# 3D Scanning Use Cases

For most 3D scanning applications, **point clouds** are preferred for their accuracy. \
Some accuracy is always lost when the data is interpolated into mesh data. \
Meshes are required though for fabrication and some visualisation workflows, as meshes are an interpretation of 3D data with physicality, and not just points in space.

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## Measurement & Documentation

3D scanning can be a way to holistically document structures and objects for heritage or digitisation. From an accurate dataset, one can measure and extrapolate information for documentation.

### Heritage

<figure><img src="/files/wWhiMFngKeIhMEon6UVT" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Measured Drawings of Oberon House - Keely Bengtson, Sophie Tuck, Zhiming Xu</p></figcaption></figure>

**\[**[**Case Studies Here**](https://melbourne.figshare.com/search?groups=41315)**]** ABPL90020 Measured Drawings and Digital Heritage uses terrestrial 3D scanning and photogrammetry to document and produce drawing sets for heritage sites and structures.

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## Digital Twins

Digital Twins are used widely in fabrication, BIM, engineering and construction - these are 3D scanned datasets that are within an allowable tolerance, that they can be used for reference or analysis.

### As-Built Analysis

<figure><img src="/files/blrhfBJz4Kp4B5C2m0Ee" alt="" width="425"><figcaption><p>Cloud to Mesh Deviation Comparison. (Image from CloudCompare)</p></figcaption></figure>

At all scales, 3D scan data can be used to understand as-built conditions, such as comparing 3D scanned data of a fabrication/construction to its digital model. This type of analysis can usually be done with both mesh and point cloud data.

<figure><img src="/files/N2Bi4taSNE8Ij32VvCAO" alt=""><figcaption><p>Construction Site 3D Scan (Image from Bim Learning Center)</p></figcaption></figure>

As-built comparisons also provide useful data for construction and BIM - this can be useful for staging, ensuring accountability and progress reporting. As 3D scans provide a faster alternative for taking measurements, it can be reasoned that more measurements can be taken more frequently - such as catching deviations of a slab before other works are continued.&#x20;

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## Assets

A common pipeline for 3D scanned data is to be used as assets for rendering, re-production or digital experiences.

### Visualisations

<figure><img src="/files/SH7RRu4C6rnHfNFpgHSx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3D scan data as point clouds or as meshes are commonly used for rendering in design contexts. \
For example, point cloud datasets of site environments can be used as a quick way to depict context for architectural drawings.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFy-muKWmQ8>" %}
Photogrammetry for realistic assets.
{% endembed %}

It is also common to produce photo-realistic assets from 3D scan or point cloud datasets to use in visualisation applications, such as in Architectural renders, product design, movies or video games.

### Reproduction

If an asset needs to be replicated again physically - for example, 3D scanning a hand-crafted work to then re-reproduce using digital fabrication methods. The 3D scan data usually needs to be turned into a [mesh](/next-lab/3d-printing/key-techniques/mesh-techniques/meshes-101.md) object - a digital representation of a solid object - as opposed to point information.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/LgMEf7gPLXTpGd31MxGL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**\[**[**Case Study Here**](https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/maker-spaces/next-lab/main/news/mura-plaque)**]** **Above**: Heritage paque that was 3D scanned and reproduced through Multijet Fusion 3D Printing, a detailed powder-based 3D printing method that allows for full colour like a paper printer.&#x20;

### Digital Experiences

3D scan data can be used in narrative or immersive-media as with other types of assets.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUwqZG9_kJM>" %}
View on Youtube in VR
{% endembed %}

**\[**[**Case Study Here**](/next-lab/case-studies-and-projects/or-3ds-or-vr-or-voices-of-country.md)**] Above:** The point cloud aesthetic was manipulated and leveraged for it's ephemeral quality in this VR 360 video, produced in Unreal Engine. \
\
**Below**: Interactive point cloud experience, produced in Unreal Engine.

{% embed url="<https://www.instagram.com/p/Cobo7UujBJL/>" %}


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