3D Scanning Jobs Common Terms – Your Definitive Vocabulary Guide.

Control Point

A specific point amongst a set of points that are used to determine that shape of a surface.

CT Reconstruction

Using computer software to recreate a 3D object using X-ray data taken at multiple angles.

Datums

A piece of information – such as a line, plane, or point – that is used as a reference when processing materials or measurements.

Design Intent

Creating a 3D model of an object that works as intended. This will include fixing any process errors, so the model will not be an exact duplicate of the real-world object.

Decimation

The act of reducing your 3D file size by reducing the number of polygons in the 3D mesh.

Deviation Analysis

The comparison of 3D scan data to existing CAD or scan data. The result of this process is often referred to as a “color map”.

Digital Twin

A virtual object with accurately reflects a real-world object.

“Dumb” Solid

models that do not have design history or definition.

Envelope Modeling

The construction of CAD drawings around 3D scan data to accurately define maximum volumetric parameters.

Exact Surfacing

A spline or NURBS model used to define a 3D point cloud-based mesh. This is one of the most accurate ways of surfacing and will define imperfections captured by the 3D scanner.

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Inspections

A system of communicating and defining design intent and engineering tolerances. This helps engineers and manufacturers control variations in the manufacturing process.

Handheld Scanner

A portable piece of equipment used to capture real-world information and converts it into point cloud data.

Hybrid Modeling

A modeling technique using both NURBS surfacing and solid modeling.

IGES

IGES stands for Initial Graphics Exchange Specification. This is a file format used in CAD systems.

Intelligent Based Modeling

The defining of a CAD model using dimensional constraints. This allows the model to be adjusted dimensionally while maintaining its integrity.

Laser Scanner

Equipment that uses lasers to capture real-world data and converts it into 3D digital data.

LIDAR

LIDAR is a scanning solution which stands for Light Detection and Ranging. This is used for determining ranges by targeting and object with a laser and measures the time it takes for the reflected light to return back to the receiver.

Long Range Scanning

The ability to scan data miles away.

Measurement Uncertainty

The range of possible values within which the true value lies.

MEP

Stands for Mechanical, Engineering, Plumbing.

Mesh

A mesh is the structure of a 3D model which is created out of connected polygons.

Metrology

The science of measurement.

Microfocus

The capture of high resolution 2D data.

Modeling

In terms of the 3D arts, modeling refers to the process of creating a 3D representation of and object by manipulating polygons along the X, Y, and Z-axes.

NanoCT

Capturing high resolution images using CT. These images are able to be measured in nanometers.

Nano Focus

Concentrating an x-ray beam in way that creates an image that can be measured in nanometers.

Noise

Noise occurs when there is a lower level of precision in the captured point cloud data.

NURBS

NURBS stands for Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines. NURBS are mathematical representations of 3D geometry that can accurately describe any shape from a simple 2D line, to a complex 3D surface.

Ordered Data

This refers to equal point spacing when capturing 3D point clouds.

Parametric Model

Any model that captures all information about its predictions within a finite set of parameters.

Parametric Modeling

A 3D modeling process with the ability to change the model’s geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified. This type of modeling is used to display design intent.

Phase Based Laser

A phase base laser emits waves with different wavelengths. These different wavelengths are then compared to each other and the displacement is =determined via the phase shift.

Phase Based Scanner

A piece of equipment that uses the phase based method to capture 3D images of a real-world object. Phase based scanners offer high measurement speeds, high accuracy, and high resolution images.

Photogrammetry

The use of photography in surveying and mapping to measure distances between objects.

Point Cloud

A set of data points in space. These points may represent a 3D shape or object.

Polygonal Model

An approach to 3D modeling that involves creating surfaces and shapes using polygon meshes.

Precision

Precision is the measurement of the repeatability of a measurement.

Poly-Mesh

A model that uses polygons connected by the edges in order to define the shape of a model.

Prismatic Modeling

The process of modeling 3D objects using simplistic shapes – such as planes, cylinders, and cones – in order to create smoother representations of real-world objects. This can be used to correct imperfections captured by a scanner.

Reality Capture

The process of capturing 3D data to reflect the real world condition of an object or a space.

Raw Point Data

Un-manipulated point cloud data collected by a 3D scanner.

Re-Engineering

The process of refining the design of an existing part or model to optimize the performance of its intended use.

Registration

The process using reference points to align multiple images to create a 3D model.

Rendering

The process of converting 3D digital data into a 2D image.

Repeatability

The variation in measurements taken with the same piece of equipment, under the same conditions, across multiple tests.

Resolution

The level of detail in a 3D model. High-resolution refers to a model with a greater level of detail whereas low resolution refers to a model with a lesser level of detail.

Reverse Engineering

The process of rebuilding an existing part or object.This may be done with the end goal of duplication or enhancement.

Scan

The conversion of real-world, tangible objects into a digital form.

Scan-to-BIM

The process of digitally capturing objects and spaces via 3D scanners, and converting the captured point cloud data into a digital model that can then me used in construction projects.

Schematic

Two-Dimensional, or 2D drawings describe flat renderings that only includes two dimensions (either width and height width and length, or height and length).

Also see “2D Drawing”

Shell

The outer wall of a 3D model.

Spatial Database

A spatial database is a database that is enhanced to store and access spatial data or data that defines a geometric space.

STEP

STEP stands for “Standard for the Exchange of Product Data”. STEP is a file type used in 3D modeling.

STL

STL stands for Standard Tessellation Language. STL is a 3D file format than contains only the surface geometry of a 3D objects.

Scan to CAD

The process of collecting data via a 3D scanner and converting it into CAD format.

Scan to Print

The process of collecting digital data via a 3D scanner and converting it into a printable 3D model.

Sectioning

2D images created through the “slicing” of a 3D object.

Solid Modeling

Creating a 3D model that is theoretically “filled in” and contains mass.

Surface Model

A model that is defined only by visible surfaces. These models are hollow.

Surface Profile

The tolerance zone of a given geometric surface of a model.

Targets

Targets are physical objects that you set up on site that scanning software uses to tie together multiple scans.

Time of Flight

The measurement of how long it takes a wave, particle, or object to travel a certain distance.

Time of Flight Scanners

A 3D scanner that uses emits a laser and measures the time it takes for the laser to reflect back off of the object being measured.

Topographic Model

A model which shows the elevation of an object.

Topography Map

A map which shows the 3D terrain of an object or location. Colors, shading, and contour lines can be used to represent changes in elevation.

Transmission Target

A tungsten covered target that is positioned at the end of an x-ray tube used to ensure high magnifications.

Triangulation Scanner

A scanner which projects a specific grid pattern. The scanner then measures the distortions within the grid in order to determine the shape of the scanned object.

See White Light Scanner

Virtualization

The creation of a digitized environment as opposed to physically building the environment.

Virtual Reality

Computer generated, 3D environment which can then be interacted with in a seemingly real way.

Videogrammetry

The creation of a 3D image by stitching together still frames of a video showing a particular object from different angels.

Volume Measuring

The measure of a 3-dimensional space using cubic units.

Volumetric

Pertaining to the measurement of volume of an object. It is commonly used to describe a type of CAD model that encompasses the maximum shape condition of an object.

Voxel

A single pint within. 3D space.

Walkthrough

The ability to take a virtual tour of a space or object through CAD 3D models.

Watertight

In relation to a 3D model, watertight means that each triangle, or polygon, that makes up the model has exactly two neighbors. Theoretically, this means that there will be no holes or gaps in your model.

White Light Scanning

The process of using a scanner to project a specific grid pattern. The scanner then measures the distortions within the grid to determine the shape of the scanned object.

White Light Scanner

A scanner which projects a specific grid pattern. The scanner then measures the distortions within the grid in order to determine the shape of the scanned object.

See Triangulation Scanner