FARO introduces VR for rendering laser scanning data
Accurate measurements are essential in the AEC industry. Something as small as a misplaced single digit can end up costing millions. To combat this potential issue, many companies have turned to laser scanning to get the most accurate data on size, shape and layout. Laser scanning company FARO is now offering the opportunity to turn that data into live virtual reality (VR) environments.
FARO Scene 7.1 allows the creation of an immersive VR experience, complete with photographic texture and surface details of objects, by importing 3D laser scanning data. The software can process the data quickly enough that results can be rendered in real-time. The software is optimised for FARO laser scanning products but can accept 3D scan data from a wide range of third-party 3D scanning products.
The company has projected a number of uses for this technology, beyond simply letting architecture engineering and construction personnel get a better look at their projects. By using VR, professionals in public safety, engineering and forensics can use the VR rendering to evaluate additions or remodels of a structure and allows for an accurate ‘compare and contrast’ evaluation in the case of crime or accident, a tool that could prove vital for safety and law enforcement.
In addition, FARO Scene 7.1 allows users to capture screenshots, tag comments or notes to specific images or areas without needing to leave the VR environment.
“We have been actively pushing the agenda to integrate high value VR capability and compatibility into our reality capture products,” stated Andreas Gerster, Vice President, Global Construction BIM-CIM. “This is the third major introduction in this area from FARO over the past year and we are confident that facilitating the way our customers interact in a virtual project environment with access to real time, simulated real world information makes the planning processes more tangible and less error prone.”
A free 30-day trial of FARO Scene 7.1 is available from the FARO website.
