Reality Capture Workflow: From Field to 3D Model

Our Robotics Team recently completed a reality capture mission focused on developing a detailed 3D model of a church—demonstrating how advanced technology continues to enhance the way we approach engineering inspections.

The goal of the project was to create an accurate, high-resolution digital representation of the structure, allowing engineers to safely assess conditions and identify areas of interest without the need for extensive physical access.

Capturing What’s Hard to Reach

To fully document the building, the team combined both terrestrial and aerial capture methods.

An iPad Pro was used to scan the church façade from ground level, capturing detailed geometry and texture. For elevated and difficult-to-access areas—including the roof and spire—the team deployed a Skydio X10 drone, enabling safe and efficient data collection from above.

This dual approach ensured comprehensive coverage of the structure, especially in areas that would typically require lifts, scaffolding, or other time-intensive access methods.

Enhancing Accuracy with Georeferencing

Accuracy is critical when developing models to support engineering decisions. To improve positional precision, the team utilized an Emlid Reach RS3 as a base station during data collection. Drone observations were post-processed in Emlid Studio before reconstruction, ensuring that the aerial imagery aligned accurately within the final model.

From Data to 3D Model

Once collected and corrected, the terrestrial and aerial datasets were combined to generate a dense point cloud and a detailed 3D mesh.

The result is a high-quality digital model that allows engineers to:

• Review hard-to-reach areas remotely
• Identify potential areas of concern
• Plan targeted, hands-on inspections more efficiently

Driving Safer, Smarter Inspections

Projects like this highlight the value of integrating mobile capture, drone technology, and high-accuracy georeferencing into our workflows.

By reducing the need for unsafe access conditions and improving the speed and quality of data collection, our Robotics Team is helping make building assessments safer, faster, and more informed.

As we continue to expand our use of reality capture technologies, projects like this reinforce our commitment to innovation—and to delivering smarter solutions for our clients.