Managing Large 3D Models in Three.js

When working with highly detailed models that cause out-of-memory (OOM) errors in Chrome due to the 4GB memory limit, there are several approaches you can consider.

Using Draco Compression

One of the most effective strategies is to use Draco compression, which is specifically designed to reduce the memory footprint of 3D models:

• DRACOLoader: This loader in Three.js can significantly reduce the size of your geometry data
• Browser Compatibility: DRACOLoader automatically selects between JavaScript and WebAssembly decoding libraries based on browser capabilities

JAVASCRIPTCopied
import { DRACOLoader } from 'three/examples/jsm/loaders/DRACOLoader.js';
import { GLTFLoader } from 'three/examples/jsm/loaders/GLTFLoader.js';

// Set up Draco loader
const dracoLoader = new DRACOLoader();
dracoLoader.setDecoderPath('/path/to/draco/'); // Path to Draco decoder

// Configure GLTF loader to use Draco
const gltfLoader = new GLTFLoader();
gltfLoader.setDRACOLoader(dracoLoader);

// Load compressed model
gltfLoader.load('compressed_model.glb', (gltf) => {
  scene.add(gltf.scene);
});

Other Memory Management Strategies

While storing model data in IndexedDB isn't directly addressed in the Three.js documentation, here are other approaches that might help:

1. Level of Detail (LOD): Load different resolution models based on camera distance
2. Progressive Loading: Load only visible parts of the model
3. Scene Partitioning: Divide your scene into sections and load/unload as needed
4. Geometry Instancing: Use instancing for repeated elements
5. Dispose Unused Resources: Explicitly dispose of geometries, materials, and textures when not needed

JAVASCRIPTCopied
// Example of proper resource disposal
function removeObject(obj) {
  if (obj.geometry) {
    obj.geometry.dispose();
  }
  
  if (obj.material) {
    if (Array.isArray(obj.material)) {
      obj.material.forEach(material => material.dispose());
    } else {
      obj.material.dispose();
    }
  }
  
  if (obj.parent) {
    obj.parent.remove(obj);
  }
}

For your specific case where simplifying models isn't an option, Draco compression combined with careful scene management is likely your best approach to reduce memory usage while maintaining model detail.