updates RealityScan: 2.1 out https://digitalproduction.com/2025/11/27/epic-games-updates-realityscan-2-1-out/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://digitalproduction.com/?p=231180 A 3D visualization displaying a geometric structure made up of interconnected lines and points. The structure is highlighted in vibrant orange and green against a dark background, with a grid pattern beneath it.

pic’s RealityScan 2.1 brings LiDAR & SLAM import, server automation tools and improved UV and rendering support.

The post Epic Games updates RealityScan: 2.1 out first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

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Epic Games has released version 2.1 of its desktop 3D-scanning software RealityScan. The update introduces expanded LiDAR workflows, automation interfaces for production pipelines, and several image-processing and export improvements.

LiDAR, SLAM and classified point clouds

RealityScan 2.1 now supports importing SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) data, including trajectories, images and point clouds from drones or handheld scanners. SLAM captures can be merged with standard photogrammetry or laser scans, improving reconstructions in large or complex environments. The release adds support for classified point clouds in LAS/LAZ formats using ASPRS classification tags. Users can include or exclude specific classes, such as vegetation or vehicles, when generating meshes, a workflow particularly useful for urban or environmental captures. These additions extend RealityScan beyond photogrammetry into hybrid LiDAR and image-based scanning.

Aerial view of a historic stone building partially covered in greenery, surrounded by a circular path dotted with white markers, showcasing a blend of nature and architecture.

Automation and server integration

Version 2.1 places strong emphasis on automation. A new command-line interface (CLI) provides batch commands for import, reconstruction, and export tasks. It replaces the older reporting system with a template-based data extraction tool that can generate structured outputs for tracking and review. RealityScan can now be remotely controlled through REST and gRPC APIs, allowing studios to run automated or farm-based scanning operations. Sample Python scripts are included to demonstrate integration. For headless setups, a Linux-compatible CLI build is provided. It operates through a bundled Wine environment and can process alignments, meshing, texturing and exports without a GUI, supporting scalable production farms.

A digital illustration featuring two monitors labeled 'REST' and 'gRPC' positioned on opposite sides of the screen, with a central graphic displaying '-align'. A monitor labeled 'CLIENT' is shown in the foreground, emphasizing the connection between the components against a dark background.

Workflow and quality improvements

UV unwrapping has been revised with a coloured checker map that visualises distortion, adjusted thresholds for large-triangle removal, and a default-enabled texture defragmentation chart to maintain clean UV layouts. Rendering now includes a “render-camera view” that reuses the original capture camera positions. Artists can match or remove lens distortion and export surface normals in world or camera space. Export formats have been expanded with OpenCV registration files, XMP metadata for distorted and undistorted imagery, and improved COLMAP export that retains native distortion parameters.

A detailed view of a small, retro-style device resembling a radio, featuring a lace-like woven panel on the front. It has a prominent red button and is set against a starry black background, giving it a vintage, otherworldly appearance.

Licensing, hardware and availability

RealityScan remains free for individuals or studios earning under US $1 million per year. A commercial licence costs US $1,250 annually. The software supports Windows 8 and later or Windows Server 2008 +. A Linux CLI build targets Ubuntu 24.04 and Fedora 39 via Wine. Because RealityScan’s reconstruction relies on CUDA acceleration, an NVIDIA GPU is required.

A colorful 3D block with various labeled sections, including letters and numbers, against a grid background. The block features blue, green, yellow, and red regions, each displaying different labels like D1, E5, and F7.

RealityScan Mobile 1.8

In parallel, Epic Games released RealityScan Mobile 1.8 for iOS and Android. The update adds AR-guided capture, object-mode background removal, focus peaking, mesh clean-up tools, a capture-interval timer, and an optional watertight mesh export for 3D printing. It remains free and targets rapid on-site asset capture for integration into RealityScan desktop or Unreal Engine pipelines.

RealityScan Mobile 1.8 with Tools for On-the-Go Scanning

Conclusion

RealityScan 2.1 advances Epic’s scanning suite into a hybrid LiDAR and photogrammetry toolset, pairing automation with precision UV and export control. The update strengthens its role as a practical choice for VFX, game, and visualisation workflows. As always, test stability and compatibility before deploying the new release in production.

The post Epic Games updates RealityScan: 2.1 out first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

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