HOUSTON, TX March 18, 2010 Coign Asset Metrics & Technologies (CoignAMT), at the direction of Zoo Film Productions of Hollywood, CA, has helped produce IBM’s first globally released television commercial created entirely from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) 3D point cloud data.

CoignAMT used the HDS6100 phase-based laser scanner from Leica Geosystems to create scenes of cars on a freeway, patients in a hospital, electricity grids and much more. The 30-second LiDAR-based commercial is a key part of IBM’s Smarter Planet initiative to portray that data is all around; and that by changing the way the world thinks, companies can maximize the use of data to lower their costs and reduce environmental impact.

Travis Reinke, business sector manager for CoignAMT, says, “Coincidentally, IBM’s perspective is a core part of CoignAMT’s business practice. We help our clients see the long-term value of the data they currently have by using the latest technology, such as 3D laser scanning, to quickly gather an immense amount of data to support their existing “intelligent” systems.”

The Zoo Film Productions crew spent a week in Houston, TX with CoignAMT personnel capturing laser scan data of transmission lines and over 16 blocks of downtown Houston streetscape and surounding buildings. CoignAMT then merged the point cloud data gathered in downtown with 6 square miles of low-altitude helicopter-based LiDAR provided by Aerotec LLC out of Birmingham, AL. Zoo Film Productions crews also created numerous scenes of hospital activities as well as automobiles with and without drivers that CoignAMT scanned individually for use in the commercial.

Reinke continues, “We were honored to be part of this innovative project given the direct correlation between the services CoignAMT provides and IBM’s Smarter Planet initiatives. Using the latest laser scanning technology to visually portray the importance of the data surrounding us was an unforeseen irony. I would never have imagined that we would be using this technology to scan people and cars, objects that are often considered ‘noise’ on a typical inventory project.”

View IBM “Data Anthem” at 848×480: http://www.glossyinc.com/zoo/ibmdataanthem.html
Full credits and a selection of stills: http://www.glossyinc.com/ibmdacred.html
Follow CoignAMT on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CoignAMT
Follow Travis Reinke on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HDLS

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cj6VtYpBI4

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About Coign Asset Metrics & Technologies LLC:
Coign Asset Metrics & Technologies, LLC (CoignAMT) is a HUBZone qualified, SBA certified, small business that provides a full range of asset management life cycle services and specialized technologies, including high definition laser scanning (HDLS). Its mission is to strengthen public and private sector organizations by aligning their assets and operational practices with their strategic initiatives. CoignAMT is headquartered in the Pittsburgh, PA area, with regional offices located in Colorado Springs, CO, and Houston, TX. Clients include federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector customers in the construction, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and security industries.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) October 30, 2009 — Coign Asset Metrics & Technologies (CoignAMT.com) announced today that it was selected for a five-year, $30 million, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS). For this nationwide contract CoignAMT, as prime, and its partners will provide professional laser scanning and Building Information Modeling (BIM) services to each of the eleven GSA regions.

“We are very excited to be part of this monumental opportunity,”

CoignAMT is recognized for excellence with 3D Laser Scanning and Building Information Models

“We are very excited to be part of this monumental opportunity,” said Travis Reinke, Asset Inventories Sector Manager for CoignAMT. “Our team is comprised of some of the most talented individuals in the laser scanning and building information modeling industries and we look forward to sharing our experiences utilizing the latest technologies and software to assist the GSA PBS in effectively managing their facilities for years to come. Having been involved in the laser scanning industry since the very beginning, it is exciting to not only see the rapid progression of the technology itself, but also the acceptance of its benefits in the architectural and federal community.”

This contract will support the new construction, renovation, and modernization initiatives of the GSA’s PBS central office and its eleven regional offices. Sites will likely involve federal offices, courthouses, border stations, laboratories, warehouse, and childcare facilities, among other types of real property. Services being provided by CoignAMT under this $6 million base year contract with four one-year options will include:

• Documentation of facility interior and exterior conditions and systems utilizing 3D laser scanning

• Transformation of point cloud datasets into BIM

• BIM that encompass the facility life cycle (planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance, rehabilitation, and divestiture)

• Subject Matter Expert support for architectural design; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP); and structural and civil engineering

• Visual, geospatial and engineering analysis

• Development of Best Practices relating to laser scanning, building information modeling and facility management

• Business processes improvement through comprehensive facility life cycle management and expanded use of technology

CoignAMT President, Gary Sheets, stated, “Throughout the federal government and private sector, GSA Public Buildings Services is regarded as a leader in maximizing facility efficiencies through the application of advanced technologies. We are honored that GSA PBS has recognized our technical expertise, depth of experience and innovative solutions with this selection and look forward to supporting the GSA PBS with its laser scanning, BIM, and facility life cycle management initiatives nationwide.”

About the GSA PBS and the National 3D-4D-BIM Program: The landlord for the civilian federal government, GSA Public Buildings Service (PBS) acquires space on behalf of the federal government through new construction and leasing, and acts as a caretaker for federal properties across the country. PBS owns or leases 8,600 properties, maintains an inventory of more than 354 million square feet of workspace for 1.1 million federal employees, and preserves more than 480 historic properties.

In 2003 the General Services Administration (GSA), through its Public Buildings Service (PBS) Office of Chief Architect (OCA), established the National 3D-4D-BIM Program. OCA has led over 30 projects in its capital program, and is assessing and supporting three dimensional (3D), four-dimensional (4D), and Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications in over 35 ongoing projects across the nation. The power of visualization, coordination, simulation, and optimization from 3D, 4D, and BIM computer technologies allow GSA to more effectively meet customer, design, construction, and program requirements. GSA is committed to a strategic and incremental adoption of 3D, 4D, and BIM.

About Coign Asset Metrics & Technologies LLC: Coign Asset Metrics & Technologies, LLC (CoignAMT) is a HUBZone qualified, SBA certified, small business that provides a full range of asset management life cycle services and specialized technologies, including high definition laser scanning (HDLS). Its mission is to strengthen public and private sector organizations by aligning their assets and operational practices with their strategic initiatives. CoignAMT is headquartered in the Pittsburgh, PA area, with regional offices located in Colorado Springs, CO, and Houston, TX. Clients include federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector customers in the construction, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and security industries.

For more information, contact:
Travis Reinke, Asset Inventories Sector Manager
Phone: 888.600.5849 ext 3
www.CoignAMT.com

www.twitter.com/CoignAMT

Leica Geosystems announces three new laser scanning software products for scan data import, forensic scene mapping, and modeling complex 3D surfaces. Combined, these products increase the breadth and depth of laser scanning software solutions available from Leica Geosystems.

A new, standalone Cyclone IMPORTER module is part of the separately announced, enhanced Cyclone 7.0 software suite. This new “open systems” module enables the direct use by Cyclone of scan data. Direct import of native data formats avoids conversion steps to neutral formats that can be time consuming and that are generally not as efficient for downstream data processing. Overall, it lets users of scan data from 3rd party scanners take better advantage of the broad capabilities in the Cyclone suite of software.

Cyclone IMPORTER module

ForensicMap Pro, developed by MicroSurvey, is available exclusively from Leica Geosystems. It builds on the strength of MicroSurvey’s existing software for mapping forensic scenes and incidents and takes advantage of Leica’s point cloud engine technology. With the addition of point cloud processing capabilities in mapping software specific for them, forensic professionals can now take further, direct advantage of the richness and completeness of 3D High-Definition SurveyTM data for forensic investigations, a high growth area for laser scanning.

Leica ForensicMap Pro software

3DReshaper software, a powerful, standalone software for working efficiently with large, complex meshes and comparing them against designmodels, has been added to the suite of point cloud processing software directly available from Leica Geosystems. Developed by Technodigit SARL, a Hexagon company, 3DReshaper enables users of laser scan data to create smooth surface models of very complex 3D geometry surfaces. This capability is especially useful for laser scanning applications involving heritage, archaeology, architecture, ship hulls, and terrain mapping among others. Hexagon is also the parent company for Leica Geosystems.

For more information please visit www.leica-geosystems.com/hds

The General Services Administration (GSA), Public Buildings Services (PBS), has officially awarded six individual $30 million Nationwide Laser Scanning IDIQ Contracts to the following firms (source: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/GSA/PBS/PHA/GS-00P-09-CYD-0137/listing.html):

• Stantec Consulting Services
• Quantapoint, Inc.
• Pharos Consulting, LLC
• Coign Asset Metrics & Technologies, LLC
• Beck Technology
• Architectural Resource Consultants

Some firms were awarded contracts in their specific region(s) and others were awarded a contract covering all of the GSA regions.

Congratulations to all! These firms include some of the most talented individuals in 3D laser scanning. It will be interesting to see how much work actually comes out of this contract and how it will impact the laser scanning industry. Be sure to follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates on this monumental contract award.

On Sepember 1, 2009, Leica Geosystems and Point of Beginning Magazine hosted a webinar titled The Business of Laser Scanning — hype or competitive advantage? Presenters Michael Harvey and Frank Hahnel along with Kristi Grahl discussed using laser scanning technology to:

• Submit more competitive bids — and win more jobs — for both high-end projects and routine surveys.
• Meet the requirements of customers who increasingly incorporate HDS into their project specifications.
• Lower your labor costs and increase profit margins on every job.
• Increase customer satisfaction with more accurate and detailed surveying reports.

During the webinar, the presenters also announced the availability of Leica’s new ScanStation C10 self-contained time-of-flight 3D laser scanner along with Cyclone 7, Cloudworx for SmartPlant3D and Forensic Map.

Some of the benefits of the new ScanStation C10:

• No cables
• On-board data storage
• USB Interface for data transfer
• Uses Internal Lithium-Ion TPS Total Station Batteries
  • Hot-swappable
  • 3.5 – 4 hours per battery
  • 4 come with scanner
• GPS antenna and prism mount attachements
• Automatically switches between oscillate/spin mirror mode to improve speed

• Can still be used with a laptop
• 180-degree sweep – scans both sides
• Higher resolution capability
• Integrated color touch-screen
• Light-weight – 28.6 lbs (scanner),
• More Portable – 62 lbs (scanner in case)
• Dual High-resolution camera/video with auto exposure and auto focus
  • Faster target acquisition by point and shoot using the on-board color touch screen
  • Acquire full dome images in 4-7 minutes
• Man Machine Interface (MMI)
  • Similar to Leica TPS Total Stations
• Shorter Start-up time
• Low scan power
• Withstands moisture better than ScanStation 2

Cyclone 7 Features:

• Updated Traverse Editor
• Improved meshing capabilities
  • Leica acquired 3Dreshaper – new meshing functionality
  • Meshing of tunnels
• Point Cloud engine is real-time indexed – faster viewing performance

View this webcast on-demand. The archive will be available for one year from the live broadcast.

Request your FREE on-site demo — Want to see the new ScanStation c10 in action? Reserve your spot at www.leica-geosystems.us/c10.

Officials have announced a project to digitally preserve Mount Rushmore National Memorial as part of an international project digitally preserving World Heritage Sites and monuments. Attending the announcement Friday were, from the left, Michael Russell, Scottish Culture Minister; Ben Kacyra of CyArk, a nonprofit organization, and; Gerard A. Baker, Mount Rushmore superintendent. NPS photo by Steve McEnroe.

Written by Kurt Repanshek

Digital mapping. This relatively new technology is a boon to archaeologists and preservationists. It’s already been employed at Mesa Verde National Park, and now plans are in the works to digitally map the focal point of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Mount Rushmore officials are partnering with CyArk – a U.S.-based non-profit organization that pioneered the digital preservation (3d laser scanning, modeling and archiving) ofWorld Heritage Sites and monuments, – and the Culture Minister of the Scottish Government. The partnership’s task is the 3D digital recording of Mount Rushmore. This project is expected to provide, for the first time, a visual documentation of this internationally important memorial in South Dakota.

“We have discussed a commitment to pursue a truly pioneering partnership with CyArk and through them, the Scottish Government, RESPEC Engineering, Wyss and Associates, and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, to take advantage of truly innovative opportunities in digitally recording, preserving and managing our historic resources,” explained Gerard Baker, the memorial’s superintendent.

“While Mount Rushmore is a national icon in the U.S., there is expertise in other countries which can assist us to preserve it in a modern context. Therefore, we have identified international partners with technical expertise and commitment who share our vision to expand Mount Rushmore’s and the National Park Service’s ability to offer more interactive interpretive, educational and research programs while enhancing our preservation and security capabilities.

Written by Vector1Media
Monday, 15 June 2009

Spar Point Research announced today preliminary plans for SPAR 2010, its seventh annual conference on advanced dimensional control work processes and 3D laser scanning technologies for design, construction and manufacturing.

SPAR 2010 will be held Feb. 8-10, 2010 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas. Further details will be announced soon.

The conference features presentations, workshops and technical seminars on the business and technology of capturing, managing and integrating 3D information. Spar presenters are some of the most experienced professionals from the world’s largest petroleum and petrochemical producers, manufacturing companies, civil and transportation infrastructure engineering firms, industrial metrologists, geotechnical and mining firms, land surveyors, and federal, state and local governments.
Spar Point welcomes presentation abstracts from process and power, civil infrastructure and transportation, and discrete manufacturing facility owners and contractors on their use of laser scanning and other dimensional control technologies to capture and document existing-conditions data for design, construction and operations. Presentations will ideally include metrics identifying the impact of 3D imaging technology on outcomes, such as maintaining or reducing critical path time, achieving cost savings, enabling safety and productivity gains, or other measures. Presentations that address the issues of best practices for contracting, professional development and liability management are also invited.

Proposals must be original and not previously presented at other conferences. Proposals can be forwarded toLinda.McLaughlin@sparllc.com. Questions should be directed to Spar Point’s CEO Tom Greaves atTom.Greaves@sparllc.com or 978-774-1102.

PITTSBURGH, PA — 06/15/09 — Quantapoint (http://www.quantapoint.com) — provider of laser scanning technology and services that help companies achieve Zero-Defect Projects™ — today announced that Quantapoint Laser Models™ may be accessed directly in Intergraph SmartPlant 3D using QuantaCAD 9.0. QuantaCAD enables 3D laser scan data to be accessed as high-definition Quantapoint Laser Models™ (not fuzzy “point clouds”) and photo-realistic Laser Images™ directly within design software.

QuantaCAD provides a number of useful capabilities to SmartPlant 3D users to enable them to compare and validate CAD models, visualize proposed modifications for design and constructability reviews, and identify and correct potential constructioninterferences. Some of the capabilities include:

-- Direct Integration: A separate "point server" is not required due to the smaller size of the Laser Models. -- State Manager: Store and recall the laser data state (loaded Laser Models, Laser Images and views) so users can quickly resume work instead of having to manually reload laser scan data. -- Tag Points: Create and edit tag points (specific 3D locations, such as tie points) directly in the laser data so users can access consistent design starting and ending points across the team. -- Clipping and Slicing: Clip laser data to temporarily hide view obstructions or slice it to create a section of laser data. -- Demolition: Demolish areas of the facility being removed in the laser data to remove it from view. -- Flexible Licensing: Quantapoint software are now integrated and may be licensed monthly for standalone or network usage, providing more flexibility based on project or program needs.

By using QuantaCAD to put reality on the desktop and in design software, clients have typically been able to reduce remodeling time by 85% (by using Laser Models instead of CAD remodeling or as a basis to remodel), decrease design time by 60% (by accessing more complete and clear Laser Models and Laser Images for design) and cut rework from design clashes by 85% (by correcting clashes between the Laser Models and the new CAD design). If you are interested in finding out more about accessing laser data in SmartPlant 3D using QuantaCAD 9.0 or would like a demonstration, visit www.quantapoint.com/qp/contact or e-mail info@quantapoint.com.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1002516

Additional information, please contact:

James McGill
VP of Marketing
Quantapoint, Inc.
Telephone: 412-653-0100, x-200
E-mail: jmcgill@quantapoint.com