Working swiftly or remotely to retrieve 3D data in an emergency situation can save future effort and provide instant 3D scene preservation. In urgent situations, we can examine your list of available imaging equipment and advise if it is suitable to meet your stated need, and then provide the required advice to help you record the site as a 3D dataset. We assist customers in emergencies by maximising the capabilities of whatever imaging equipment is available at the worksite. We have even delivered the resulting 3D data and analysis to the shore-based team before the vessel returns to port.
All cameras can collect data for 3D reconstruction, including the flight camera onboard your ROV or aerial drone. In emergencies, this can offer a level of 3D data capable of answering questions with significant technical value.
On occasion, the need to collect 3D data during an inspection, ‘as-laid’ or investigatory campaign is not known during the mobilisation. In place of the proposed data collection hardware, the cameras available on site can be used to collect data suitable for a basic level of 3D reconstruction.
In the ideal world, 3D data requirements are met by the mobilisation of a specialised camera and lighting system, but a lack of such hardware does not necessarily negate the collection of measurable and valuable 3D information.
We have been asked multiple times to guide and instruct ROV teams who unexpectedly need to capture 3D data during offshore campaigns. Depending on the capture and analysis options, this can often be addressed using the imaging hardware available on-site. Similarly, topside challenges can be solved in this manner, and often benefit from easier access to higher-specification cameras.
Emergency 3D data demonstrates the true flexibility of 3D photogrammetry and validates our ethos of treating the process in line with its scientific basis, by maximising the output quality of lower-end cameras, and solving problems that offer true value to engineering operations. On many occasions we can help without the need to send people or equipment to the worksite.
