7th October 2010

Regarding laser scanning, different kinds of objects are scanned point by point by laser beams in order to be measured, recorded and shown three-dimensionally. Since the scanning is non-intrusive, this method can even be applied in the case of hardly accessible objects.

An object can be recorded with one or more scans. If several scans have been made, they are transfered into a joint coordinate system. The single point clouds are combined to a total point cloud. This is also called the registry of the laser scanning results.

Measurements and realistic 3D models can be derived from the point cloud. Some laser scanners can even create colored laser scans.

Due to laser scanning, lengthy and expensive measurements are a thing of the past. Laser scanners have a wide range, a very high measuring accuracy and high measuring speeds. Objects can be recorded completely three-dimensionally, regardless of daylight. By a supplemental digital camera, the surface finish can be recorded and the colored point cloud can be converted into a detailed photo-realistic 3D representation. Since the in situ measurement is very economical, 3D laser scanning offers many advantages for companies. Data acquisition has to be made just once. Further measurements can be taken in the laser scanning model.

Since laser scanners perform up to 500 000 measurements/sec, the results are often too large to be loaded in a CAD program. Furthermore, point clouds frequently seem too crammed because of detailed information.

Laserscanning Europe offers the first laser scanning PlugIn for SketchUp. The company wants to revolutionize the analysis and interpretation of laser scanning data by using the software PointCab.

PointCab reduces information so much that it can be used for the usual method of operation in a CAD program.

The plug-in also comes up with true HDRI Support, full animation support and exploits depth-of-field Camera Effect.

By the use of Point-Cab, various kinds of laser scanning data can be processed in SketchUp from now on. Based on the Crystal Clear View Technology, the software is able to generate a high-definition representation of laser scanning data. Floor plans and sectional views can be automatically created and easily loaded into Google SketchUp. It doesn’t matter whether you have to deal with a single scan or an entire laser scanning project. The advantage of the laser scanning software PointCab is its simple use.

You can find further information and the free trial version of PointCab on :http://www.laserscanning-europe.com/en/news/point-cab-and-sketchup