LAS VEGAS, NV (Autodesk University 2014) -There are occasions when the progress of technology — the realization that this is actually achievable — makes me feel like I am truly living in the future.
Skycatch brings together laser scanning, robotic drones, and software data analysis to bring you a cheap and reliable way to scan large areas such as building sites or areas of national heritage.
The technology used involves strapping the laser scanner to a remote-controlled drone, which sends the data to a base station for piecing together using Skycatch propriety software. Not only is this a quick way to get a 3D model of a large site, it is cheaper and safer than traditional methods.
What fascinates me is that once these technologies become feasible to bring to market many other opportunities are found that no one could anticipate before. Skycatch is now being used with a thermal imaging camera to monitor irrigation levels in fields, as well as calculating the volume of stockpiles within 1 percent of Lidar.
It is not often that we see a company making a business from a combination of technologies that seemed far-fetched even five years ago. I shall be watching Skycatch with interest.
Skycatch drone returns to its base at a construction site....
Base houses a battery quick swap mechanism, alleviating what may be the biggest shortcoming of drone use, a usage period that is measured in minutes.
Skycatch software integrates 3D model of site with CAD geometry from Revit
More Information
- http://www.skycatch.com/
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Paul Munford is a CAD manager and writes in his blog, The CAD Setter Out, which contains tips, tricks and tutorials for woodworkers using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor. More… |
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