Quick interior space mapping - floor plans or layout

timcoddington

Hi,
My daughter and I are computer engineers and we've invented a technology that is used in a system that is mobile and can collect dimentional information of interior space. Our system is just a prototype that we will eventually make into a product. Because the system is mobile and uses laser technology, it can cover a huge space quickly. Currently accuracy is in the 5-10cm range.

I'm trying not to make this into an add so I will a stop here and get to my question(s).

It has become apparent that Architect Agencies and Construction firms are very interested and we'd like to understand better how floor plans are used and what formats are needed.

The way our system works is that the operator puts the system backpack on, which has CPU, Sensor Head, touch screen, and battery and then walks quickly through a floor.  Measurement data is collected.  This "Scanning" covers about approx 75,000sf/hr.  The data collected is then post processed, which typically might involve all of these steps: edit data for noise or unwanted reflections etc; pick a horizontal slice through collected image (it's in 3D, due to operators motion but we only want 2D profile), then export for Sketchup or Revit.  On a large building that is being processed to a 3D architectural model, the post processing steps just before 3D modeling is done at a similar 50,000sf/hr. 3D Modeling, i.e. converting 2D laser dimensional data to 3D building model takes a lot longer, approx 10,000sf/hr.  

To our surprise the few Architect Firms we have worked with only want our 2D laser image in jpeg.  They feel this artifact is very helpful and saves them time and money.  But I expect they might learn to take more advantage and want our data in another form.

If we are going to build a successful building offering either a service or a product that can scan interior spaces, provide dimensional data, and/or 3D Model what formats are more likely needed?

I know there are people/businesses that generate floor plans and might take advantage of this technology. What format would they want?

Another area we've considered is collecting the data for 3D building model interiors for google earth. I know google earth will accept any image format for 2D floor plans. But what about 3D images that can be navigated (flown through by user)?

Thanks