Using Mobile Laser Scanners to Create a Detailed Architectural Visualization on the Fly (Video)

New technologies like mobile laser scanners are making it easier to capture greater detail of real-life 3D space in a fraction of the time it would normally take to mentally deconstruct, document and virtually render those spaces for either architectural contract documents or for an architectural visualization. Such technologies, as they advance, are helping architects to bring back to the office what they observe on the field — particularly helpful if working to design a project which involves demolition, restoration or an addition.

In a recent article I read entitled Laser-Loaded Backpack Creates Instant 3D Model Interiors, researchers at UC Berkeley are said to be developing and testing a prototype for a mobile backpack of laser scanners that now can help people to very quickly document detailed aspects of a building’s interior by simply walking through it with a backpack on (this high-tech backpack will do the scanning). In the article the author also pointed out that similar to Google Earth’s GPS system which now documents street-level views of buildings and other aspects of urban landscape, mobile laser scanners are enabling us with a way to record interiors. And as was suggested in the article, perhaps just about all spaces can potentially become virtually accessible with this new streamlined and easy to use technology. (And just as we can see most any exterior street space via the Internet today, it could soon be possible to also walk inside any one of those virtual buildings to see the detailed interior to that space).

A New Way to “Pocket” Architectural Impressions in a Flash

I think that such mobile laser scanners will become a major advantage for architects, as it will be a quick way to go to an existing site and not only “pocket” those impressions which we can take back to the office for later design analysis, but also virtually recreate precise measured recordings that we can further put into digital software programs like AutoCAD and other drafting/3D-rendering tools. Furthermore, I think that as digital media tools for architects continue to advance, we will have greater capabilities by which to not only visualize future built environments, but we will also have greater capability by which to re-create existing real-world environments in virtual form — upon which we can make smoother, quicker and more beautiful changes as we build upon them. Needless to say, such mobile laser scanning advances also serve to help record history of existing historic buildings which are either deteriorating and need a face-lift, or simply need to be recorded in order to create virtual architectural collective memories.

On the one hand, the ability to scan the environment and document its every detail for later interpretation in design can really save you as an architect a lot of time and money while also providing a more realistic representation back at the office upon which you can build your vision. But on the other hand, you should be careful that such realistic and quick representations do not restrict your work by not allowing you to “see” beyond what is already there. In the end, such digital technologies are your tools, and when used wisely can certainly push the design paradigm of your work. However when working, be sure that you are not limited by the speed and reality of such scanned images that virtually appear before you, for when designing upon the history of what once was or currently is, you should look beyond your tools to realize the potential of what you can make it become.

The following video is an example of how mobile laser scanners are able to help building designers at various steps within their design process:

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