What Is Reality Capture?
What is reality capture?
Reality capture is the term we use to describe the process of scanning an object, asset, build or natural environment to create a digital representation at a point in time. The output from the scanning process is the creation of a digital snapshot of the real-world using image or laser scanning devices. Depending on the size, location, and aspect we want to capture, we use a variety of different tools.
How does reality capture work?
Reality capture uses hundreds of overlapping high resolution digital images or a laser scanner to create the digital replica. When we use digital images, either from a UAV or handheld camera, we use photogrammetric techniques to combine the overlapping images to create a 3D mesh of the object or building. A laser scanner works slightly differently in that it measures hundreds of thousands of discreet points to define the shape and size of the object or building. Quite often we use both techniques to create the digital twin.
What is mixed reality capture?
Mixed reality capture blends digital twins and 3D models of objects with live feed video to create an immersive experience. Using wearable technology, an operator has the ability blend virtual objects in the live environment that is within their field of view.
Reality Capture and 3D Scanning
Laser scanning systems provide rapid, safe and non-invasive data acquisition to create high-density point cloud data sets. The resulting point cloud data sets can be further analysed to create a variety of different 3D model deliverables depending on the application, level of detail required, and visualisation.
The advantage of laser scanning systems is that each point within the point cloud is a true measured point from the built environment. The density of data created by laser scanning systems provides greater context compared to tradition survey techniques. This allows laser scanning to be used for many applications including:
- Scan to BIM – scanning existing assets to create a digital twin or as-built 3D model
- Industrial applications including highly detailed engineering for pipeline and structural engineering (onshore and offshore applications)
- Architectural and heritage surveys
- Virtual construction and simulation
- Rail and road corridor feature surveys for design or as-built
- Condition assessment
- Clash detection and conformance
- Floor flatness
- Utilities, powerlines and street furniture mapping
- Volumetric surveys
Reality Capture Benefits and Imaging Systems Benefits
Imaging-based scanning systems also provide rapid, safe and non-invasive data acquisition to create high context data sets. Imaging-based scanning systems utilise overlapping high definition imagery to create 3D meshes and point clouds using photogrammetric processing techniques. The resulting data sets can be further analysed to create a variety of different 3D model deliverables depending on the application, level of detail required, and visualisation.
The most common system that utilises the imaging system for reality capture is UAV based surveys.
Advantages of imaging-based systems are the quality and consistency of the resulting 3D mesh and orthophotos to create a digital twin of the built environment. Typically, imaging systems are used to collect data over larger areas at a faster capture rate than laser scanning systems.
This allows imaging-based to be used for many applications including:
- Scan to BIM – scanning existing assets to create a digital twin or as-built 3D model
- Architectural and heritage surveys
- Dilapidation, Condition assessment and inspection
- Clash detection and conformance
- Topographic and feature surveys
- Volumetric surveys
How does IntelliSpatial utilise Reality Capture for our clients?
We create digital twins from geospatial data that our clients already have or create a digital twin that is fit for purpose. The fit for purpose part drives the reality capture tool and processing methodology such examples as UAV, UAV with LiDAR, laser scanning and image scanning.
What does IntelliSpatial create from the Reality Capture?
A digital twin that can either be a 3D model, BIM, point cloud or photo-realistic mesh model.
How can IntelliSpatial enhance the digital twin?
We use the spatial digital twin as an anchor or framework, we can link with IoT sensors and other real-time capture sensors to show change detection, set alarms, track conditions or assets. We create the geospatial ecosystem from which clients can link other IoT and digital twin information to create a fully connected digital twin framework.
Contact us to understand how we can connect your geospatial data to intelligent decision making and improve the lifetime value of your assets.
