3DBigDataSpace, Session 2, Mesh to Model

Session 2 - From Mesh to Model (Online Workshop)

This is the second of five training sessions offered by the Hunt Museum as part of their contribution to the 3DBigDataSpace project.

This 2-hour online session (6pm to 8pm) shows how to convert raw photogrammetry outputs and scanner files into clean, printable models. The session explains mesh anatomy, common problems (holes, noise, non-manifold geometry) and the ethical choices involved in adapting originals for tactile use. A live demo walks through hole-filling, decimation, and tactile enhancement in Meshmixer and Blender. Breakout peer reviews let participants practise on provided sample files or their own uploads. Optional lab provides extra hands-on support.

From 8pm to 9pm there is an optional tutorial where in the faciliator will work to answer you questions or help you with technical issues encountered.

This workshop will be facilitated by Tadhg Charles - PhD researcher, focused on inclusive museum access; experience in 3D digitisation and tactile interpretation. Guest access consultants and museum staff will be present.

What Will be Covered

1. Welcome & recap of Session 1 outputs
2. Mini-lecture: mesh anatomy and ethics
3. Live demo: repair & tactile adaptation (Blender/Meshmixer)
4. Breakouts: peer review and guided checklist
5. Report back & facilitator synthesis
6. Exporting & homework instructions
7. Optional lab: extended practice (pre-registration)

Learning Outcomes:

• Perform basic mesh repair tasks (hole-filling, noise reduction, decimation).
• Make ethical and practical decisions to adapt models for tactile clarity.
• Export a clean STL file prepared for slicing and fabrication.

Participant Prework

• Training participants should watch 15-20 minute video "Introduction to Meshmixer/Blender). A link to One Drive will be supplied so participants can access this resource in advance of this training.
• Participant from session one should upload raw scan or photo set to the shared folder before the session.

What to bring?

Laptop with Blender or Meshmixer installed but this is optional and not required for observation.

Access & Consent

Live captions will be used for demonstrations. Transcripts and large-print handouts available on request.

Braille copies available if requested at least 7 days before.
Sessions will be recorded for research with participants’ consent.

You can opt out of any public sharing of your outputs.

Registration Policy & Consent

By registering you agree to participate in research activities associated with this training. Recordings, files and survey data will be retained for research with participant consent. You may opt out of public sharing of any specific model.

Contact tadhg.charles@northumbria.ac.uk for data queries.

Privacy & data handling: All data handling follows institutional GDPR and research ethics guidelines. Personal data is retained separately from model files; model metadata can be anonymised prior to research outputs.

Cancellation policy: Please notify in advance if you cannot attend to release your place.

Organisers reserve the right to reschedule if necessary.