Deep Trekker: ROV DTG3
3D visualisation of Deep Trekker Inc.'s DTG3 Mini ROV in a simulated underwater environment with water shaders, caustics and volumetric light.
- Role
- 3D modelling, simulation and rendering
- Tools
Blender
Cycles
After Effects
- Technology
- Underwater visualisation / animation
- Format
- Pre-rendered animation
Introduction
This was my second underwater visualisation. I wanted to make something with a real use, so I contacted Deep Trekker Inc. Their DTG3 Mini ROV has a distinctive design that was well suited to a 3D presentation.
The ROV in 3D
Here you can rotate my 3D model of the DTG3 and see it from all sides. The headlights sit in the same place as in the original Blender scene and can be switched on and off, and the propellers can be started. For the web, I made the model lighter with fewer polygons and baked the materials into one texture.
- Turn the headlights on and off
- Start and stop the propellers
- Drag to rotate, scroll or pinch to zoom
Final details
The composition had to show the ROV's design clearly without the environment taking the focus. The project taught me more about fluid simulations and underwater lighting, and about how realistic visualisations can be used to communicate about technical products.
Getting the details right
The model shows real equipment, so it had to be accurate. I gathered measurements and photos of the DTG3 and modelled the thrusters, curves and joints from them, so the model matches the product.
Simulating an underwater environment
Above all, the scene needed atmosphere. I worked with water shaders, caustics and volumetric light to give depth and movement. Schools of fish, floating particles and bubble trails make the drone look as if it belongs below the surface.