| The more technology increases the more | | | | a polygon mesh model requires connecting |
| products and services are expected to combine | | | | adjacent points with straight lines in order to |
| multiple applications into one hand held device or | | | | create a substantial surface. |
| software package. Sometimes the plethora of | | | | Surface Modeling |
| applications that are available through a single | | | | More sophisticated than polygon mesh modeling, |
| product or service offering can seem absurd. But | | | | surface modeling processes data into a true |
| in many cases, a myriad of applications simply | | | | mathematical sphere using representations of |
| ends up saving the customer time and money; an | | | | curved topology, such as NURBS or TSplines. |
| example of which can be found in 3D laser | | | | Unlike polygon mesh models whose large data |
| scanning. | | | | sets make them hard to edit, surface models are |
| Commonly referred to as laser surveying, laser | | | | easier to edit, although their malleability is limited |
| scanning is typically associated with the | | | | to the reorientation of an object's surface. |
| construction, manufacturing and engineering | | | | Therefore, surface modeling is commonly used to |
| industries. But its ability to collect realistic spatial | | | | model created or organic shapes. |
| data from any object, space or structure and let | | | | Solid Modeling |
| the client reconstruct that data in a variety of | | | | Also known as "CAD models", easily editable solid |
| capacities has also made laser scanning popular in | | | | models are the models most used in the |
| archeology, natural conservation and police work, | | | | engineering and manufacturing industries. In |
| especially for recreating accidents and crime | | | | addition to portraying the envelope and shape of |
| scenes. When a laser scanner records data, it | | | | an object, solid models also allow the user to |
| produces a "point cloud", or a simple visualization | | | | incorporate design intent as a factor in |
| of a structure or scene in terms of its true spatial | | | | determining the final characteristics of an object, |
| points. In most cases, a point cloud is then | | | | structure or space. As a result, solid models are |
| "reconstructed" into a more detailed model of the | | | | also extremely useful to conservation and |
| subject matter. In most cases, scanning | | | | archeological projects, and their editable nature |
| applications are used to produce three kinds of | | | | makes them an obvious choice for recreating |
| models: polygon mesh models, surface models | | | | crime and accident scenes as well. |
| and solid models. | | | | In addition to its technical benefits, laser scanning |
| Polygon Mesh Modeling | | | | also allows companies and organization to save |
| When an object is represented polygonally, it has | | | | time and money when compared to traditional |
| a curved surface area that looks as if it were | | | | surveying methods. When a surveying company is |
| composed of small, flat surfaces. As a result, | | | | hired to do laser scanning, the surveying process |
| polygon mesh models are commonly used for | | | | can be greatly abbreviated, and the editable data |
| visualizing (i.e. contemplating) the larger nature of | | | | allows clients to realize and address design |
| an objector structure, not evaluating its specific | | | | contingencies without resorting to trial and error in |
| aspects. The reconstruction of scanned data into | | | | a real word scenario. |