Sheffield, UK, 16th February 2005: NavisWorks Ltd., developers of interactive viewing technology and the leading 3D computer aided design review solution today announced the successful inclusion of extensive laser scan file format support in NavisWorks JetStream.
The introduction of file readers for data from multiple laser scanner manufacturers in the latest NavisWorks release enables the 3D virtual world to be combined seamlessly with an existing 3D structure to deliver a host of benefits and opportunities.
The use of laser scanning is rapidly gaining wider acceptance as a cost effective method for gaining precise "As-Built" information in a wide variety of situations such as heritage sites or complex plant facilities. The accurate 3D shape of an existing structure can be captured by laser beams that move in arcs across it, recording many millions of points on the surface and then generating a large 3D "point cloud". Scans are taken from a number of positions around a structure giving point cloud data that produces a 3D model of what already exists.
NavisWorks JetStream was released at the close of 2004 and adds readers for laser scan point cloud data fromz+F,Leica,Riegl, MENSI, Visi Image and iQvolution to unrivalled 3D CAD file format support. This offers the ability to create a single "supermodel" by uniting data from laser scanning hardware and competing 3D design software to give a unique environment for design review. The NavisWorks JetStream release has also significantly increased model size handling by paging data dynamically off disc rather than loading into RAM so large point cloud data and the virtual "supermodel" can more easily be navigated and reviewed.
Laser scanning is being used on diverse projects such as bridge and road building, architectural and plant refit - any situation where existing structure or environment is being added to or restructured in some way.
Reflecting on this successful enhancement NavisWorks Managing Director, Peter Thompson said, "We are delighted to be able to partner all the leading laser scanning manufacturers whilst remaining entirely complementary to their value-add software. NavisWorks JetStream helps streamline the process of decision making and design review. While the point cloud data is being modelled into objects or brought directly into the 3D design software of choice to merge with the planned model, NavisWorks JetStream Roamer can be used in parallel to speed up design decisions and to gain buy-in from all stakeholders in the project by giving an instant view of the combined 'Virtual + Reality' model.
Together with publishing to .nwd for use with NavisWorks JetStream Freedom, a free viewer that can be downloaded from www.navisworks.com, this gives NavisWorks a unique position in this emerging marketplace."
The Support Detail
NavisWorks JetStream supports the following laser scan file extensions:-
- Leica = .pts & .ptx
- iQvolution = .iQscan, iQmod & iQwsp
- Riegl = .3dd
- MENSI = .soi
- Z+F = .zfc & .zfs
- Visi Image = .pts & .ptx