FARO Releases New Software 16.5 Version of PointSense and VirtuSurv
Sept. 15, 2015—In line with start of INTERGEO, in Stuttgart (Germany), FARO introduces all new 16.5 version of its laser scanning software PointSense and VirtuSurv as well as additional plug-ins for AutoCAD®. The PointSense and VirtuSurv programs provide numerous tools for efficiently processing 3D laser scan data in AutoCAD® and Revit®. The solutions complement the native Autodesk programs with additional point cloud functionality for drastically accelerating the documentation of as-built data.
PointSense provides various industry specific solutions, each with numerous functions: PointSense Plant, the AutoCAD® solution for industrial plant documentation, now offers a direct export for detected structural members to Autodesk Advance Steel. Results can be easily ported to Revit Structure as well. New “mass extraction” techniques now allow for multiple fit and alignment of gridded steel sections to the point cloud with substantially less time and effort. A fully revised tie-in point routine now intuitively guides users through precise flange extraction, avoiding time consuming modeling of the point cloud. Inline-fittings such as valves can now be easily swapped and exchanged within existing pipe runs. Pattern recognition speeds for pipe run extraction have improved from previous releases.
For Revit® users there is finally a German setup of the PointSense for Revit® software available.
New surface analysis tools allow users to visualize deformations from any surface in Revit®. The results of this analysis can even be used for modeling deformed elements or complex terrains. New tools such as fitting polygons and automatically finding plane edges/rims dramatically relieve the fast creation of construction aids in the project. For the first time these construction aids can be saved directly as Revit® 2D and 3D families; a function that helps to fast-track Scan-to-BIM workflows.
Preservationists benefit from improved photogrammetry workflows with an enhanced image management user interface within PointSense Heritage that simplifies multi-image evaluation. Users of the structure from motion software Agisoft PhotoScan can now import their calibrated photos into PointSense Heritage and use them as an additional source for processing their point cloud data.
PointSense Building, the solution for building documentation in AutoCAD®, the command for measuring ceiling tile patterns (reflected ceiling plans) has been revised completely. It now offers more options and is intuitively operable via a dialog panel.
All PointSense solutions for AutoCAD® 16.5 support the creation of horizontal slices at a defined level. PointSense Pro users benefit from a new command for simultaneously fitting multiple polygons on to point cloud sections. The creation of cross sections such as tunnels or irregular contours is drastically accelerated. Improved construction aids plane detection is now possible just a single click. Planes automatically extend to locate their edge/rim automatically.
VirtuSurv, the intuitive solution for processing point cloud data based on photo-like scan views, offers a new interface to the timber construction application SEMA.
Beyond PointSense and VirtuSurv, FARO issues new versions 16.5 of TachyCAD and PhoToPlan, too.
TachyCAD, the software for real-time surveying using a total station, offers customers the innovation of laser-based projection of points. Drilling holes or patterns of ceilings and floors can now be drawn easily and even faster on-site. TachyCAD also supports all-new total station sensors.
The photogrammetry software PhoToPlan has been equipped with an adapted image management tool and extended image imports, similar to PointSense Heritage.
The current FARO 3D Software programs process measured data from almost any device. All 16.5 versions are available now. You can find more information on the products including teaser videos or set appointments for webinars here: http://www.faro-3d-software.com/.
