3D Model Basics

In this guide we walk you through some of the essential tools and workflows you can use within Hammer Missions, for working with a 3D model and its 2D map. Whether you’re inspecting façades for defects, annotating issues or taking measurements, these practical tips will help you move faster and produce cleaner results.

If you prefer to watch a video on this topic use the link immediately below, otherwise skip over it to the Blog article

https://www.loom.com/share/cd7558319b98447e8950bef3f2659902?sid=c0af1876-92ed-42ef-84db-c43a52bc2893

Quick overview

The platform offers two primary views:

Interactive 3D model — rotate, pan and zoom to inspect any surface.
2D map — View your model via a 'Bird's eye' perspective and see the drone image capture points, with the option to add annotations and make a variety of measurements.

Throughout this article, we will cover navigation around your model, façade workflows, tagging and annotation tools, plus the measurement utilities you have at your disposal.

Navigating the 3D model

Start by opening your project in the Data Analysis section. Position your mouse cursor near the centre of the model before trying to move it — this keeps rotations smooth and avoids the “oval” rotation effect that happens when the cursor is off-centre.

Project opened in full-screen mode with 3D model in centre

Mouse controls:

Left mouse button: Rotate around any axis. Keep the cursor central to the model for predictable rotation.
Right mouse button: Pan the whole model (move it sideways/up-down) and also use the scroll wheel for zooming in/out.

Using the left mouse button to rotate the 3D model

Switching to the 2D map

Click the 2D icon to change to a plan or orthographic view of the model area. The 2D map is useful when you want a bird’s-eye context or need to quickly reference raw drone imagery.

Clicking the 2D icon to change to a 2D map perspective

Split-screen thumbnails and thumbnails workflow

Click any thumbnail below the model to switch to a split-screen view: the 3D model on the left and the selected thumbnail image on the right. This is the normal inspection view we use when marking up deficiencies.

Split screen: 3D model on the left and selected thumbnail on the right

Recommended Workflow (working façade-by-façade & roof)

When inspecting and identifying deficiencies within your model, work through each façade and the roof area, one at a time:

Rotate the model so the façade faces you (or in the case of the roof area, you have a birds eye perspective of it) and centre it on screen.
Its often helpful to lock the view to prevent further rotation — this lets you pan the cursor up/down and left/right only, which is ideal for zooming in and examining details.
Click any point on the 2D model to load the nearest 2D image on the right. In the 3D model mode you can double mouse click an area of the model and all available images for that area, will be shown in the thumbnail area.

Locking the view and zooming in to inspect a façade

In 3D model view, the platform shows a small blue indicator at the point where you clicked the 3D model, whilst simultaneously loading the corresponding drone image in the right hand pane. The right hand pane is where you would normally zoom in and inspect, then annotate any deficiencies or other potential issue.

Blue dot indicates clicked location on 3D model; thumbnails load on the right

Tagging and annotating defects

Tagging is straightforward and essential for later reporting:

Rectangle tag: Click the rectangular tag tool, then press Shift on keyboard and use mouse to drag and draw a box on the area of the image that you wish to highlight. Name the tag (e.g. "my tag one") or select from any available tags and optionally you can add a comment to the annotation.
Polygon tag: For irregular shapes use the polygon tool — hold Shift and trace the boundary, then double-click to finish drawing the boundary then use the same method as above to create a tag or use an existing tag.

Using the rectangular tag tool to label an area

You can mark severe deficiencies as such by clicking the triangular icon. Marked thumbnails will be highlighted red and the boundary of the tagged area will also turn red, making high-priority items easy to find.

A red boundary highlights a severe issue and the thumbnail turns red

Filtering and reviewing annotations

Filter by tag to only display images that match a particular tag. Use the annotated filter to see every image with any annotation — handy when preparing reports or doing a final quality check.

Filtering thumbnails by tag to show only relevant annotations

3D comments and in-model annotations

In addition to tags on the individual images, you can also create comments directly on the 3D model side. These are short text notes attached to model coordinates and can include urgency levels and further details.

Adding a 3D comment directly onto the model

Use the speech bubble icon, (2nd left in the row of tool icons) enter your details and then click save. Click the annotation to edit or delete it later.

Measurement tools: distance, slope and area

The platform includes built-in measurement utilities that are useful for measuring distances, area and volume. These functions can be particularly useful for example, in providing data to define the amount of repair work that might be needed.

Measure distance: Click two points, then click ok and the tool shows the linear length plus slope calculations when relevant.

Using the measure distance tool between two points

To remove a measurement, click the bin icon then click on the measurement to remove it.

Measure area (polygonal): Click sequential points around a surface to define its boundary. Click the check/tick icon to finish the polygon and the system calculates the total square area inside the boundary. Deletion is via the same process as used with measuring distances.

Measuring square area using the polygon area tool

Delete area measurements using the delete button and clicking the boundary edge to confirm removal.

Putting it together: façade-to-façade inspection workflow

Open the project and centre the model.
Rotate to a façade, lock the view and zoom in with the scroll wheel.
Click points on the model to bring up related thumbnails and drone imagery.
Annotate issues with rectangle or polygon tools; add comments and severity flags.
Use filters to review tags or view all annotated images.
Take measurements (distance, slope, area) where required.

Clicking on model loads corresponding thumbnails for inspection

Tips and best practices

Always centralise your cursor before rotating the model — it makes navigation predictable.
Work one façade at a time to keep annotations organised and ensure consistent coverage.
Use severity flags for issues that require immediate attention so they stand out in reports.

Conclusion

These tools and workflows will help you get the most from your Hammer Missions projects — streamlining inspection, annotation and measurement so you can deliver accurate, actionable analysis. If you follow the façade-by-façade approach, use the polygon/rectangle tagging tools and leverage the measurement utilities, you’ll significantly speed up your review process while improving the quality of your reports.