Detention Landscapes

3D Models Methodology

In 2024 and 2025, the Detention Landscapes project collaborated with a 3D modelling specialist and a team of volunteers to create 3D models of five immigration detention sites across Greece. The models were developed in Blender during a six-month training course designed to introduce researchers to 3D modelling as a tool for visual investigation.

The project uses 3D modelling techniques to transform diverse data sources into tangible visual forms, providing insight into the physical layout and architecture of spaces of detention and a resource for further research and advocacy efforts. The 3D models combine open-source data, such as satellite imagery, with testimonies and audio-visual materials available on the Detention Landscapes platform and social media. The following section outlines the steps undertaken and tools used to create the models.

As well as producing five detention models, the project will publish the course material freely accessible online. Downloads via our Sketchfab page

Reference Gathering with Google Earth Pro/Google Maps and Additional Sources

Google Earth Pro was utilised to collect high-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial data, providing accurate real-world measurements, terrain details, and environmental context. In addition, images from the Detention Landscapes platform gallery and various social media platforms such as Tiktok were used to enrich reference material and ensure comprehensive representation of the modeled locations and structures.

Camera Matching with fSpy

FSpy was used to ensure image to model accuracy, an open-source camera-matching tool. By importing reference images (from the aforementioned sources) into fSpy, the camera's perspective, focal length, and orientation were calibrated. This ensures the 3D models align with real-world proportions and perspectives. Due to restrictions of access to the facilities and limited photographic documentation in some cases due to confiscation of detainees' mobile phone devices, the models are not an exact or architecturally accurate representation, but an interpretive reconstruction intended to visualise the spatial and experiential dimensions of detention.

Modelling in Blender

The core of the 3D modeling process took place in Blender, a powerful open-source 3D creation suite. A combination of techniques was used including Modular and Boolean modelling.

Quality & Accuracy Assurance

Each model underwent checks to verify accuracy, scale, and visual quality. The final outputs were cross-referenced with the original satellite imagery, reference objects, shadow length, object production data (containers), and social media references to ensure consistency and precision.

Output Formats

The models are presented in .fbx format. On request the .blend file can be provided.

Funding

This is a collaborative project between Border Criminologies at the University of Oxford and the Border Violence Monitoring Network. The project was funded by the Independent Social Research Foundation under the title 'Illustrating the Hidden Architecture of Immigration Detention'.