New Trimble X7 3D Laser Scanning System Introduced for Construction, Surveying and Forensic Applications

The new Trimble X7 3D Laser Scanning System, a compact 3D laser system that makes it possible for professionals with little or no scanning expertise to capture precise 3D scanning data to produce high-quality deliverables, was introduced last week at INTERGEO in Germany.

The laser scanner comes with a Microsoft® Windows®-based Trimble T10 ruggedized tablet for control and project visibility, along with portable backpack and lightweight tripod.

Designed for surveying, construction, industrial and forensic applications, the Trimble X7 3D laser scanner is an integrated solution with specialized field software included, featuring:

• Simple and streamlined workflows to provide automatic registration of point cloud data in the field with Trimble Registration Assist
• Smart Trimble X-Drive technology to eliminate the need for annual calibration
• Survey-grade self-leveling to ensure consistent data quality
• Professional quality and sturdy IP55 rating backed by an industry leading two-year warranty

David Burczyk, Segment Manager, Field Technologies Group, Trimble Buildings for AEC, spoke with AECCafe Voice about the new features of the X7 3D Scanning System.

What are the parts of the scanning system, in addition to the 3D laser scanner, such as the Smart Trimble X-Drive technology?

There are several breakthrough technologies incorporated into the Trimble X7 to ensure reliable data collection for Building Construction.  These technologies include Trimble Registration Assist for in-field registration, an integrated laser pointer to reference scan data to a project coordinate system while scanning, Trimble X-Drive technology for automatic calibration and level detection, Trimble VISION for high resolution 360 panoramic images, and a high sensitivity EDM to collect scan data on dark and reflective surfaces.

How does this 3D scanner system compare with Trimble’s past 3D scanning offerings?

The Trimble X7 is a mid-range 3D laser scanner focused on improving field productivity for the AEC industry.  It is intended to be a project based tool for 3D capture to enable a broad range of users, who may not be scanning professionals, to have access to the benefits of 3D laser scanning on every project.  Powered by our Trimble Field Link software, it is 3D scanning for Building Construction and the constructible workflow.

What is a sample workflow for Building and Construction?

A contractor can check the accuracy of connection points of a prefabricated assembly before installation on the project.  Using the Trimble X7 in the location of the installation, they can perform a resection setup (similar to the process done with a robotic total station) using the integrated laser pointer to orient the scanner to the project coordinate system and then capture multiple scans with color images of the space using the tablet controller with Trimble Field Link.  The scan data will register on the tablet in real-time as each scan is collected.  When the space has been captured, both the 3D model and field layout points can be imported into the Trimble Field Link file with the registered scan data and visualized on site.  Using the tablet in the field, section views can be made, measurements taken to confirm accuracy, and connection points, or field layout points, identified in the model can be selected and pointed to with the integrated laser pointer.  Captured scans, section views, and panoramic images can be exported from the tablet to provide construction documentation.  All of this is done in the field without ever leaving the job site or going back to the office.

What are the specific benefits to Trimble Field Link software with the 3D laser scanner?

By supporting scan data within the Trimble Field Link platform, customers now have one field software application to capture and register scan data in real-time with the Trimble X7, align it with the 3D model of the project in the field, visualize the scan data, model, and field layout points on a tablet controller, and use that one file to perform building layout with a Trimble robotic total station.  One Trimble Field Link file for both building layout with a robotic total station and 3D capture workflows using the Trimble X7.

What are the main benefits of the X7 for AEC professionals?

The Trimble X7 with Trimble Field Link is a simple, smart, and professional solution for 3D capture and Building Construction workflows. It enables a broad range of AEC professionals with a tool to easily capture as-is conditions of a project.  When combined with Trimble’s scanning software applications, AEC professionals have access to a powerful range of tools for design and modeling of constructible content, construction verification, and sharing of reality capture data.

Availability

The Trimble X7 is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2020 through Trimble’s authorized Distribution Networks. For more information about the X7, visit:  Trimble Buildings and Geospatial.

Tags: 3D, AEC, architects, architecture, building, building design, building information modeling, CAD, collaboration, engineering, engineers, infrastructure, laser scanning, mobile, point clouds, reality capture

Categories: 2D, 3D, AEC, AEC training, AECCafe, apps, architecture, BIM, building information modeling, civil information modeling, collaboration, construction, engineering, field, field solutions, GIS, lidar, mobile, plant design, point clouds, project management, reality capture, render farms, rendering, site planning, sustainable design, virtual reality, visualization

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