Direct Dimensions, Inc. provides laser scanning, reverse engineering, and digital modeling services, products, and training. We specialize in the application of laser scanners, digitizers, and portable CMMs, and the conversion of complex 3D data into industrial computer models. http://www.dirdim.com/ddirssfeed.xml Join the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland as we celebrate and show our support for Maryland manufacturers and their products at our first annual Make It In Maryland - Rally for Next Generation Maryland Manufacturing. http://www.whatsnextrmi.com/ Direct Dimensions, Inc. (DDI) is the world's leading authority on the application of geometric measurement technology. Their team of engineering experts provides rapid solutions to the challenges often encountered in product evaluation, development, and manufacturing. Hear from the Founder & CEO, Michael Raphael on recent developments and trends in the industry. http://www.associated.org/page.aspx?id=246689 In the world of industrial facilities construction, effective space planning in the installation phase can prevent major time and cost overruns. The new class of building CAD software called BIM, or Building Information Management, helps before the construction phase to prevent occurrences of clash and other space problems. Essentially, the building including its mechanical systems, are modeled in a 3D digital environment to prove out the design, construction, and operation of the project – especially space planning to avoid clash. http://www.lidarnews.com/content/view/8577/ This week, Mantis Vision will be touting its handheld 3D camera for the forensics market, as part of the 11th International Police Workshop on Photogrammetry, Laser Scanning and Terrestrial Technologies, being held in Dusseldorf, Germany. Mantis, an Israeli technology firm, will be demonstrating its new F5 imager for public evaluation and review and Tom Greaves is in attendance and should be able to get a peek at what they're up to. Though the company has been developing technology for the defense and security industries since 2005, it has just this week launched its web site and only recently began serious commercial marketing efforts of its products in North America. http://www.sparpointgroup.com/Blogs/Head-in-the-Point-Clouds/Mantis-Vision-starts-to-make-some-noise/ It’s been said that past is prologue. What happens in the past is destined to be repeated someday, like a trailer to a film that’s being remade over and over again. But do we glean anything from the past when the infrastructure and ideas that surround it have deteriorated or have been destroyed? Ancient cultures could not take photographs. Early settlers left no blueprints. We need to somehow reconstruct the past by documenting the existing infrastructure and symbols that have been left behind and then reestablishing what has been lost. http://www.pobonline.com/Articles/Features/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000001080505 Last month’s contribution to LiDAR News featured our use of 3D laser scanning technology on the original Wright Brothers 1903 airplane to help NASA and other experts figure out how the Wright Bros. developed flight without the use of modern day computers. http://www.lidarnews.com/content/view/8407/ The metrology world has developed a number of sensors that they can choose from for their applications, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Although the term multisensor is still not clearly defined Bill Fetter in this Quality Magazine article provides an excellent overview of the topic. http://blog.lidarnews.com/multisensor-metrology-coming-of-age As our frequent readers know, Direct Dimensions utilizes laser scanning in many more interesting ways than just industrial buildings and facilities. In fact, our roots in scanning start with helping to develop the FaroArm, a close range metrology tool for reverse engineering and quality control applications in the aerospace industry, where I worked back in the late ‘80’s. http://www.lidarnews.com/content/view/8363/136