[lebbeus]

Hi all--

I'm wondering if any of you have suggestions/experience with field measuring an extremely large existing interior space and the tools that are available. I'm going to be creating as-builts for a convention center and the normal method of field measuring (tape measure) just won't cut it. I'm looking at possibly using photogrammetry software though I'm open to suggestions (an HDS or similar is probably out of our price range unless we go to a service provider; which is an option).

What's the best software to use? How accurate is it? The client is wanting to use these as-builts for exhibition designers since the current info they have doesn't match what was built (not surprising) and it's causing headaches when the shows actually get into the space. The client wants to be "cutting-edge" so any method and deliverable is open…

[siliconbauhaus]

get yourself one of the leica or hilti distance meters.....superb

oh and get a couple of the magnetic targets while your at it....very useful if working solo.

[Dominic]

Hate to put in the shameless plug, but seems appropriate. Apologies in advance.

www.dirdim.com

I work for a service provider that does this kind of stuff daily. We scan everything from art to engineering to buildings and everything in between.

For large area scans there are several optical laser tools that are generally in the 3-15 mm range in terms of accuracy. Processing the data into a usable model generally adds a little more onto that. So quarter inch is a good number to start from.

We use a mish-mash of software ranging from the polygonal tools (Polyworks, Geomagic, etc.) to the engineering tools (Solidworks, ProE) and 3d Max/Revit for more of the Visualization side of things. And of course Maxwell (among others) for renderings. Generally depending on the competency of the client receiving data we can deliver anywhere from complete full parametric models native in whatever package you are using, to just measurements or an as built floor plan.

Photogrammetry is actually a pretty viable option you should consider, especially if you just looking for basic measurements. RealViz ImageModeler is probably the best of the bunch here.

As for price, the service option will always be cheaper than purchasing the hardware/software, not to mention the time in learning the multitudes of techniques used in order to make sense of millions of arbitrary points. Still its not cheap, totally depends on the project.


Ok ill turn off my business-mode.

Feel free to email me/ check out the website / call. Sounds like an interesting project!

[lebbeus]

thanks guys, this helps…will probably end up doing a combination of measuring with a laser and photogrammetry

[andrebaros]

Dominic, are you suggesting that you could provide a Revit model for clients?