Capture Methods and Process

Capturing different objects / environments |

Aerial Capture

Large scale captures typically captured used low flying aerial devices such as drones either fitted with LiDAR capabilities or using Photogrammetry post processing techniques, these are used to capture larger sites with lower accuracy and level of detail required upon closer inspection.

Best used for:

  • Large scale sites where geographic detail is more important than fine detail and accuracy

  • Inaccessible areas of height

Sites and Geography

Hand-held Capture

Hand held capture methods are ideal for small object scanning and replication, small scale -high accuracy.

Best used for:

  • Scanning objects and micro fine details where high accuracy is required

Objects and where control is needed

Terrestrial Capture

Ground based capture normally localised where scan data required is on a mid-scale level. Terrestrial methods are used for architectural scanning.

Best Used for:

  • Accessible areas where detail is important

  • Small to Medium sized sites e.g. A building not a campus for example

Spaces / Medium sized Objects

EXAMPLE CASE STUDY: Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral wanted a 3D scan of its site captured by the University of Lincoln to use for interactive tours and as an educational resource.

Challenges:

  • Size of Site / Height

  • Environmental control - lighting

  • Site Access and Logistics

  • The visitor journey - What do we want visitors to see and how they experience the 3D Space

Due to the size of the site terrestial scanning using both a Matterport Pro2 and Leica BLK360 was the best course of action as it would allow for greatest level of detail within time and logistical restraints. Before commencing any 3D scan it is important to take not our your surroundings and the properties of the object / space you will be scanning, as such we conducted multiple walkthroughs identifying any potential problems such as repetitive patterns, reflective surfaces and accessibity issues alongside plotting where the end user would be standing at each point throughout the virtual tour.