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<title>Common+Ops Blog</title><link>http://commonops.com/index.html</link><description>3D Enterprise Solutions</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>beau@commonops.com</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2008 Common+Ops</dc:rights><dc:date>2008-08-26T16:09:31-06:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:17:03 -0600</lastBuildDate><item><title>The (un)Common Touch</title><dc:creator>beau@commonops.com</dc:creator><category>services&#x2c; design&#x2c; media&#x2c; print&#x2c; animation&#x2c; 3D</category><dc:date>2008-08-26T16:09:31-06:00</dc:date><link>http://commonops.com/blog/files/1b6c45aa2aa0f6d16339b77b1d28658b-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://commonops.com/blog/files/1b6c45aa2aa0f6d16339b77b1d28658b-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[While we work hard to produce enterprise-class 3D applications, we work just as hard at creating original, drop-dead gorgeous marketing & sales collateral.    The C+O creations crew offers a number of solutions to make your enterprise stand head + shoulders above the crowd.  


  


To catch a glimpse of the C+O&rsquo;s creativity check out these galleries:


	&bull;	Conceptual Plan 3D Visualization


	


	&bull;	Print, Design, Collateral, Web, Media


  


Contact us for more info about the (un)Common Touch: info@commonops.com]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Beyond Pretty Pictures</title><dc:creator>beau@commonops.com</dc:creator><category>software solutions</category><dc:date>2008-08-07T16:30:50-06:00</dc:date><link>http://commonops.com/blog/files/5a5473e0c1e14da6c65ecc47364d53e2-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://commonops.com/blog/files/5a5473e0c1e14da6c65ecc47364d53e2-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[LiDAR/high definition laser scanning technology has progressed to the point where data sets are incredibly rich in detail.    Indeed at times it appears as if one could reach out and simply extract all relevant information.    Except, one can&rsquo;t.    There has to be more than pretty pictures behind the technology.


Let&rsquo;s look at this from a CAD perspective.    If one has access to a laser scan of a building facade, how might this information be richly & rapidly imported into CAD?    Certainly, most CAD software packages are not equipped to deal with 5, 10, 20-million point data sets.


What to do?


May I suggest Ortho Photo creation?    Imagine converting the highly-accurate, as-built information contained in a LiDAR data set into a CAD-ready ortho photo.


Have a look:


Define a plane for a &lsquo;virtual scan&rsquo;


Define the direction of the virtual scan


Capture or &lsquo;virtually scan&rsquo; the item of interest


Ortho photo metadata/header


Ortho photo with scale, rotation, corner coordinates and dimensional information (accurate x,y,z values) is automatically created and now ready to import into most CAD, GIS and image processing software packages.


&ldquo;Wait!    How do you do that?&rdquo;   You ask.    Please allow us to introduce you to JRC Reconstructor.


Download the entire video (46 MB, Quicktime format)


Contact us for an online or live demo of the Reconstructor software suite.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A Very Spatial Database</title><dc:creator>beau@commonops.com</dc:creator><category>solutions&#x2c; database&#x2c; geospatial</category><dc:date>2008-07-31T08:02:41-06:00</dc:date><link>http://commonops.com/blog/files/634ab1595b9202decd84f4d0fcc2ccb4-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://commonops.com/blog/files/634ab1595b9202decd84f4d0fcc2ccb4-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Nearly all facets of an organization are driven by databases - from logging project hours, to tracking assets and managing finances.   Common+Ops specializes in infusing enterprise data with spatial components in order to address questions that have long been difficult to answer with traditional database tools.


Common+Ops has deveoped a strategic partnership with GeoInnovative Solutions to benefit clients (and their databases!)   in the application areas of:


	&bull;	Building Information Modeling (BIM)


	&bull;	Space and Facilities Management


	&bull;	Utilities


	&bull;	Transportation Planning


	&bull;	Land Use and Urban Planning 


How exactly does spatializing a database benefit an enterprise?    Let&rsquo;s take a peek at transportation infrastructure planning:


Case Study Summary


Travel Demand Prediction using Synthetic Population Modeling


Travel demand modeling is only as beneficial and effective as it is accurate.   Current software solutions such as TRANSIMS&copy; and UrbanSim&copy; have led in modeling the impacts of urban change.   However, since they implement the four- step model (4SM), which has been proven faulty, their ability to accurately model travel demand is greatly limited. 


Common+Ops&rsquo; strategic partner, GeoInnovative Solutions, developed a new methodology for generating travel demand data along Utah&rsquo;s Wasatch Front.   The method resulted in greatly increased spatial and temporal data resolutions.   Additionally, the methodology incorporates trip chaining.   Lastly, through the use of an activity-based approach, this new methodology accounts for many aspects of complex, intertwined decisions related to where a population participates in out-of-home activities, when, for what duration, and with whom.


Planning and budgeting for transportation infrastructure just got a little easier!


Questions?    Want to read about the case study in detail?    Contact us.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Multi-Resolution: The Key to 3D Models</title><dc:creator>beau@commonops.com</dc:creator><category>software solutions</category><dc:date>2008-07-17T10:49:26-06:00</dc:date><link>http://commonops.com/blog/files/e77d38e84019131a615542eadc15860f-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://commonops.com/blog/files/e77d38e84019131a615542eadc15860f-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If you&rsquo;ve ever spent much time with LiDAR/high resolution laser scan data sets, you know that there is good news and bad news when it comes to extracting valuable information from this data source.    The good news is that LiDAR provides an immense amount of accurate 3D data.    The bad news is that LiDAR provides an immense amount of accurate 3D data..


With a point cloud derived from high resolution LiDAR data, one can see incredible detail.    The bugaboo on the information extraction front has always been: How can all this data be processed in a meaningful way?


For example, suppose one wants to derive an accurate, solid-surface 3D model from a point cloud.    Shouldn&rsquo;t there be a relatively easy way to do this?   At a minimum, shouldn&rsquo;t there be a well-established way to do this?    The answer is, &ldquo;well, yes and no.&rdquo;


There are solutions in the LiDAR world that will automatically and/or semi-automatically create a wireframe model or solid surface model from point cloud information.    The problem with some of these solutions is that the models tend to be very heavy - meaning very slight variations in regular shapes are captured as a vertex or polygon and thus the resulting model has a very high polygon count.    For those who work in 3D modeling, they know that hefty, high-polygon count models tend to weigh down performance, which affects usability.


An exciting development towards reducing the complexity heft in LiDAR-derived 3D models can be found in the JRC Reconstructor software application.    Reconstructor will produce both wireframe and solid-surface models from point cloud data.    The exciting part is that Reconstructor applies a multi-resolution meshing strategy to these models.  ...  It means that where a shape is more complex (e.g. an edge or corner) more vertices are added to reflect said complexity.    Where a shape is less complex (e.g. a flat surface) less vertices are added.    The result is a more svelte 3D model.  

...Multi-resolution mesh derived from high definition laser scan.    Note greater number of vertices on edges and corner.


Solid surface (derived from LiDAR intensity data) model based on multi-resolution mesh.


Detail of solid surface model created in JRC Reconstructor.


Multi-resolution mesh with color derived from high resolution digital image.    Note varying degrees of vertices detail.


Closer view of multi-resolution mesh (zoom in to cathedral dome).


Solid surface, color-mapped model derived from multi-resolution mesh in Reconstructor.


Learn more about Reconstructor.


Contact Common+Ops for a demo.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>BIM (bam boom)</title><dc:creator>beau@commonops.com</dc:creator><category>software solutions</category><dc:date>2008-07-11T17:29:07-06:00</dc:date><link>http://commonops.com/blog/files/e51dce4aaa35901c820d0d86629590e9-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://commonops.com/blog/files/e51dce4aaa35901c820d0d86629590e9-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Sure, enterprise 3D can be used throughout one of the largest natural gas projects on the planet.    But what else can it do?    Octaga&rsquo;s Enterprise 3D platform supports ISO standard building information modeling (BIM).    Octaga Modeler represents intelligent visualization for engineering, design and architecture.


Just how powerful is Octaga-powered BIM?  


&ldquo;The BIM Viking team together with Octaga was awarded the grand prize of Best Overall Winner of the Build London Live.


Octaga participated of the "Build London Live" project as a part of the BIM Viking team, providing the software responsible for the visual control of the building.   See it in action here.&rdquo; 


See more Octaga-BIM-in-Action here.


Since 2005 Octaga has been at the forefront of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with Octaga Modeler.   The software was developed specifically for engineering and construction markets to view parametric data.   Modeler supports:


	&bull;	Large model data streaming


	&bull;	Parametric objects


	&bull;	Interface into CAD applications


	&bull;	Automatic generation of camera paths


	&bull;	Hilighting, filtering, coloring and texturing of different objects


	&bull;	Seamless integration into Asite and EPM solutions


Suppose you want to intergrate BIM functionality into an enterprise application.    Say no more, the RAD kit is here..


The Octaga Modeler Rapid Application Development (RAD) Kit is the ideal solution for application developers, who need to integrate 3D viewing functionality into enterprise applications.    Octaga Modeler is designed from the ground up to be integrated with other systems, databases and APIs.    At its heart the RAD kit a flexible and dynamic system for retrieving parametric data and building corresponding scene elements for visualization.    Octaga Modeler can be integrated into enterprise application development environments such as Java, C#, and Visual Basic.


Download the brochure for Octaga-powered BIM applications (PDF).


Now there really are no more excuses for intergrating 3D into every aspect of a contrsuction project - from planning, to design and scheduling.  


Get your BIM on!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Innovation in Action</title><dc:creator>beau@commonops.com</dc:creator><category>projects&#x2c; laser scanning&#x2c; software solutions</category><dc:date>2008-07-02T22:18:13-06:00</dc:date><link>http://commonops.com/blog/files/7653300b84c8492da771f992e190a006-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://commonops.com/blog/files/7653300b84c8492da771f992e190a006-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Common+Ops is working with partners,   Gexcel  (Italy) and  Mapcon Mapping  (USA, Canada) to develop innovative processing and production strategies for high definition laser scanning.


What exactly are these &lsquo;innovative strategies&rsquo;?   Well, suppose someone asked you if you could continuously monitor a structure with a high definition laser scanner?   Gulp.   Now suppose they asked if you could operate the laser scanner remotely, while the structure was being moved to a new location?   Ggulp!


Fortunately, Common+Ops was able to team up with FARO, mount a Photon laser scanner on the Highland Drive bridge deck and monitor the deck surface continuously during the bridge move (see UDOT&rsquo;s site for more details).


How exactly does this work?   Let&rsquo;s check the video (all files in .mp4/iTunes/iPod compatible format)..


    * See the scanner operate during the initial move


    * Watch how the scanner is remotely controlled with an iPod touch


    * See the finishing touches on a move of the bridge down an off-ramp


Now that the data are collected, what information can be derived that will be valuable to future bridge moves?   Mapcon is evaluating the bridge surface by comparing contours and cross sections at various points along the bridge move route.   Gexcel is assisting Common+Ops in utilizing the Reconstructor software package to create solid surface models, compare subtle changes in the bridge structure and take key measurements.


See the brief presentation for a peek at these analysis methods:


Laser Scanning Analysis Presentation - Quicktime format


Laser Scanning Analysis Presentation - Flash format


Common+Ops + Partners = Innovation in Action!]]></content:encoded><enclosure url="http://commonops.com/blog/files/podcast_2.mp4" length="2898321" type="audio/mpeg"/></item><item><title>Moving Bridges</title><dc:creator>beau@commonops.com</dc:creator><category>projects&#x2c; laser scanning</category><dc:date>2008-06-23T22:30:39-06:00</dc:date><link>http://commonops.com/blog/files/0618485e5a5ceb9e06677b5bbf38b9e1-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://commonops.com/blog/files/0618485e5a5ceb9e06677b5bbf38b9e1-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Moving a bridge?   It&rsquo;s as easy as  ABC...


    &ldquo;UDOT is employing advanced technology to accelerate construction and reduce delays on Innovate 80, which encompasses six projects along the I-80 Corridor.   These technologies include Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC), a reversible barrier system and design/build construction.&rdquo;   Read more.


Common+Ops has teamed up with Osmos USA and FARO to evaluate several strategies of monitoring bridges before, during and after placement into the bridges&rsquo; &lsquo;new&rsquo; homes.


See the gallery from the sensor monitoring of the Highland Drive Bridge in Salt Lake City, Utah. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Enterprise 3D Makes Sense</title><dc:creator>beau@commonops.com</dc:creator><category>software solutions</category><dc:date>2008-06-09T18:28:44-06:00</dc:date><link>http://commonops.com/blog/files/c95b55dbf5f9bf2795af1ea39f4694eb-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://commonops.com/blog/files/c95b55dbf5f9bf2795af1ea39f4694eb-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Ormen Lange natural gas field is located in the Norwegian Sea - 120 kilometers northwest off the coast of M&oslash;re, Norway.   It is the country&rsquo;s largest gas field.   Ormen Lange also happens to be among the world&rsquo;s most hard-to-get-at gas fields - located 3,000 meters (1.86 miles!)   under the sea.    Hydro is the operator responsible for the planning and development of Ormen Lange&rsquo;s 40km x 8km gas reservoir.   Once established, Shell will take over as operator of Ormen Lange.


The field will be developed with subsea installations at depths between 800-1,100 metres, and will be linked to a processing plant on land at Nyhamna in Norway&rsquo;s Aukra municipality.   From there, the natural gas will be exported to Easington on the east coast of England trough a 1200 kilometer long export-pipeline.   When it reaches full production, the field will supply 20 percent of the United Kingdom&rsquo;s natural gas demand.   Oh, by the way and PS, this little project is only running on a measly $10 billion budget!


How on earth can enterprise 3D software be used in this environment?


Actually, enterprise 3D software is being utlized within multiple facets of the Ormen Lange operation.   Octaga enterprise 3D software is being implemented in the following areas of the planning and development phases of the project:


	&bull;	    For implementation, Octaga software powers an interactive, high-quality visualization of the subsea installation


	&bull;	    Octaga software also powers several interactive training simulations, which include complex, detailed 3D visualizations for FMC Technologies major equipment supplier for Ormen Lange


	&bull;	  Octaga viewing software is also being utilized as the backbone of maintenance, planning and training applications for Shell


So why was Octaga chosen as the 3D/visual software solution for so many functional areas of the Ormen Lange project?


Well for starters....


    * Octaga is the only solution able to stream and render 34 gigabytes worth of CAD files in 3D


    * Octaga readily provides all associated geometry and tags/attributes for complex CAD files


    * The software offers an intuitive 3D interface


    * Octaga automatically updates the 3D view reflecting changes in CAD files


    * There is No longer any need for costly consultants to intervene and update 3D models derived from CAD data


    * Octaga is able to merge numerous CAD formats in order to render a unified 3D model


    * Octaga software can render both GIS data layers and topographic (e.g.   DEM, DTM) data


...Imagine what enterprise 3D software can do for you...


Watch the video of an Octaga-powered training application for Ormen Lange.
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