Digital Twins
Digital Twins
The first step in creating a digital twin is to have 3D CAD of the building that will be converted to a digital replica. For older buildings, CAD does not always exist. We have extensive experience in creating CAD at extremely low cost. Here are some of the techniques we use:
LIDAR scanning
To get an accurate CAD, LIDAR scanning is the most accurate method. Many 3rd party companies provide this service, and UrsaLeo will happily put you in touch with a local provide. More recently, we are finding LIDAR scanning using an iPad provides great, low cost results. The accuracy is not quite as good as with a professional scanner, but it can be done very fast, very cheaply and is often good enough.
Photogrammetry
Another popular technique, this is a fancy way of saying ‘take a lot of photographs of the facility. These are then stitched together so the user can ‘hop’ from point to point in the resulting model and get a 360 degree view. Great for getting colors and textures – the accuracy is not as good as LIDAR and actually combining the two techniques gives the best results.
Use a 2D floorplan
Many older buildings only have 2D plans. If those are combined with photographs, a skilled CAD designer can produce a 3D CAD from them with a high level of accuracy.
In all of the above techniques, the goal is to generate a 3D CAD that can be used as a starting point for the twin. UrsaLeo is able to advise on creating CAD at very reasonable costs.
