The image to the right is a partial representation of the registered point cloud data collected in this project. The facility was scanned from approximately 30 locations at high resolution, resulting in the collection of 12GB of point cloud data.
On this project the Leica 4500 scanner was used, which generates a "MultiView" 360° pannable, zoomable, and rotatable image which in turn aids in creating the 3D model. This image also permits remotely located colleagues to experience a 3D "virtual walkthrough" (as opposed to a static snapshot) of the facility.
This is the model as a work in progress before the addition of texturing or lighting. The CAD model can be seamlessly exported in a wide variety of formats such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, UniGraphics, Catia, etc.
This is the finished model with texturing and lighting added. Such a finished model can be used to help create a final depiction of a facility. Such a depiction, with its realistic texture and lighting, provides far more "like being there" realism than a paper sketch or an engineering drawing can.
Further versatile uses of this completed model are creation of installation and demolition drawings, video flythroughs, line-of-sight evaluation from various positions, and evaluation of safety issues such as clearances and obstruction avoidance.