3D Reality Capture – Immersive Virtual Reality

We capture buildings and Structures using 3D Laser Scanning, SLAM Scanning and Photogrammetry

3D Reality Capture is the method and technology that captures environments, structures and objects in 3D, in the form of billions of 3D points. The resulting data is called a Point Cloud. The data is captured in real-time and is the definitive measured record for many types of projects.

Point Clouds can be joined together and registered to a coordinate system (i.e. Ordnance Survey). Point Clouds can be imported into software such as: CAD packages, Navisworks, Revit and CivilCAD.

Point Cloud data is used for; BIM(Building Information Modelling), As-built checks, Measured Building Surveys, Topographical Surveys, Asset management, Low cost 3D scene visualisation, 3D modelling (of pipes, plant, buildings, monuments and objects), crime scene capture, monitoring, Rights of Light and Daylighting and Sunlighting analysis, and much more.

When 3D laser scanning, we use the following guidelines where applicable to ensure the highest quality data is produced:

Historic England - Metric Survey Specifications For Cultural Heritage (3rd edition)
RICS - Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utility Services at Scales of 1:500 and Larger for the 3D laser scanning site control

Building and Street Scene capture

3D Reality Capture is the definitive method for surveyors to capture buildings with ultimate accuracy and detail.

3D Laser Scanners will capture anything that is within the range of the scanner when operating. 3D laser scanning from multiple positions around a building or street can capture almost 100% of its visible surface and can therefore capture buildings in more details than any other method in most cases. We will then use a UAV Photogrammetry (drone) for roof areas.

For example, a building elevation surveyed traditionally with a total station will contain hundreds of observations. The same elevation surveyed with a 3D laser scanner and Photogrammtery will contain millions of points.

3D Reality Capture is a very effective way of capturing the required building, as well as all the surrounding detail. Streetscapes can be captured and drawn using 3D Reality Capture with accuracy and efficiency to assist planning and design.

Rights of Light / Daylighting and Sunlighting Models

3D Reality Capture is the definitive method for surveyors to capture buildings and surrounding detail to create Rights of Light & Daylighting and Sunlighting Models.

A carefully planned 3D Reality Capture of an area for rights of light and daylighting and sunlighting models will capture all of the information required to produce detailed analysis for a proposed buidling or structure. We use 3D Laser Scanners and UAV Photogrammetry.

3D CAD models are created from the detailed 3D data (Point Cloud). These are created to include all relevant external features and window positions on important buildings and mass models of the less important surrounding buildings.

In most cases, the laser scan data captures important internal room positions and detail within buildings through windows and openings. This reduces speculations and improves the accuracy of the analysis.

3D laser scanning for rights of light and daylighting and sunlighting analysis is non-intrusive and subtle and therefore avoids any unnecessary conflict during the design or planning phase of a project

Bespoke Measurement, Survey and Monitoring

3D Reality Capture is an ever-evolving techniquethat can be used to solve a variety of problems or needs. There are 3D data capture techniques for every purpose, from long ranges of up to 2km to close range with high accuracy.

We have used 3D Reality Capture data to solve structural and verticality issues in buildings, survey inaccessible areas, survey monuments, solve retro fitting of warehouse racking, solve building penetration alignments, deviation analysis, movement monitoring etc. There is no end to the problem solving potential of high accuracy 3D Spatial Data.

Please call to enquire to find out if we can help with your problem or requirement.

Heritage and Archaeological Documentation

3D Reality Capture is well established as an excellent tool to assist in the digital documentation and protection of heritage. This ranges from listed buildings and structures to Neolithic burial chambers and artefacts.

3D Laser Scanning and Photogrammetry, completed by experts with Best Practice, are the ultimate method of spatially capturing a building, object or structure in fine detail. 3D Reality Capture for heritage is the ultimate way to accurately capture and record a subject and capture a Digital Twin. This rich 3D data is then the ultimate archive, particularly if a subject is subsequently damaged or destroyed.

We have undertaken heritage projects that include castles, Neolithic rock art, caves, listed buildings, and monuments. Various end products can be derived from the 3D point cloud data captured by laser scanning. These can be traditional plans such as floor plans, elevations, stone by stone elevations and sections.

Alternatively, the following products can be produced; Video Fly-through, 3D models, point cloud images and TruView Visualisations

3D Reality Capture - Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is a 3D recording technique that employs 2D images to create a 3D model of an object or surface.

It involves taking hundreds of overlapping photographs of an object from many different angles using specialised techniques and processing them using specialised software.

The digital 3D model can be ‘Survey Grade’ and used for drawings and recording or used for study or outputted as a physical object via 3D printing or CNC milling.

At Terra Measurement, we can capture anything from large buildings to small museum artefacts using photogrammetry.