Three Types of Expressions in Laser Scanning 3D Modelling By Steven Michaels

• Modern day technologies have enabled man to translate his physical world into digitized data. An example of which is the ability of 3D laser scanning to convert scanned information into data models which can be built, rebuilt, edited and transformed using the computer.
• In fact, laser scanning is helping mankind to further advance our knowledge about the world around us. Through it, the police are able to recreate crime scenes and solve cases which used to be too elusive due to limited evidences. In the engineering field, laser scanning has given way for troubleshooting structural problems before they can even occur. This technology has also helped us to preserve our heritage; by reverse engineering, we are able to recreate damaged objects and structures which define our history on this planet.
• The converted digitized data is called a "data expression." There are three kinds of "expressions" used in the industry nowadays. These are: the polygon mesh, surface expression and the solid CAD.
• 1. The Polygon Mesh
• This expression is primarily based from a conceptual point of view. That is, through a series of brainstorming and discussions, a specific concept is created and this concept is given life through the polygon mesh. The mesh is nothing but an abstraction of simple curved pieces and these pieces are the foundations of the digitized concept. The weak point of the polygon mesh is that once it is already created, it cannot be edited or altered ever again. The resulting mesh represents the exact actual thing that will be manufactured.
• 2. Surface Expression
• This type of expression is best used for creating organic shapes and other artistic pursuits in 2D. Surface expression allows for the alteration of the object's surface; these alterations can be done without limitations unlike the polygon mesh. However, the objects cannot be manufactured directly using the surface expression model alone. This is the reason why it is usually just used to model objects which are small or medium.
• 3. Solid CAD
• The main difference of this type of expression from the two given above is its ability to integrate a model's readiness to be manufactured into the actual object and its flexibility to immediate changes. This is the model frequently used by engineering firms as this allows for the constant evaluation of the defects and problems that might arise during the construction of the object. This is usually used for building structures intended for public and commercial use.
• Prior to the development of 3D modelling using data obtained from laser scanning, engineering and construction firms have to settle for the more expensive and time-consuming methods like 3D reconstruction using drawings which are manually made. These traditional methods can also leave out small details which might prove to be dangerous in the future. To learn more about the advantages of laser scanning over traditional surveying, please visit this page: Laser Scanning Services
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