LoDCalculator: A Blender add-on for Level of Detail analysis and classification

In 3D modelling, one key challenge is balancing visual quality with performance, especially in environments with limited technical resources, such as immersive Virtual Reality. To address this, the use of Level of Detail (LoD) has become a fundamental technique. It allows for efficient graphics rendering by adapting the complexity of a 3D model according to the viewer’s needs.

To classify models based on their LoD, several systems exist—but many of them are inconsistent or overly complex, limiting their adoption. That’s why we developed LoDCalculator, an open-source add-on for Blender. This tool provides a clear, universal, and accessible way to analyze and classify 3D models according to their LoD with 9 levels of LoD in a scale from 1 to 5 with half point separation.

LoDCalculator was tested with 12 different 3D models, and its results were compared to subjective evaluations carried out by both students and professional 3D artists. The comparison showed strong agreement between the tool and the human evaluators, demonstrating the software’s reliability and potential.

LoDCalculator responds to the need for a universal and accessible way to analyze the LoD in 3D models. Its intuitive interface and easy-to-read results make it especially useful for teams with limited experience in 3D modelling. This is particularly relevant in multidisciplinary fields such as immersive Virtual Reality, education, or Cultural Heritage, where teams without technical backgrounds often explore 3D to enhance their work.

By working within Blender, one of the most widely used open-source 3D tools, LoDCalculator integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. It offers a consistent framework for LoD classification, helping streamline development and making the process more approachable for non-specialist users. Tests have shown that its results align closely with expert evaluations, making it a reliable resource for LoD analysis across different contexts.

For more details on the research and its results, check out our full article in Software X journal. You can also download the software from the following link: https://github.com/DigiUBU/LoDCalculator

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#3Dmodelling #Blender #VirtualReality #LevelofDetail #ModelClassification