Virtual Design Analysis Group: A "Practice Run"

Virtual Design Analysis Group is a division of NVentum, LLC.

-CAPTURING HISTORY-

This unique collaborative endeavor; to utilize the latest reality capture technology to document the artifacts, buildings and campus of History San Jose, provides opportunities for private sector, non-profits and institutions of higher education to work together to solve some of today's most pressing engineering issues. The protocol for retrofitting as-built historic facilities and the use of new technologies to preserve our most prized historic treasures are vital to the continued success and expanded influence of our museums.

This blog will document the challenges and successes of this ambitious, one of a kind project.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

A "Practice Run"

On Sunday April 13th, we invited a couple of students to History Park to introduce them to the laser scanning process. Though new innovations in software development have resulted in less complicated, target free scanning and registration processes, we decided to do things in the traditional way. Using both paddles targets and paper targets we had the students layout and plot the scanning sequence. There were a total of nine scans taken of the Associated Oil Service Station as the first draft done by students of the Reality Capture Technology Training Center. Not only was this an introduction to the training for our students, it was an introduction to the hands on training process for us as well. We've had plenty of experience training adults and labor professionals however there was some concern about the process of training high school and community college students. Would we be able to engage them in the process and keep their attention and focus? Would they be intrigued by the processes and interested in learning more about the technology? Would they "get it"? The answer to all of these questions was a resounding YES! Not only did they understand the technology, their ability to see the various applications for the technologies was far beyond that of our adult students.

Photo Courtesy of History San Jose

Built in 1927, the Associated Oil Service Station was located at the corner of Market and Julian Street in San Jose

The Associated Oil Service Station documented at high resolution with

a Z&F 6000s Laser Scanner

This was a real pleasant surprise for us. That afternoon, we realized that our plans to create this unique hands-on technology experience for students was an attainable and timely goal. The enthusiasm we feel for the technology was mirrored by the students. Their ability to grasp the concepts, their curiosity and their desire to learn was truly inspirational for us. We recognized the need for STEAM programs and fresh

resources within our public schools. The question was could we provide those resources and help students and educators bridge the science and technology gap. We found our answer and our mission is clear.

The July 2014 summer technology camp at will include both college interns and high school students. This will be the first of many week long camps that will combine learning, mentorship and community service opportunities for all participants; working with state of the art hardware and software, working in teams and preserving our local history.