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3D LaserScanning

Visualising 3D spatial information in virtual reality environments is rapidly becoming mainstream across a range of industries. Many design teams are now working on their projects in a 3D environment and the provision of survey data in the form of a 3D Model greatly enhances and accelerates the design process.

Using state of the art 3D laser scanning technology alongside a team of highly skilled CAD Technicians and 3D Visualisers, MSA creates highly accurate, cost-effective and multi-purpose 3D Models of outstanding quality. These can be created to varying levels of detail and in a wide variety of different formats to allow for maximum flexibility and optimal use for all involved.

At MSA we are proud to have a hugely diverse client base with even more diverse needs. We constantly push the boundaries of what can be achieved and we are continually investing in Virtual and Augmented Reality applications to deliver the best possible solutions to our clients.

 

 

Accurate Visual Representations (AVR's)/View Surveys

The preparation of Accurate View Representations or AVRs (also referred to as Verified View Montages, or VVMs) is the most widely accepted method of providing a contextual understanding for proposed developments at the planning stage. This process is endorsed by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and incorporated within the London View Management Framework (LVMF). 

The surveyed 3D co-ordinates of the camera location and "in the view" building and feature information is used to control the photo alignment. 3D AutoCAD models and line work are then used to test the alignment. A model of the proposal is inserted into the image in the correct location and scale, allowing the impact of the proposal to be fully assessed.

MSA is recognised as the leader in this field having been previously appointed by the GLA to survey the assessment points for, and consult on, the LVMF.

3D Model Cross Platform Optimisation

The world in which we live is multi-dimensional and complex spatial information of the built environment can now be presented in a 3D format, making the complicated arrangements more understandable.

At MSA we understand that our measured surveys need to provide an integrated overview of existing site and building arrangements that will facilitate the wider usage of our 3D models by a multi-disciplinary team. Being able to translate these into different software programs and across platforms means that our clients can fully extract maximum value from our surveys. Using this approach the 3D models produced by MSA for architectural and engineering design are often also be used for marketing, publicity, facilities management as well as a multitude of other applications. We also provide 3D PDF and HTML files for those of our clients less familiar with technical applications of CAD programs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drone

MSA Services are reaching new heights…..UAV’s are a powerful new addition to the wide range of sophisticated equipment being used by MSA to capture and document the built environment. Having the ability to extend beyond the constraints of terrestrial based site measurement makes UAV’s an invaluable tool for the capture of accurate aerial mapping and 3D modelling.

Safety and compliance is at the heart of our professional UAV team, dedicated to using the latest technology in order to get our clients the most cost effective, precise results possible. However, it is our expertise as measured surveyors that truly allows us to extract the maximum benefit from the data obtained from our drones. This data is integrated with our ground based 3D laser scanning data and conventional survey measurements to ensure a level of accuracy and reliability that can only be achieved through a professional and experienced measured survey business.

We use our UAV for Aerial Mapping, Topographic Surveys, Rights of Light data capture, External 3D modelling, Heritage Documentation, Condition Surveys and Scan to BIM Solutions. We can deliver 2D plans and elevations as well as 3D models and high resolution imagery or video.

Scan to Mesh
 

The generation of 3D meshes from laser scan data is an invaluable way of presenting and manipulating features or objects with complex geometry within the virtual 3D environment. 3D meshes are versatile, lightweight and fast to generate making them fundamental to the process of digital shape reconstruction which is used in reverse engineering and 3D printing. 

At MSA we are fully conversant in the capture, documentation and meshing of intricate artefacts, structures, features and objects to the highest level of detail for varying applications in order provide a concise and accurate virtual replica that can be manipulated within software packages. The use of scan data and 3D meshes is increasingly been seen as the preferred way of preserving the historic fabric and for applications within the film and animation industries. 

Scan, Model, Create and Animate

Modelling of Artifacts and Historical Features

The world architectural heritage is being lost at an alarming rate in our fast developing and modernising world. At MSA we are passionate about recording and documenting our past for future posterity and we strongly feel that we have a social responsibility to ensure that our culture and heritage are not lost for future generations.

Using the very latest laser scanners, measurements and high resolution imagery we are able to provide an accurate historic record which can be documented and safeguarded in a virtual environment for future use. This approach means that valuable assets can be recorded, reconstructed or reverse engineered should they be damage or destroyed and is invaluable for the conservation and restoration process. Physical or digital replicas of priceless artefacts can also be generated using this approach making them accessible to researchers and the public. This approach has been adopted by the Smithonian in 2013 and is a growing trend for museums worldwide. 

Flythrough / Walkthrough Animation

With complex development schemes, it’s often useful to showcase the proposed work in an easy to digest format such as a Fly-through Animation. This is essentially a video that has been generated within 3D software to illustrate a new proposal with the context of the wider built environment. They bring a development to life and offer ways of understanding and interacting with schemes long before they are built.

Video is a format that we are all very familiar with regardless of our background or expertise and provides an important link between architectural ideas or designs and their implementation. As a leader in 3D laser scan capture and the preparation of 3D models, MSA is able to extend these skills to provide an accurate virtual environment that is suitable for fly-through’s and can be used in the preparation of virtual tours and animation. 

Photorealistic Still Imagery

They say “a picture paints a thousand words” and this is certainly the case when evaluating a proposed design. Photorealistic images can be generated from detailed 3D models to provide an accurate and authentic picture. When incorporating new designs these images can really bring a proposed scheme to life, allowing for the project to be viewed and interrogated in a realistic environment. Taking our detailed and accurate models a step further allows MSA to add textures, lighting and materials which enables us to authentically replicate reality within a virtual environment. Our resultant images are therefore able to provide a clear representation of the site and its proposals to a wider audience in a familiar medium. 

360 imagery and Architectural Photography

MSA’s pioneering and immersive VR ready photography in the construction industry enables us to deliver an “out of the box” solution to compliment traditional 2D drawings and brings our survey projects to life. Now also being utilised by social media giants, and with a versatile and vast range of formats for delivery from standard resolution to full HDR and high resolution/large format, interactive 360° imagery is rapidly growing in popularity and is an invaluable asset for marketing, as well as offering new visual insights to design teams wherever they are located.

MSA also uses hi-resolution digital imagery to document current arrangements on site and to provide a historical record of site and building conditions. These form an important data sources which is used by us in-house as well as shared with our consultant colleagues to enhance understanding and inform the design process. 

 

Inside MSA Survey

Technical Case Studies

A guide to Rights of Light

Bethlam Statues

Battersea Power Station

Our Key Services

Building

Land

Engineering

Visual

Meet The Experts

Meet The Technical Team

Jamie Chaplin

Associate

Carlo Raffaelli

Project Co-ordinator

Nicholas Forrest

Project Co-ordinator

Anna Kmiecik

Project Co-ordinator

"Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually to improvement. If you can’t measure something, you can’t understand it. If you can’t understand it, you can’t control it. If you can’t control it, you can’t improve it."

H. James Harrington |

Entrepreneur and Author