I want to do my own render

`Scanning`📱

In order to produce quality botanical scans we mainly utilize NeRF/Photogrammetry 3D scanning techniques. To keep things simple we’ll recommend 2 software’s you can access on a phone or PC.

However, feel free to use whatever software and capture methods you would like, these are just our beginner recommendations!

`Getting started with Photogrammetry`

<aside> 1️⃣ Watch our scanning tutorial below:

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Scanning Tutorial.mov

<aside> 2️⃣ Level up scan quality with our top tips 👀 🌿

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Botanical specimens are often thin at areas like their leaves and stems, making them prone to movement under wind or contact. Movement reduces scan quality dramatically so try not to disrupt your specimen or scan in windy conditions!
To keep your subject in focus, maintain the same distance between your camera and subject during capture. All try to keep the camera steady
Slow motion video is a great way to capture lots of information on your specimen in a short period of time, reducing the chances of the subject moving.
To take your scans to the next level, you can export your video frames and check that the subject remains in focus in all uploaded frames, removing any blurry or unfavorable images from the data set.
After capturing video of your subject, using a basic video edit to remove any sudden camera movements or non-subject focused recording, this can help improve the data set and scan quality.

What Apps Should I Use?

For beginners we recommend the free **Polycam** app for iOS/Android smartphones and PC or for more experienced users - Capturing Reality on PC.

Photogrammetry is a great tool, and is how we’ve produced scans on previous expeditions. However it has some challenges when dealing with reflective, organic structures like botanical specimens, and may therefore can take some practice for beginners!

Learn more ⇒ Photogrammetry

<aside> 3️⃣ Record your specimen data:

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In addition to capturing 3D models of plant specimens, PlantGang also aims to preserve the real-world context associated with each 3D specimen. This is possible by collecting basic scientific metadata mentioned below. By recording these elements accurately, you contribute to the scientific value and integrity of our Virtual Herbarium.

You only need to start with collecting the Essential data below, but can collect Additional data as you improve your citizen scientist skills! Let's get started!

Essential Data Collection	Collection Guide
Collection Date	Use a basic calendar or date format (DD/MM/YYYY)
Geolocation	Geolocation in latitude and longitude coordinates provided in degrees, minutes, and seconds format (e.g. 40°15'30"N, 75°30'45"W).
Country	Country where the specimen was collected
Species ID & Family	2 options:
Add specimen ID if known (help using field guides, ID apps, botanists)
Tick box to state ID unknown
Locality	Provide a brief description of the specific area where the specimen was collected. Include any landmarks, features, or notable aspects of the locality.

Additional Data Collection	Collection Guide
Phenology	Note the stage of development of the plant specimen at the time of collection. Use terms like flowering, fruiting, vegetative, or specific growth stages if applicable.
Associated Species	Identify and list any other plant species growing in close proximity to the collected specimen (use scientific names if known).
Contextual Images	Add images of plant features that will help with identification. This can include overall habitat, leaves, flowers, fruits, stems and any indicators of scale/measurement reference.

Collected by PG	This data will be collected automatically from uploaded Video/Image Files.
Specimen Collection number	Assign a unique identification number to each plant specimen captured by a scanner starting at 1.
Specimen Scanner	Uploader is the specimen scanner unless written otherwise

<aside> 4️⃣ Upload your specimen video & data:

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Scanning📱

Getting started with Photogrammetry

`Scanning`📱

`Getting started with Photogrammetry`