Case Studies

Discover our work in the field.
#3DTakeOver

Great things are done by a series of small things.

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February 16, 2015

When will the day come when you can get fast, clean engineering grade data as you walk your scanner through your building? Well, that day was a few years ago for SmartGeoMetrics, and now it just got better! P3dSystems has rolled out three modules for the kinematic ProScan; G-Series (GPS), I-Series (Inertial info), and the T-Series (Total Station Tracking).

Sam Billingsley, author of “Confessions of a Hired Gun” for SPAR Point Group, does an excellent job of providing an objective review of the hardware and acquisition process. A must read for laser scanning gear heads on an great kinematic data acquisition platform that works with many static scanners.

“…for larger areas (manufacturing facilities, warehouses, airports, construction sites, etc.) I’ve seen nothing that can touch its level of productivity and accuracy.”

You can find his full article here or find out more about the ProScan here.


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January 29, 2015

(SGM) will debut the “Offshore Platform” version of the new ENI/OS Engineering, Asset and Integrity Solution at TOPSIDES 2015 Conference in Galveston, Texas February 3-5 at the Moody Gardens Hotel & Convention Center.

ENI/OS drives down the cost of complex process plant management and increases throughput and capacity by providing an intelligent user-centric approach to integrity management and reliability planning. The new solution utilizes innovative 2D and 3D user access paths on an enterprise scale for engineering and integrity data. With 25 years of development and quality assurance behind it, ENI/OS will revolutionize the way petrochemical process assets are managed and maintained.

Technology and solutions from strategic partners HP and Acuren, coupled with the advanced Palladio Asset Engine allows ENI/OS to provide the only true turnkey solution to asset owners and managers.

SGM will be exhibiting at booth 204 where you can see it in action for yourself!

For a free hall pass or more information contact:
Barbara Misto
713-574-6690
bmisto@smartmm.com

From the TOPSIDES Website:

Topsides, Platforms & Hulls Conference & Exhibition is the offshore industry’s only event dedicated to the topsides, platforms and hulls for both deep and shallow water. A comprehensive technical program presented concurrently with an exhibition, Topsides, Platforms & Hulls Conference & Exhibition covers the design, engineering, construction, transportation, installation, and modification of topside structures, platforms and hulls.

Topsides, Platforms & Hulls allows for the free and open exchange of ideas, as proceedings will not be published and press is not allowed to attend the sessions. Only by participating in this conference will you reap its benefits.


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January 29, 2015

(SGM) will debut the “Offshore Platform” version of the new ENI/OS Engineering, Asset and Integrity Solution at TOPSIDES 2015 Conference in Galveston, Texas February 3-5 at the Moody Gardens Hotel & Convention Center.

ENI/OS drives down the cost of complex process plant management and increases throughput and capacity by providing an intelligent user-centric approach to integrity management and reliability planning. The new solution utilizes innovative 2D and 3D user access paths on an enterprise scale for engineering and integrity data. With 25 years of development and quality assurance behind it, ENI/OS will revolutionize the way petrochemical process assets are managed and maintained.

Technology and solutions from strategic partners HP and Acuren, coupled with the advanced Palladio Asset Engine allows ENI/OS to provide the only true turnkey solution to asset owners and managers.

SGM will be exhibiting at booth 204 where you can see it in action for yourself!

For a free hall pass or more information contact:
Barbara Misto
713-574-6690
bmisto@smartmm.com

From the TOPSIDES Website:

Topsides, Platforms & Hulls Conference & Exhibition is the offshore industry’s only event dedicated to the topsides, platforms and hulls for both deep and shallow water. A comprehensive technical program presented concurrently with an exhibition, Topsides, Platforms & Hulls Conference & Exhibition covers the design, engineering, construction, transportation, installation, and modification of topside structures, platforms and hulls.

Topsides, Platforms & Hulls allows for the free and open exchange of ideas, as proceedings will not be published and press is not allowed to attend the sessions. Only by participating in this conference will you reap its benefits.


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January 15, 2015

SmartGeometrics finalized an agreement with Scan&Go, the Italian manufacturer of tripod and roof mounted 3D Laser Scanner elevated lifts and leveling systems. SmartGeoMetrics is now the exclusive distributor of the Scan&Go product lines for the entirety of North America.

What is Scan&Go? The Scan&Go Systems help you get more out of your current static scanning solution. Don’t buy a new scanner, adapt your scanner with these solutions providing better vantages, more coverage, less scan locations, and incredible flexibility within your workflow. Scan&Go provides 3 different platforms: Kangur Lift, Level-Lift Roof 32 Evo, and the Uplift 220 (Coming Soon!), working in conjunction with the Level-Plane Evo 14. The Kangur Lift is a compact, rolling tripod solution that allows you to acquire 3D laser scan data from an incredible 19.5ft! Using rope ties and the optional Level-Plane Evo 14, users can now elevate, level, and scan like never before. The Level-Lift Roof 32 Evo is a vehicle roof mounted system using the Level-Plane Evo 14, targets, and GPS to simply drive and acquire scans more efficiently than ever before. Add in the extension pole up to 9.5 feet and 3D laser scanning can be accomplished on an entire new level, no pun intended! Finally, the soon to arrive Uplift 220 is a faster, easier, and more mobile rolling tripod allowing users to elevate their scanner up to 10.5 feet. Perfect for tricky interior spaces, over fences, and above ceiling spaces.

Scan&Go Italy has seen much demand in North America. Their inquiries are now being directed to SmartGeoMetrics for rentals, sales, and support with their systems on a more local level and to assist with communication barriers. If you are interested in the Scan&Go systems please visit the SmartGeoMetrics’ website here. If you are interested in becoming a reseller contact SmartGeoMetrics to get set up.


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October 16, 2013

From Computer Graphics World

15-Oct-2013 Douglas Hope Smith – Sponsored Content

Houston, TX — There are countless inaccessible places in the real world that can be brought into the digital world through 3D data capture. SmartGeoMetrics specializes in helping clients achieve this goal with top of the line hardware, robust and cutting edge software, and experienced personnel.

In 1927, the City of Houston built its first underground drinking-water reservoir at the Water Works on Sabine Street. Decades later it started to leak. The leak could not be found, let alone patched. The reservoir was drained and remained out-of-sight and largely forgotten.

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Cistern interior, Google Earth Image of the Cistern site and surroundings, Point Cloud consisting of 51 individual scans of the Cistern and surrounding Water Works, 2D Site Plan Drawing extracted from the Registered Point Cloud, 3D Model of the Cistern rendered from the Point Cloud

In 2011 the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) took possession of the Water Works as part of Buffalo Bayou Park Development. In the course of due diligence of the property, they entered the reservoir through a small hatch and descended a single ladder into its cavernous space. What they encountered was beyond their expectations.

Light fell into the space from the entry hatch as well as two larger equipment hatches. It reflected off of six inches of water that covered the floor of the space shimmering on the walls and illuminating row after row of towering columns. Each step echoed and voices were amplified, claps of the hands reverberated for what seemed like eternity in this room large enough to hold one and a half football fields. The reservoir was dubbed, “The Cistern.”

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Images of varying exposures inside the Cistern, 300 lbs of equipment was lowered through a narrow hatch down into the Cistern, Laser scanning technologies will even work in complete darkness.

A space like this begged to be shared. However, the logistics required to enter the Cistern are extensive and complicated: security clearances, confined spaces certification, an evacuation winch, a safety lanyard, gas monitor, hole watch, liability releases, scheduling access… How could people safely experience it?

SmartGeoMetrics (SGM) heard of the “Cistern” through a bit of water cooler talk as their offices are neighboring those of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP). SGM’s solution was to digitize the entire space as well as the surrounding features above ground. This would allow the BBP to share and promote their newly discovered assets through a myriad of digital mediums.

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300 lbs of equipment was lowered through a narrow hatch down into the Cistern, High Definition Laser Targets used to Register (stitch) individual scans into one unified scan.

While making digital models of real world places has been possible for some time now, it was akin to retyping a hand written letter. The content was successfully recreated but something was often lost in the digital translation. That all changed when scanners were invented. Users could quickly scan a document and either view the original or convert it into an editable format. This same transformation is now occurring but with real world environments instead of sheets of paper. The equivalent of a JPG of a document, or the raw data format for 3D Imaging is the “Point Cloud”. Like the JPG in 2D scanning these point clouds can be viewed and give users an accurate representation of the captured environment. Point clouds can also be used to create editable formats like CAD models, meshes, or NURBS models.

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Equirectangular projection of a raw laser scan data captured with a Leica HDS 6200 scanner, Registered Point Cloud consisting of 51 individual scans, Screen shoot of an individual scan with X,Y and Z values; notice the foot prints, The Cistern and Water Works Registered Point Cloud consisting of 51 individual scans, 3D Rendering from scan data, 2D Site Plan Drawing extracted from the Registered Point Cloud.

Registered Point Cloud consisting of 51 individual scans

The key advancements are not just the speed increases or incredible improvements in accuracy over traditional “artistic” modeling but the concept of having a single data source from which multiple computer applications can data mine. From one data collection campaign you have a perfect copy of the environment that is at the mercy of whatever applications you have! Create architectural drawings, use it as the environment for a video game or movie, make fly-through videos, print 3D models, build Building Information Models (BIM) for asset management, make VFX models, and more. Nothing exists in a vacuum, why model in one when you can design, study, manage, or create objects in the environment in which they will exist.


computer.jpg

October 16, 2013

From Computer Graphics World

15-Oct-2013 Douglas Hope Smith – Sponsored Content

Houston, TX — There are countless inaccessible places in the real world that can be brought into the digital world through 3D data capture. SmartGeoMetrics specializes in helping clients achieve this goal with top of the line hardware, robust and cutting edge software, and experienced personnel.

In 1927, the City of Houston built its first underground drinking-water reservoir at the Water Works on Sabine Street. Decades later it started to leak. The leak could not be found, let alone patched. The reservoir was drained and remained out-of-sight and largely forgotten.

computer-1

Cistern interior, Google Earth Image of the Cistern site and surroundings, Point Cloud consisting of 51 individual scans of the Cistern and surrounding Water Works, 2D Site Plan Drawing extracted from the Registered Point Cloud, 3D Model of the Cistern rendered from the Point Cloud

In 2011 the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) took possession of the Water Works as part of Buffalo Bayou Park Development. In the course of due diligence of the property, they entered the reservoir through a small hatch and descended a single ladder into its cavernous space. What they encountered was beyond their expectations.

Light fell into the space from the entry hatch as well as two larger equipment hatches. It reflected off of six inches of water that covered the floor of the space shimmering on the walls and illuminating row after row of towering columns. Each step echoed and voices were amplified, claps of the hands reverberated for what seemed like eternity in this room large enough to hold one and a half football fields. The reservoir was dubbed, “The Cistern.”

computer-1

Images of varying exposures inside the Cistern, 300 lbs of equipment was lowered through a narrow hatch down into the Cistern, Laser scanning technologies will even work in complete darkness.

A space like this begged to be shared. However, the logistics required to enter the Cistern are extensive and complicated: security clearances, confined spaces certification, an evacuation winch, a safety lanyard, gas monitor, hole watch, liability releases, scheduling access… How could people safely experience it?

SmartGeoMetrics (SGM) heard of the “Cistern” through a bit of water cooler talk as their offices are neighboring those of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP). SGM’s solution was to digitize the entire space as well as the surrounding features above ground. This would allow the BBP to share and promote their newly discovered assets through a myriad of digital mediums.

computer-1

300 lbs of equipment was lowered through a narrow hatch down into the Cistern, High Definition Laser Targets used to Register (stitch) individual scans into one unified scan.

While making digital models of real world places has been possible for some time now, it was akin to retyping a hand written letter. The content was successfully recreated but something was often lost in the digital translation. That all changed when scanners were invented. Users could quickly scan a document and either view the original or convert it into an editable format. This same transformation is now occurring but with real world environments instead of sheets of paper. The equivalent of a JPG of a document, or the raw data format for 3D Imaging is the “Point Cloud”. Like the JPG in 2D scanning these point clouds can be viewed and give users an accurate representation of the captured environment. Point clouds can also be used to create editable formats like CAD models, meshes, or NURBS models.

computer-1

Equirectangular projection of a raw laser scan data captured with a Leica HDS 6200 scanner, Registered Point Cloud consisting of 51 individual scans, Screen shoot of an individual scan with X,Y and Z values; notice the foot prints, The Cistern and Water Works Registered Point Cloud consisting of 51 individual scans, 3D Rendering from scan data, 2D Site Plan Drawing extracted from the Registered Point Cloud.

Registered Point Cloud consisting of 51 individual scans

The key advancements are not just the speed increases or incredible improvements in accuracy over traditional “artistic” modeling but the concept of having a single data source from which multiple computer applications can data mine. From one data collection campaign you have a perfect copy of the environment that is at the mercy of whatever applications you have! Create architectural drawings, use it as the environment for a video game or movie, make fly-through videos, print 3D models, build Building Information Models (BIM) for asset management, make VFX models, and more. Nothing exists in a vacuum, why model in one when you can design, study, manage, or create objects in the environment in which they will exist.


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September 23, 2013

From Buffalo Bayou Park

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Forrest Smith and Douglas Smith of SmartGeoMetrics stand above the site of the Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park.

SmartGeoMetrics is known primarily for providing 3D high definition laser services to the petrochemical, civil engineering and architecture industries. The company also has a passion for providing 3D imaging of special landmarks and interesting spaces like the Texas tall ship Elissa and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Taking a keen interest in the Cistern’s size, beauty and untapped potential, SmartGeoMetrics volunteered time and resources to join Buffalo Bayou Partnership on an excursion into the Cistern in early 2012. Their goal? To acquire 3D imaging data of the cavernous space to document its as-is condition. The result?An impressive array of 3D imaging, photographs and autosteroscopic holograms which Buffalo Bayou Partnership will use in developing future plans for the Cistern, once funding is available. You can see a 3D fly-through of the Cistern here.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is grateful to SmartGeoMetrics for providing a stunning and unique study of Buffalo Bayou Park’s hidden treasure.


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September 23, 2013

From Buffalo Bayou Park

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Forrest Smith and Douglas Smith of SmartGeoMetrics stand above the site of the Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park.

SmartGeoMetrics is known primarily for providing 3D high definition laser services to the petrochemical, civil engineering and architecture industries. The company also has a passion for providing 3D imaging of special landmarks and interesting spaces like the Texas tall ship Elissa and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Taking a keen interest in the Cistern’s size, beauty and untapped potential, SmartGeoMetrics volunteered time and resources to join Buffalo Bayou Partnership on an excursion into the Cistern in early 2012. Their goal? To acquire 3D imaging data of the cavernous space to document its as-is condition. The result?An impressive array of 3D imaging, photographs and autosteroscopic holograms which Buffalo Bayou Partnership will use in developing future plans for the Cistern, once funding is available. You can see a 3D fly-through of the Cistern here.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is grateful to SmartGeoMetrics for providing a stunning and unique study of Buffalo Bayou Park’s hidden treasure.


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September 23, 2013

By Harvey Rice | January 24, 2013

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Photo By Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

Barbara Misto, left, logistics manager of SmartGeoMetrics, and Virginia Morrill, chief technologist, use a Leica HDS7000 laser scanner to produce a 3D representation of Elissa in dry dock at Bollinger Shipyards.

GALVESTON – After nearly four months in dry dock, the official Texas tall ship Elissa is scheduled to sail back to its berth in Galveston Harbor on Saturday with a new bottom and a three-dimensional color map of the entire vessel.

A flotilla of private sailboats will escort the Elissa as it makes its way from a Texas City shipyard to Galveston Island. The Elissa is expected to arrive at about 12:30 p.m. at Galveston Harbor, where it will be greeted by a fireboat shooting an arch from its water cannon. The return will be streamed online at galvestonhistory.org.

The ship is expected to enter its refurbished berth at the Texas Seaport Museum at Pier 22 about 1 p.m. Hurricane Ike severely damaged the dock in 2008, and repairs were recently completed.

Once in port, preparations will begin for replacing its deck with 22,000 board feet of Douglas-fir, said Jamie White, museum director.

About 1,900 square feet of steel was welded to the ship’s iron bottom, White said. About 65 percent of the ship’s original iron hull and superstructure remain, he said.

The entire project is expected to cost about $1.5 million, nearly all it of from federal disaster funds, White said.

The U.S. Coast Guard yanked the sailing rights of the 1877 barque following an inspection in January 2011 that found the iron plates on its hull were nearly eaten through in places. The unusually rapid deterioration was traced to an electric cable torn loose by Hurricane Ike that speeded up a natural process called electrolysis, which eats away at the iron.

As the Elissa prepared to leave dry dock Thursday, two crews from Houston-based SmartGeoMetrics used laser scanners to map the hull, then began mapping the interior to create a 3D image that will provide a detailed historical record of the ship.

“The laser scanning will pick up very minute pieces of information, allowing you to see things that are not visible to the human eye,” said Douglas Smith, SmartGeoMetrics vice president.

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Photo By Melissa Phillip/Staff

Shown through the propeller, Travis Davis, left, and Richard Lasater photograph the Elissa as part of the 3D process.

First of its kind

White said the Elissa is the first seaworthy historical vessel to undergo laser scanning, a technique developed for use on the Battleship Texas at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte. The Texas was scanned in 2011, and some of the scans have been used to produce educational videos like one showing how the ship’s steam engine works.

“The scanning and the ability to put it out digitally and send it around the world enables people to see and appreciate the ship without coming here,” said Andy Smith, Battleship Texas ship manager.

A team experienced in laser scanning from the Battleship Texas assisted with the scan of the Elissa, he said.

‘Akin to 3D printing’

After developing the technique on the Texas, SmartGeoMetrics used it to map the USS Missouri and the USS Constellation while they were in dry dock. The company is donating its time and equipment for a job that otherwise would cost about $10,000, Douglas Smith said.

“The 3D imaging process is akin to 3D printing,” said Richard Lasater, SmartGeoMetrics president. “3D printing is how you get a computer object into the real world,” he said. “Ours is the opposite, taking a 3D object and putting it into the computer.”

White said the images will give him an accurate record of the hull shape that will detect any aging problems in the future.

“It’s even going to record the paint drips on the hull,” he said, marveling at the ability to capture detail. In addition, the images might be used to provide a virtual tour of the ship to wheelchair-bound museum visitors, White said. He also plans to integrate the images into the museum’s film presentation on the Elissa.

“It’s almost like you can pick up the ship like a model and move it anywhere you want it,” White said.

The Elissa museum will be open without charge at 3 p.m. Saturday, but the ship will not be ready for visitors to board until regular museum hours Monday, White said.


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September 23, 2013

By Harvey Rice | January 24, 2013

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Photo By Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

Barbara Misto, left, logistics manager of SmartGeoMetrics, and Virginia Morrill, chief technologist, use a Leica HDS7000 laser scanner to produce a 3D representation of Elissa in dry dock at Bollinger Shipyards.

GALVESTON – After nearly four months in dry dock, the official Texas tall ship Elissa is scheduled to sail back to its berth in Galveston Harbor on Saturday with a new bottom and a three-dimensional color map of the entire vessel.

A flotilla of private sailboats will escort the Elissa as it makes its way from a Texas City shipyard to Galveston Island. The Elissa is expected to arrive at about 12:30 p.m. at Galveston Harbor, where it will be greeted by a fireboat shooting an arch from its water cannon. The return will be streamed online at galvestonhistory.org.

The ship is expected to enter its refurbished berth at the Texas Seaport Museum at Pier 22 about 1 p.m. Hurricane Ike severely damaged the dock in 2008, and repairs were recently completed.

Once in port, preparations will begin for replacing its deck with 22,000 board feet of Douglas-fir, said Jamie White, museum director.

About 1,900 square feet of steel was welded to the ship’s iron bottom, White said. About 65 percent of the ship’s original iron hull and superstructure remain, he said.

The entire project is expected to cost about $1.5 million, nearly all it of from federal disaster funds, White said.

The U.S. Coast Guard yanked the sailing rights of the 1877 barque following an inspection in January 2011 that found the iron plates on its hull were nearly eaten through in places. The unusually rapid deterioration was traced to an electric cable torn loose by Hurricane Ike that speeded up a natural process called electrolysis, which eats away at the iron.

As the Elissa prepared to leave dry dock Thursday, two crews from Houston-based SmartGeoMetrics used laser scanners to map the hull, then began mapping the interior to create a 3D image that will provide a detailed historical record of the ship.

“The laser scanning will pick up very minute pieces of information, allowing you to see things that are not visible to the human eye,” said Douglas Smith, SmartGeoMetrics vice president.

blog-hou2

Photo By Melissa Phillip/Staff

Shown through the propeller, Travis Davis, left, and Richard Lasater photograph the Elissa as part of the 3D process.

First of its kind

White said the Elissa is the first seaworthy historical vessel to undergo laser scanning, a technique developed for use on the Battleship Texas at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte. The Texas was scanned in 2011, and some of the scans have been used to produce educational videos like one showing how the ship’s steam engine works.

“The scanning and the ability to put it out digitally and send it around the world enables people to see and appreciate the ship without coming here,” said Andy Smith, Battleship Texas ship manager.

A team experienced in laser scanning from the Battleship Texas assisted with the scan of the Elissa, he said.

‘Akin to 3D printing’

After developing the technique on the Texas, SmartGeoMetrics used it to map the USS Missouri and the USS Constellation while they were in dry dock. The company is donating its time and equipment for a job that otherwise would cost about $10,000, Douglas Smith said.

“The 3D imaging process is akin to 3D printing,” said Richard Lasater, SmartGeoMetrics president. “3D printing is how you get a computer object into the real world,” he said. “Ours is the opposite, taking a 3D object and putting it into the computer.”

White said the images will give him an accurate record of the hull shape that will detect any aging problems in the future.

“It’s even going to record the paint drips on the hull,” he said, marveling at the ability to capture detail. In addition, the images might be used to provide a virtual tour of the ship to wheelchair-bound museum visitors, White said. He also plans to integrate the images into the museum’s film presentation on the Elissa.

“It’s almost like you can pick up the ship like a model and move it anywhere you want it,” White said.

The Elissa museum will be open without charge at 3 p.m. Saturday, but the ship will not be ready for visitors to board until regular museum hours Monday, White said.