3D Modelling for Construction

When it comes to 3D modelling for construction, what are the advantages and disadvantages of photogrammetry versus Lidar in terms of accuracy, complexity and cost? Breaking away from laser measurement in construction is a taboo subject, perhaps hampering the use of photogrammetry. In construction, aerial survey has enormous time-saving benefits for measuring groundwork areas. Data can be used for asset classification and construction validation as well as health and safety. In particular, regular scans provide a time series of work in progress to detect new issues, managing risk rather than responding to it. This article looks at the state of... (read more)

2019-10-15 03:28:52

3D Modelling for Property Valuation in China

A High-resolution Remote Sensing-based Approach

Rapid urban development in China has transformed the cityscapes, with a dramatic increase in high-rise buildings. However, the current 2D property valuation methods neglect the vertical dimension, even though that aspect contains significant indicators that impact property value – such as types of views, scope of vision and daylight. 3D modelling of geographical data can help to change this in high-rise and high-density areas, going beyond 2D to enable identification of complex property characteristics in the vertical dimension too. This article presents research to explore a 3D modelling approach using remote sensing data for more precise property valuation. The accelerating... (read more)

2019-09-26 10:00:54

New Partnership to Accelerate Growth of Indoor 3D Modelling

Flyability and Pix4D recently announced a partnership agreement to offer bundled Flyability and Pix4D products. The bundle will be sold in the form of a photogrammetry add-on that can be purchased on top of Elios 2 drone packages. This offer is meant to facilitate access to a coherent and complete product offering for those who want to tackle indoor 3D modelling using photogrammetry. Flyability is a Swiss company building solutions for the inspection and exploration of indoor, inaccessible and confined spaces. By allowing drones to be used safely inside buildings, it enables industrial companies and inspection professionals to reduce downtime,... (read more)

2020-02-07 03:33:25

ISG Transforms 3D Model Delivery to Boost BIM Capabilities

Global construction services company ISG is using the latest 3D modelling technology to stimulate its building information modelling (BIM) capabilities. By introducing Pointfuse laser scanning software, ISG has speeded up workflows with rapid scan-to-BIM modelling whilst maintaining high levels of accuracy. Traditionally this laser data processing could take up to three days to 3D model a single floor. However, using Pointfuse, ISG has reduced this to a matter of hours. The use of Pointfuse has also increased the range of the point cloud outputs with applications including clash detection and visualization. “Scan-to-BIM modelling was previously seen as undesirable by the... (read more)

2019-05-10 12:54:24

Dutch Partnership Designs "World's First" 3D Printed FPR Bridge

Royal HaskoningDHV, CEAD and DSM have announced that they have designed the first lightweight 3D printed FRP pedestrian bridge prototype using a composite material. It consists of a glass filled thermoplastic PET (Arnite®) and is combined with continuous glass fibres which are added in the 3D printing process. This unique combination offers high strength with extreme versatility and sustainability. Together, the three companies are leading a revolution in bridge construction and design. To build a 3D printed bridge Royal HaskoningDHV, an international engineering and project management consultancy, wanted and partnered with DSM, a global science-based company in nutrition, health and... (read more)

2019-09-11 09:03:25

3D Models Bring Virtual Reality to the Property Sector

Cityscape Digital is using Bluesky's photorealistic 3D mesh models to create live, interactive 3D environments to illustrate proposed city developments. A specialist in computer-generated imagery (CGI) solutions for the property sector, Cityscape has already created a number of virtual reality (VR) experiences using aerial mapping company Bluesky MetroVista models, for clients including Canary Wharf Group and Greycoat Real Estate. “Using the Bluesky MetroVista data, we can model proposed developments in their true context and produce a range of solutions from live, editable on-screen models to roamable walk-throughs and interactive fly-throughs. We can even create full VR experiences,” commented Damian Fennell,... (read more)

2020-06-17 09:31:31

FARO Introduces 3D Lidar Solutions for AEC Industry

FARO, one of the leading companies in 3D imaging solutions for construction BIM, has showcased an innovative set of 3D solutions specifically developed for AEC professionals at Intergeo 2019 in Stuttgart, Both solutions will be formally announced and available soon. As 3D laser scanning – also known as Lidar – becomes more ubiquitous across various industries, there is an ever increasing need to make the scanning process and data processing more efficient. Conventionally, this has been addressed with a variety of mobile mapping solutions. However, these solutions typically have limitations in terms of accuracy and data fidelity. Kinematic 3D scans According... (read more)

2019-09-24 10:20:50

3D Repo Secures Major £2.3m Investment

UK-based 3D Repo, a pioneering company in cloud-based design collaboration in building information modelling (BIM), has received another major vote of confidence and financial boost for its digital construction services business. Ingenious, through its Infrastructure Ventures EIS Service, led a £2.3 million Series-A investment round in 3D Repo, completing yet another successful year for the innovative start-up. Innovative technology by 3D Repo has been successfully deployed on some of the largest and most prestigious construction projects across the United Kingdom, with companies such as Atkins, Balfour Beatty, Bryden Wood, BuroHappold, Canary Wharf Contractors and Crossrail, among others. Its multi-award-winning digital platform for... (read more)

2020-02-06 11:39:12

British Partnership to Deliver Detailed BIM-ready 3D models

Landmark Information has announced a partnership agreement with AccuCities, a 3D city models expert, to provide its 3D terrain and mapping models as part of a new subscription service. This will extend Landmark’s flagship mapping and location data service, Promap. The partnership enables architects, planners and developers to access highly detailed BIM-ready 3D models of UK-wide locations via a new 3D subscription service. The AccuCities 3D models are available in five layers – from a base model that offers an affordable option that is accurate to 200cm in all axes. This includes the main roof shapes of buildings in addition to... (read more)

2019-11-26 09:34:08

Rebuild Ready: 3D Mapping of a Quake-damaged Cathedral

After the cathedral of Christchurch, New Zealand, was hit by an earthquake, drones and advanced photogrammetry software supported the rebuilding work. Surveying a damaged building can be dangerous. Mapping, using drones, reduces risk to staff and costs to the community. This case study of the iconic cathedral of Christchurch, severely hit by an earthquake, demonstrates how drones and advanced photogrammetry software delivered the orthomosaic map, enabling the accurate spatial planning needed to rebuild the cathedral. In February 2011, New Zealand’s second most populous city was rocked by an earthquake. The iconic Christchurch Cathedral was shattered in the shake, and the clean-up is... (read more)

2020-01-21 11:03:54