Virtual Design Analysis Group: The Reality of Reality Capture Technology

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.

Friday, June 6, 2014

The Reality of Reality Capture Technology

Registration for the June 21st Autodesk Photogrammetry Workshop at History Park opened two weeks ago. The training was specifically focused on teachers and administrators from throughout Santa Clara County. We targeted art, photography and STEM teachers with outreach efforts through the County Office of Education as well as contacts through San Jose State University, Stanford University, Evergreen Valley College and Santa Clara University. We had two original objectives for the program; 1) To train teachers to use the technology so they could take the lessons back to the classroom and share with their students. 2) Recruit teachers as volunteers and enhance our capacity for training at the Reality Capture Technology Training Center.

MEP Systems

As word of the training opportunity spread, we were surprised by the responses. Request for training began coming from people from a variety of places and varying disciplines. Our current list of registrants consist of crime scene investigators, homicide detectives, professional photographers, art instructors, museum curators, archivist, graduate school students, high school STEM teachers, middle school math teachers, school administrators, surveyors, MEP professionals and construction managers. The diversity of the registrants is indicative of the myriad applications of reality capture technology. From forensic documentation of accidents and crime scenes, to artistic renderings, historic preservation, BIM/green buildings, surveying and education, the applications for geospatial technology are far reaching and we are just beginning to scratch the surface.

Preservation

As our programs progress, we intend on expand the number and variety of trainings offered to our community. Given the various interest, needs and uses for the technology, the Reality Capture Technology Training Center will develop specialized trainings utilizing the various software applications offered by Autodesk, FARO and other developers. Future trainings will feature programs like Revit, Maya, and FARO SCENE. These trainings will offer hands-on experience for professionals and students alike; for those who are looking to enter the job market and for others who are looking to enhance and update their current jobs skills.

Forensic Studies

The Reality Capture Technology Training Center is focused on expanding the impact of today's technology through education, workflow development and practical applications.