Reality capture technologies use a variety of different sensors and cameras to capture data about the physical environment, which is then processed using advanced algorithms to create
digital models of physical spaces. They can help businesses to more accurately model and visualize their spaces, improve the design process, streamline renovation efforts, enhance marketing and sales efforts, and save time and money. As a result, reality capture is becoming increasingly important across a wide range of industries, including retail renovations and redesign, tenant improvements, commercial construction, and real estate marketing.
4 types of Reality Capture technologies
There are several types of reality capture technologies available, each with its own benefits, limitations, and cost. Here are some of the most commonly used types of reality capture technologies:
Photogrammetry: Photogrammetry is a common reality capture technology that uses multiple high-resolution photographs taken from different angles to create a 3D model. The cost of photogrammetry software can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and capabilities of the software.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are becoming an increasingly popular method for reality capture. Drones can capture highly detailed aerial imagery and 3D models of physical spaces from a variety of angles and altitudes, making them well-suited for a wide range of applications, including construction, architecture, surveying, and real estate.
NaVis is a specific reality capture technology that uses a combination of LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other sensors to create highly accurate digital models of physical spaces. NaVis is particularly useful for creating models of complex spaces with multiple levels, such as shopping malls or office buildings.
LiDAR scanning: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a commonly used reality capture technology that uses laser sensors to measure distances and create a 3D map of the physical environment. The cost of LiDAR scanning can vary depending on factors such as the type of scanner used, the area being scanned. Good thing is that most of the modern mobile smartphones and tablets are already equipped with LiDAR sensors, which makes it more accessible than other types of reality capture technologies.
Benefits of using Reality Capture:
Reality capture technologies offer several benefits to retail and commercial developers, including:
· Accurate modeling: Reality capture technologies can provide highly accurate and detailed digital models of physical spaces. This can be especially useful for retail and commercial developers who need to accurately represent their spaces in design plans, marketing materials, and other applications.
· Improved design: By using reality capture technologies, developers can more easily visualize and test design concepts in a digital environment before implementing them in the physical space. This can help to identify potential issues and streamline the design process.
· Efficient renovation: When renovating existing spaces, reality capture technologies can be used to create accurate digital models of the space before work begins. This can help to identify potential issues and streamline the renovation process.
· Marketing and leasing: The highly accurate and detailed digital models created by reality capture technologies can be used in marketing and leasing efforts to showcase the space to potential tenants or customers. This can help to attract interest and secure leases more quickly.
· Cost savings: By using reality capture technologies to accurately model and visualize spaces, developers can reduce the need for costly and time-consuming physical mockups or prototypes.
The costs of using Reality capture technologies
Reality capture technologies can be expensive, with the cost ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on several factors such as the type of technology used, the complexity of the project and the level of accuracy required. Additionally, some companies may offer reality capture services as a bundled package that includes equipment rental, data processing, which can impact the overall cost.
In addition to the cost of the technology itself, reality capture projects may require specialized expertise in order to produce accurate and high-quality results. This can add additional costs for hiring professionals with the necessary skills and experience.
Despite the potential expense, reality capture technologies can be a valuable investment for retail and commercial developers. The highly accurate and detailed digital models created by these technologies can provide significant benefits, such as improved design, streamlined renovation efforts, and enhanced marketing and leasing capabilities. As a result, the cost of reality capture technologies may be offset by the potential cost savings and increased revenue generated by these benefits.
OpalAi offers a low-cost alternative that can deliver similar results. OpalAi is a software tool for mobile devices such as iPhones and tablets equipped with LiDAR scanners that allows space planning professionals to create accurate and detailed digital models of existing spaces. By using OpalAi, businesses can generate accurate floor plans and 3D models of their retail spaces at a fraction of a cost without the need to invest in an expensive and bulky equipment.
On top of that, OpalAi is capable of creating hyper-realistic digital twins of spaces, even if it is not yet completed or under construction. This is accomplished by using advanced 3D modeling and rendering technologies, which can create a detailed, photorealistic representation of the space. In addition, these digital twins can be used in marketing materials to showcase the space to potential tenants or customers. For example, a property developer could use a hyper-realistic digital twin of an unfinished retail space in their marketing materials to showcase its potential to prospective tenants.
Overall, OpalAi provides valuable baseline information for space planning professionals, enabling them to create accurate and detailed documentation of existing layouts and designs, analyze this information to inform future planning and design decisions, and use it in marketing materials to attract tenants or customers. OpalAi is great alternative to create stunning 3D models at a fraction of a cost. Available in the App Store!