Working in a world of 3D modelling has never been easier, or more rewarding

Technology and software developments means that geospatial professionals no longer have to just live in a 3D world, because we can now work in one as well, to the benefit of all involved. Of course, 2D plans can be faster and cheaper to produce than a full detailed 3D models on some jobs, but we are now firmly moving into the land of mainstream 3D which has become more accessible and more affordable whilst providing an all encompassing result, namely a point cloud that captures everything. You can still produce your 2D plans from the 3D point cloud, but you’d be missing out on one of the major benefits of the 3D world – the creation of a model that is an unbeatable tool for visualisation.

Better visualisation of data is a key driver

‘Visualisation’ is becoming the buzz word of 2020, particularly as the demand for spatial information continues to grow and we see a rise in stakeholders outside of our industry. Humans are visual creatures with 90% of the information transmitted to the brain being visual* so surely it makes sense to focus on the best visualway way of presenting sometimes complex information. 

Here are a few examples of projects where a 3D model has been key to the success of the job:

1.Using a GeoSLAM ZEB REVORT handheld scanner, a client was able to use a 3D point cloud of a sinkhole, whilst still on site, to provide their customer with sufficient information for them to initiate a remedial plan before the final deliverable was issued.

2. Using a senseFly eBee X fixed wing drone with the S.O.D.A 3D camera, a client was able to produce an aerial survey of such clarity that it will be used for comparative coastal erosion work. This was thanks to the S.O.D.A 3D, a professional drone photogrammetry camera that changes orientation during flight to capture three images every time (2 oblique, 1 nadir). Click on the video below for a great example.

eBee X dataset – 3D SODA Camera

3. Using Trimble SiteVision a customer trialling the system uses a 3D model of projected works to provide an easy to understand visual explanation to third parties, such as householders, as to why they are digging in a certain place.

Image courtesy of Mark Lawton, Skanska - A14 project

Overcoming Barriers to 3D data capture and modelling

In the past 3D modelling has required things like scan/point cloud registration, specialist expertise, super powered computers and expensive software licenses that can result in data getting corralled on a single lap top. 

Thankfully we’re moving on. Terabytes of information have been brought back down to just sensible gigabytes again, or for a small scanning job, even megabytes. 3D laser scanners are coming down in price and are easier to use than ever before thanks to automated processes - the Trimble’ X7 is a fine example of this - and finally we have new ways to view this data that means it can be easily shared. 

Demand for data is changing and 3D models are becoming more requested, easier to create and share and provide an immersive environment for clients with visualisation of projects way beyond the capabilities of a photograph or 2D plan.

*According to 3M corporation