3D Mesh Modelling

A Revit model may be the ideal model for your project, however its parametric nature means that complex surfaces and objects are a close approximation of true shape, unfairness on curved or uneven surfaces are evened out, the resulting output may not be accurate enough for construction purposes.

Surface/mesh modelling combined with precise Laser Scanning offers engineering grade accuracy for the most demanding projects.

Natural History Museum Whale IMG 9940 — Surface/mesh modelling combined with precise Laser Scanning offers engineering grade accuracy for the most demanding projects.

Process

Structures, buildings or surfaces are scanned using a terrestrial laser scanner, using specialist software the point cloud may be cleaned and filtered, a 3D mesh then will be produced, effectively triangulating between the scanned points, the density of the points results in a highly detailed and accurate surface.

Renderings may look good in a brochure, but the 3D model used to generate the rendering may not be accurate enough for construction purposes. Most rendering programs hide unfairness in curved surfaces because they process the surfaces into triangles and the shading routines smooth the triangles to hide their edges.

Deliverables

The surface can be imported Autocad in DWG or DXF format for inspection or design purposes. As the laser scan process is co-ordinated to site grid, comparison of the created model to design is facilitated.

The level of detail required is important as it will determine the file size, reducing triangulation will decrease file size and detail.

The surface can be colourized to produce a photo realistic model, this option needs to be specified prior to the scan as this will require HD imagery applied to each scan.

ASES have successfully scanned and modelled a variety of objects and structures, from a Whales Skeleton at the Natural History Museum to rail arches for Architectural lighting.