Case Study: How Castle Surveys Ltd Created a Digital Twin of a School Building in Leicester

Overview

Castle Surveys Ltd recently embarked on a project to produce a digital twin of a school building in Leicester. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drone and ground-based Leica scanners, the team achieved a high-precision digital replica of the school. This case study delves into the methodologies employed, the equipment used, and the exceptional accuracy achieved in the operation.

Project Objectives

The project's primary objective was to create a comprehensive digital twin of the school building. This digital twin would serve various purposes including facility management, maintenance planning, and future renovations. Accuracy was paramount, as the digital twin needed to reflect the true dimensions and features of the building to be useful for these applications.

Methodology

To ensure the highest level of accuracy, Castle Surveys Ltd implemented a dual-approach methodology combining aerial and ground-based scanning technologies.

1. Aerial Surveying with DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise

The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, renowned for its precision and reliability, captured detailed aerial imagery of the school's exterior. Equipped with a high-resolution camera and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning, the drone was able to capture images with centimetre-level accuracy. The team conducted multiple flight paths around the building, ensuring comprehensive coverage from various angles.

2. Ground-Based Scanning with Leica Scanners

Simultaneously, the team employed Leica ground-based scanners to capture the intricate details of the building's exterior and interior. Leica scanners are known for their precision and ability to capture millions of data points in a short period. By setting up the scanners at strategic locations both inside and outside the building, Castle Surveys Ltd was able to create detailed 3D point clouds.

Data Processing and Integration

The data collected from the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise and the Leica scanners were then processed using advanced photogrammetry and point cloud processing software. This involved:

- Photogrammetry: The aerial images captured by the drone were processed to create a 3D mesh of the building's exterior. This mesh provided a detailed and accurate representation of the building's roof, walls, and surrounding area.

- Point Cloud Processing: The data from the Leica scanners were used to generate highly accurate point clouds of both the interior and exterior of the building. These point clouds captured the minute details, including architectural features, structural elements, and even surface textures.

The final step involved integrating the 3D mesh from the aerial survey with the point clouds from the ground-based scans. This integration ensured that every aspect of the building was accurately represented in the digital twin.

Results

The final digital twin produced by Castle Surveys Ltd was a highly accurate and detailed representation of the school building. The precision of the digital twin was verified through several validation checks against the actual dimensions of the building. The project not only met but exceeded the accuracy requirements set by the client, demonstrating the effectiveness of the combined use of aerial and ground-based scanning technologies.

Conclusion

Castle Surveys Ltd successfully leveraged the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise and Leica scanners to produce a digital twin of a school building in Leicester with exceptional accuracy. This project showcases the potential of integrating advanced surveying technologies to achieve precise and comprehensive digital representations of physical structures.

About Castle Surveys Ltd

Castle Surveys Ltd is a leading surveying firm dedicated to providing high-quality surveying services using the latest technologies. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering accurate and reliable results for a wide range of applications. Whether it's for construction, facility management, or heritage conservation, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible service.

For more information about our services, visit our website or contact us today.

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