Model 93A - Blue Whale Mesh

3D Model

This is a three-dimensional mesh model of an adult female blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) reconstructed from photographs and videos of a live individual taken aerially, underwater, and from a tagging boat. Aerial photos were taken by the Duke Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab (https://marineuas.net/), and underwater videos were taken by Hugh Pearson. Additional references from other blue whales, including data from historical measurements, were also used to refine details and ensure accurate proportions. This work was completed in collaboration with Paolo Segre and Jeremy Goldbogen of Stanford University and CG artist Johnson Martin. To learn more, please see Segre et al. (2023) in Mar. Mammal Science.

Johnson Martin used Blender software to produce an accurate model of this individual. Its length (tip of nose to end of caudal fin) is estimated to be 24.5 m.

Stanford University supported and funded this research.

Downloads are freely available for creative and non-profit use.