The Pasetta Project

Laser Scan and Texture Mapping by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

To the untrained eye, the difference between a high definition photo and a laser scan can very difficult to recognize. Given the quality of today's high definition photos, some may ask the question, "why laser scan at all?".

While high def photos can provide outstanding clarity of details and extremely crisp colors, the benefits of the laser scans lays its ability to collect and store massive amounts of data.
3D Model As A Data Base
What type of data are we talking about? Let's start with the "visible" data contained in this preliminary scan of one of the interior rooms of the historic Pasetta House located at the San Jose History Park.
The visible data contained within this scan can range from the general to the extremely detailed;
based upon the needs of the user. Details such as:

1. The manufacturer, distributor and color code of the paint on the walls and ceilings. 
2. The type of wood and stain used to construct the floors, trim around the windows and room. 
3. Information about the lighting fixtures; the manufacturer, date of purchase and installation,  the wattage and power usage.
4. The artwork on the walls; the creation date, the artist, the lender/owners, the materials and/or process used to create the piece(s), etc.
5. The manufacturer, cost, date of purchase of the antique area rug.
6. Location and number of wall outlets
7. Location of floor vents along with manufacturers information

Photo Courtesy of History San Jose

What about the "invisible" data contained within the laser scan; critical data that can be used to help monitor and reduce carbon emissions, reduce operating cost and minimize costly repairs through managed preventive maintenance. 

Laser Scan/Texture map by Ken Hanna

1. Mechanical information: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning components
2. Plumbing and piping information
3. Electrical/wiring systems
4. Ceiling/wall insulation materials
5. Air Flow/air contaminant monitoring sensors
6. Humidity monitoring sensors
7. Energy auditing systems
8. Detailed dimensions of the room and measurement capabilities
9. Emergency response systems; fire suppression, security, etc.

The wealth of information contained in the 3D model can be used to manage the day to day operations of the park, conduct long-range strategic planning, to create unique online exhibits,  create site maps for specific events and/or projects, conduct and manage major construction projects, remodeling and retrofitting of specific historic buildings, control and manage museum assets and inventory, reduce energy consumption, design campus upgrades and most anything else the facility operators, owner and/or guest require.

A quick glance at the preliminary scans in this blog post reveals a couple of unique features that immediately grab the viewers attention. First and most noticeable is the large black circle or "hole" in the center of the floor of the room. This spot represents the space occupied by the laser during the scanning process. If you've read any of the previous post on this blog, you'll recall that the laser scans an area that is 360 degrees x 270 degrees. The 90 degrees not covered by the initial scan is actually the area directly beneath the scanner. This black spot or "hole" in the scan is easily remedied by conducting a second scan from another location within the room and combining or"stitching" the two scans together to create the model.

The second thing that you'll notice is the color coded X, Y, and Z coordinates located within the scan. These coordinates usually represent the camera/laser's position and is relative to where you are viewing from. Typically, these coordinates are just a length in a direction; X= side to side, Y= up and down and Z= near and far. Without getting too complicated, the floating point number is a distance in 3D space relative to the origin. (Zero, Zero, Zero)

Laser Scan/Texture Mapping by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

The purpose of the Pasetta Project is to create an as-built model of the building that will serve several purposes. First, the laser scans conducted by NVentum, LLC.will serve as the "blueprint" of this historic home. Secondly, the 3D model will be adapted to serve as an online exhibit for guest and visitors to the museum. Lastly, our long range plan is to use the Pasetta House to establish the protocol for historic documentation and sustainable energy upgrades for as-built facilities and museums.