PhotoModeler 2026 Release

PhotoModeler Technologies is excited to announce the 2026.0 release, with improvements for customers using Outlines, Image Idealize, Video, and those interested in alternate 3D navigation. In addition, this release includes a number of smaller enhancements and bug fixes.

Outline Improvements

Outlines are a great way to add CAD‑like objects to surfaces by drawing in just one photo. They are especially useful for template digitizing and for those in the marine decking industry. PhotoModeler 2026.0 adds several new capabilities to Outlines.

Outlines on Curved Surfaces

Outlines can now be drawn on NURBS curved surfaces for export in 3D. This allows you to draw in a single photo on a curved deck panel and export an accurate outline consisting of lines, curves, circles, ellipses, and fillets. This is a powerful addition because Outlines, being more CAD‑like, produce better results and are no longer restricted to planar surfaces. Note that the export is done in full 3D.

Outline Offsets

An Outline Offset is an optional secondary line generated from a selected, closed Outline. It is used to create an inset or outset of that closed Outline. This can be very useful in marine deck panel modeling. For example in the figure below are two non-skid deck panels (with lines, splines, and arcs (in red)), with one outset Outline Offset and one inset Outline offset (both in dotted green). The offset amount is under user control. Offsets are also parametric – that is, if the associated Outline is adjusted, the Offset outline adjusts in real time. Offsets can be exported along with the original Outline work. Offsets function with any closed Outline made up of lines, splines, arcs, fillets, circles, or ellipses.

Outline Arrow-Key Fine Tuning

While this is not a new feature, many users are not aware of it. When you need to make small adjustments to full Outlines, Outline Parts, or Outline Points, you can select the object and use the arrow keys on your keyboard for fine movements (sometimes referred to as a “jog”). Note that selection with Outlines is hierarchical: when you first click an Outline, the whole Outline (with all its parts) is selected. If you use the arrow keys at this stage, the whole Outline will jog. A subsequent click selects an Outline Part, which can be jogged independently. When the Outline points appear, you can click an individual point to select it and jog it if needed.

Image Idealize Improvement

Idealizing images (removing all lens distortion) now has controls for both image size and image zoom. This allows you to increase the effective resolution in highly distorted images. Previously, when idealizing photos with high distortion, you may have had to compromise the amount of data cut off at the edges to maintain one‑to‑one pixel mapping at the center of the image. With the new controls, you can now have the best of both. (Premium only.)

Video Frames Report

A new report provides a CSV spreadsheet of frame information for loaded videos to assist with forensic work. This report includes details such as timestamp, frame type, and frame size. (Premium only.)

SpaceMouse and Alternate Navigation

The modern 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse can be used with PhotoModeler’s 3D views to ease navigation—particularly useful for navigating larger point cloud scenes. In addition, two alternate navigation modes (Object and Fly) have been added to the 3D view for mouse users, and for SpaceMouse users who want cleaner switching between mouse and SpaceMouse navigation.