Photogrammetry is a non-contact scanning technology that utilizes photographs to make scientific measurements and create digital modeling in 3D. With photogrammetry, It is possible to determine the distance between two points in a photograph if the scale of the image is given.

Photogrammetry uses optics, the study and behavior of light, combined with projective geometry to determine points on an object. The distance between these points are then estimated and a 3D digitized model is created.

Geomagic Studio is a software that can create 3D digital models from a physical object. It accepts data from any 3D laser scanner in the form of point clouds and processes this data in to polygons and NURBS surfaces acceptable for export. It complements existing CAD and CAE systems, providing a set of tools for digital shape processing and scan exporting.

Geomagic can register millions of points and combine them on to a computer with only 2 GB of RAM, while using its double-precision flotation point numbers to maintain the accuracy of the original input data. It is especially helpful increasing productivity when processing complex shapes.
Geomagic is used by manufacturers, designers, and technicians for use in downstream 3D applications for design, analysis, manufacturing, and visualization.

In today’s world, most manufacturing design is done digitally. Yet, the inspection of these designs is still done by physically determining an object’s dimensions with a CMM system. This system allows errors to go undetected and ultimately the product could fail inspection.

CAI is the alternative way to inspect a product. Working together with CAD, CAI is a faster and easier process for comparing products to their digital counterpart. Using 3D laser scanning, the product can be 3D inspected, and surfaced to compare the physical part to the design with the use of a color map and point clouds. Producing point clouds gives the ability to measure everywhere instead of being limited to certain parts on a drawing.

CAD is used in the drafting and design of tools and machinery. It is more commonly used for the engineering of 3D models of physical components and used throughout the design process from conception to completion. CAD systems offer 3D solid modeling in which the objects are adjustable and any modifications are less labor intensive.

The CAD process starts with a 3D laser scan of an object. Once the object is in the computer CAD gives the dimensional measurements, a full rotatable view of the object, and a breakdown of parts (depending on the software). Most laser scanners, engineering modeling machinery, and other computer software comes already compatible with CAD, making the possibilities seem endless.