Gexcel's HERON 3D Mapping

ADVERTORIAL

HERON is a professional portable 3D mapping system, featuring a single or dual lidar sensor (including long-range) and RGB panoramic camera. HERON supports the use of control points for accurate point cloud models and provides the unique real-time change detection feature for BIM applications.

Largely used indoors and outdoors, HERON is highly appreciated in underground and open-pit mines, stockpiles, multi-level buildings, large and complex areas, and engineering construction sites. Thanks to its smart design, HERON can be worn or held in the hand, mounted on vehicles, tilted, used upside down, mounted on a crane, and lifted to several meters if placed on extendible poles.

The supplied HERON Desktop software utilizes an advanced patented SLAM algorithm that produces reliable and accurate 3D point cloud models than can be processed in the software Gexcel Reconstructor to extract volumes, profiles, contour lines, areas, cross sections, textured models, plan views, calculation reports, as well as popular multi-sensor integration. HERON supports the full compatibility with a variety of third-party software (e.g. ReCapPro, Micromine, GemcomSurpac, Datamine) and point clouds can be shared through Gexcel partners' cloud platforms 3DUserNet, Cintoo Cloud, Scene WebShare.

HERON 3D MAPPING IN THE MINING FIELD

The case of an iron underground mine The cavity had to be surveyed quickly because of the presence of mining equipment and for safety restrictions due to a potential risk of rock mass collapse. Conditions were harsh, due to high level of dust and moisture, and bottlenecks. The surveyor walked inside the tunnels and in 1 hour collected all the necessary data.

The accurate processing of the acquisitions was possible thanks to the HERON software provided and in 20/30 minutes it was possible to obtain a 3D mesh model, maps and sections. The 3D mesh was then imported into Micromine where geological, geomechanical, and mining information were added. Mining engineers and surveyors used these data for mining operations, production scheduling, reserve estimation and more.

HERON 3D MAPPING IN THE CONSTRUCTION FIELD

The case of building asset management A large multi-level building needed be surveyed indoor and outdoor in a short period of time to quickly obtain a digital twin model (for easy data sharing among stakeholders; maintenance services management; documentation purposes), along with updated plans, maps and elevations. In 20 minutes, HERON surveyed an area of approximately 10,000 sq.m. In 1.5 hours, the data were processed and the colored 3D model with 5K resolution panoramic images was generated, as well

Multi-level building mapped with HERON. Outputs shown: blueprint map, elevations, Cintoo Cloud immersive tour of the 3D model with high-res images.

as plans and elevations, using HERON software. The client requested a 3D model with high-resolution photos easily that could be easily imported into ReCapPro (to manage deliverables in the Autodesk environment) and into cloud platforms for digital twin purposes.

The processed HERON 3D model was exported to ReCapPro. Although plans and elevations can be directly generated within the HERON software, a link to CAD is strategic for further processing, accessing Navisworks, or performing BIM analysis. To address

the requirements of digital twin approach, the HERON model was uploaded to Cintoo Cloud, where the project, located in Google Maps and organized in work zones, can be managed through different levels of access for different types of users (decision-makers, maintainers, technicians, etc.). Cloud data were easily shared, explored, and investigated by performing a virtual immersive tour through the panoramic images. Available tools to measure and add notes, links, and documents helped investigate the space, make decisions, update the database, and support on-site workers.

Underground mine mapped with HERON. Outputs shown: 3D model, blueprint map, volumes and cross-sections.

Gexcel is an Italian company starting in 2007. Besides the development and design of software and systems for 3D surveying market, Gexcel provides sales, support, training and service directly by its Italian and Vietnamese offices or by its wide international distributors' network. Gexcel's software and systems are fully compatible with sensors from the main laser scanner manufacturers and with many software and cloud platforms. Find more on www.gexcel.it