Applications

• Architectural & Historical Preservation.
  Photogrammetric methods offer the opportunity to record an infinite amount of dimensional detail. Sufficient data can be extracted from images of a historic object or edifice to completely reconstruct it in a 3D CAD model for preservation or restoration purposes. If additional detail is needed one need only reload the imagery into the computer to collect it rather than mounting another expedition to the field where, in many cases, the object has deteriorated further or is no longer available.

• Petrochemical, Process & Manufacturing Plants.
  Plant revamps, replacement of piping, equipment, and vessels, and the updating of facilities drawings into a visual database are prime applications for photogrammetric technology. The need to keep the refining process in operation and generating revenue is critical. The ability of Photogrammetry to measure components while moving or vibrating is a key asset. Minimal intrusion into ongoing processes during data capture combined with elimination of delays due to rework during the changeout allow schedules to be compressed and plant operation time optimised. The uses of automated measurement technology in the process and manufacturing industry are as numerous as are the types of products:

  • As-builts for creation of a visual database.
  • Inspection of parts and finished products.
  • Monitoring of deformations in structures.
  • Reverse engineering of turbines, rotors, generators, casings, etc. for aftermarket production.
  • Alignment of rollers and handling equipment on automated production lines.
  • As-builts of plant facilities for revamps and additions.
  • Production robot calibration.
  • Volumetric measurement of bulk materials for quantity calculations.
  • In-place measurements of objects or facilities for documentation & drawing updates.
  • Documentation of existing facilities for planning, design, and training

• Quality Control.
  Photogrammetry allows verification of fit-ups prior to performing shutdowns. This quality control application allows modification work to be completed prior to the start of the shutdown, thus minimising outage time. Photogrammetry can also be used as a quality control tool for piping fabricators. Any fabrication errors or necessary modifications can be handled at the fabricator's shop where the work is performed more cost-effectively. Replacement vessels can be surveyed prior to installation to ensure proper nozzle orientations, assuring a correct fit the first time.

• Aerospace.
  There are several major areas of application in the aerospace industry. Tooling inspection is the primary example. Over the past ten years most aerospace firms have moved away from gauge based periodic inspection to "gaugeless" inspection, predominantly using Photogrammetry. Other aerospace uses of photogrammetry are:

  • Conversion of tooling from gauge based to gaugeless
  • Recording of "pre-CAD" master models subject to deterioration and high storage cost
  • Mapping of cockpit interiors for modelling of wireways, equipment, and gauge arrangements
  • Reverse engineering of parts by aftermarket fabricators

• Automotive.
  Many applications in the automotive industry mirror those of the aerospace world.
  In addition photogrammetry can be useful in measuring the effect of crash-tests.

• Nuclear Power.
  Utilising automated measurement methods in the nuclear power industry has obvious benefits in minimising the exposure of workers to radiation by reducing the time in radiation areas and by assuring accurate information to eliminate delays and rework. Photogrammetry has been used to record as-built dimensions of piping and components in high radiation areas.
  First time fit up of parts is the trademark of these methods, saving schedule time, budget, and getting the plant back on line ahead of schedule.

• Shipbuilding & Repair.
  Shipbuilding and repair represents the first application industrial photogrammetry in the USA. As a result of a research project sponsored by the Maritime Administration in the mid 1970s, Newport News Shipbuilding purchased the first "in-house" capability in 1982. Since then, most shipyards in the US have adopted advanced measurement technology in an effort to contain costs and further compress the construction cycle.

The tecnology | The final product | Advantages | Architectural Examples | Industrial Examples | Visualization Examples