Reality capture is increasingly becoming popular because of its practicality in imitating any kind of infrastructure. Its rapid growth has contributed to making a wide range of industries to be more efficient in terms of time, savings, and processes.
Even an exact representation of a subject in the real world is easily possible with the power of reality capture, as stated in the name. What’s even better is that the model generated by this advance technology comes in high detail and accuracy, all within a few minutes.
So, what is reality capture exactly?
Reality capture refers to the technique that uses the technology of scanning to produce a digital model of a building, site, or object.
The process allows engineers, designers, architects, and construction professionals to capture site data with high accuracy and speed. The millions of data points mapped are then converted into a 3D model used to boost work efficiency and productivity.
Producing a 3D model representation of reality capture can be done by using static 3D laser scanning, mobile scanning, or photogrammetry.
The use of the LIDAR technique works by capturing detailed scans of an object through lasers. The scanning involves taking measurements and 3D point cloud data in x, y, and z coordinates. On the other hand, photogrammetry utilises photographs (at least a minimum of 2) to reconstruct a 3D representation.
A 3D data produced by using reality capture is extremely useful information that stakeholders can refer to anytime for a variety of purposes. The precise data can be used for construction and infrastructure projects, test scenarios, and simulations for training purposes, restoration, or preservation of historical sites.
3D reality capture systems in place like mobile mapping scanners are used for building and infrastructure projects while UAVs or Unarmed Aerial Vehicle are used in mining, or difficult to reach areas with limited access.
How is it used in 3D Laser scanning?
Basically, 3D laser scanning is one of the technologies used in reality capture. A 3D laser scanner is used by scanning surrounding objects to measure the distance and to create a 3D impression of the surroundings. 3D Point cloud is a survey product built of millions of measured points containing information of the site or building in question.
The scanner will carry out multiple scans to capture accurate measurements of a room, a site, vegetation, an entire city through a handheld capture, aerial capture, or terrestrial capture.
The process of capturing and then processing the collected data is reality capture. When the gathered data is fed into a software and BIM workflow, every industry will appreciate the beauty of reality capture.
Why is it necessary and highly accurate?
The use of LIDAR and photogrammetry has a difference when it comes to the accuracy of reality capture. While the former uses near-infrared light, ultraviolet light, or visible light, photogrammetry uses photographs of different angles to come up with the target geometry.
Between the two, LIDAR is extremely accurate and detailed compared to photogrammetry due to several factors. Angles and resolutions are two of the main factors why the latter has lower accuracy.
So, if your camera is not properly calibrated or has poor resolution, then the measurements are not precise as they should be which can compromise your quality of work.
Since high accuracy matters most in every project planning, designing, and implementing, then, you should go for the LIDAR technique.
Whether you are in designing, architecture, construction, mining, engineering, events planning, boat and yacht building, film making, and other complex industries that require precise data and information, the LIDAR approach will never disappoint.
Why will it benefit you and your industry?
Today’s modern era demands efficient and faultless solutions while meeting deadlines. Regardless of the industry that you are in, you must embrace the powerful and effective benefits of reality capture.
- Reality capture eliminates human error
- Reality capture enhances quality control
- Reality capture reduces safety and health risks at work
- Reality capture boosts work predictability compared to traditional methods
- Reality capture lessens the tedious manual works
- It improves design in construction and design projects
With all the benefits, you might want to start enquiring about the 3D laser scanning services offered by Manchester Measured Survey.
Our team of experts will take care of your 3D BIM modelling needs, as built 2D drawings through laser scanning, and measured building survey.
