Image: Psomas

Now in its ninth year, SPAR International 2012 focuses on best practices for using 3D imaging to save time, improve safety, reduce risk, and improve quality for civil engineering and construction projects, among other applications. The event showcases 3D laser scanning, dynamic survey/LiDAR, and new data-capture and processing technologies used for 3D surveying and dimensional control.

SPAR International 2012 will be held April 15-18 in The Woodlands, Texas, just north of Houston and convenient to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Last year, more than 750 industry professionals attended the event, which also includes an extensive exhibition featuring hardware and software products and 3D imaging services. This year, conference organizer SPAR Point Group expects more than 60 presenters, as well as live demonstrations, interactive presentations, mobile mapping solutions, and hardware and software innovations.

Conference topics address challenges specific to capturing, processing, and delivering 3D imaging data. As of press time, the conference program was being finalized, but potential data capture topics include:

• 3D laser scanning;
• new 3D imaging technologies, including gigapixel and high-dynamic range photography;
• LiDAR;
• 3D/4D GIS;
• mobile surveying/mapping;
• next-generation photogrammetry;
• underwater measurement; and
• scan to building information modeling (BIM).

Potential data processing and workflow topics include:

• dimensional control for fabrication and modular construction;
• integration of terrestrial, LiDAR, mobile surveying, and other technologies;
• integration of CAD and GIS with point cloud processing solutions;
• point cloud processing and data extraction;
• BIM deliverables from scan data;
• clash detection;
• automated feature extraction;
• standardizing data formats;
• workflow process improvements;
• solutions for timely and cost-effective "field-to-finished" results; and
• fusing digital photography with survey-grade fielddata.

Potential data delivery topics include:

• intelligent 3D models;
• 3D virtualization;
• augmented reality;
• Web-based file sharing; and
• risk minimization.

Check online at www.sparpointgroup.com/International for the final SPAR International 2012 conference program, as well as registration and travel information.