Non-Contact, Non-Destructive Digital Documentation for Your Projects
Reality capture services are advanced technologies used to digitally capture the exact physical conditions of a site or structure. These services encompass multiple data acquisition techniques, including 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, and drone imagery, to create highly accurate and detailed digital representations of real-world environments.
At Data Capture Service, we provide comprehensive reality capture solutions tailored to the unique needs of architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management projects. Our mission is to help you visualize, analyze, and manage your assets more efficiently by delivering precise digital data that reflects the real world in extraordinary detail.
Reality capture is the process of collecting spatial data from the physical environment and converting it into digital formats such as 3D point clouds, textured meshes, CAD drawings, BIM models, or virtual tours. Unlike traditional surveying methods, reality capture uses cutting-edge tools and software that drastically reduce manual labor, improve accuracy, and speed up project timelines.
Reality capture techniques include:
Each technique offers unique advantages and can be combined depending on your project requirements.
The process begins with a detailed planning phase where our experts at Data Capture Service work closely with your team to define the project's goals, required accuracy, and deliverable formats. This crucial step ensures efficient data capture aligned perfectly with your project needs.
Step 1: Planning and Site Assessment
Before any scanning, we assess the site conditions and the scope of work. Understanding whether you need a high-resolution 3D model for restoration or a simpler 2D survey for fabrication influences the scanning approach, equipment selection, and time allocation.
Step 2: Data Acquisition
Using advanced instruments such as the Leica RTC360 and P-Series laser scanners, our certified technicians capture millions of precise data points by sending laser pulses that bounce off surfaces back to the scanner sensor. This process happens at incredible speeds, with the RTC360 capable of collecting up to 2 million points per second, accurate to within 2-4 millimeters.
Simultaneously, our equipment captures high-definition panoramic photos, which are integrated with the point cloud data to provide a rich visual context.
For outdoor or large-scale sites, drones equipped with LiDAR and RGB cameras fly over the area, capturing aerial data from multiple angles to supplement ground-based scans.
Step 3: On-Site Quality Control
Our Project Managers review the collected data live on tablets or mobile devices using specialized software, allowing immediate verification of scan coverage and data quality. They annotate, tag, and add field notes, photos, and even audio recordings to ensure no critical information is missed.
Multiple scan stations are used to cover every angle of the site, mitigating the limitations of line-of-sight inherent in laser scanning.
Step 4: Data Processing and Modeling
The raw point clouds, images, and field notes are transferred to our expert engineers who process, register, and align the data. Using advanced software tools, they convert the point cloud into deliverables such as:
Each deliverable is customized based on your project specifications and intended use.
Yes, reality capture drastically speeds up data collection compared to traditional methods, but it requires a skilled team and careful planning.
For example, scanning a historical building with intricate architectural details demands a high-density point cloud and multiple scan stations, which can take several days on-site. In contrast, a façade survey for a roofing project may only require a quick 2D CAD drawing, achievable in hours.
At Data Capture Service, we balance scan resolution and on-site time according to your goals, ensuring efficient delivery without compromising accuracy.
Reality capture has a wide array of applications across industries:
Choosing the right application is vital, as it determines scanning resolution, required equipment, and data deliverables.
At Data Capture Service, we use industry-leading hardware and software to ensure unmatched data quality and precision:
Leica RTC360
Our lightweight terrestrial scanner captures ultra-high-speed 3D data with 2-4 mm accuracy. It combines laser scanning with integrated panoramic HD photography, enabling rapid capture and detailed visualization of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Leica P-Series ScanStations
Offering superior range and dual-axis compensation, these scanners are ideal for large-scale industrial and construction projects requiring survey control tie-in and high accuracy.
Drone-Based LiDAR and Photogrammetry
We operate advanced drones capable of collecting aerial LiDAR data and high-resolution images, essential for mapping large or inaccessible areas efficiently.
Data Processing Software
Our engineering team uses powerful software suites like Autodesk ReCap, AutoCAD, Revit, and specialized point cloud processing tools to register, clean, and model the captured data into actionable formats.
Our focus on rigorous quality control ensures that what you receive is a dependable, high-fidelity digital representation of your site.
Are you ready to transform your physical site into an accurate, digital asset? Contact Data Capture Service to discuss your project and discover how reality capture services can save you time, reduce costs, and improve decision-making.
