Laser Scanning for Mixed Reality, Game Developers, Projection Mapping & Movies

NFL Press Release

3D Laser Scanning for Mixed Reality

3D laser scanning can be used in mixed reality (MR), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. The technology helps companies transcend users to a virtual world.

Mixed reality is a blend of physical and virtual worlds that includes both real and computer-generated objects. The two worlds are "mixed" together to create a realistic environment. GPRS has used 3D laser scanning to deliver 3D Revit Models and FBX files for our clients to develop mixed reality experiences for use during sporting events, including football games and the SuperBowl.

For mixed reality, it is important that the existing spatial layout is captured with great accuracy. 3D laser scanning can achieve this. When generating the mixed reality experience, computer-generated objects must precisely interact with the physical environment to sell the realism.

3D laser scanning captures real-world spaces with millimeter precision for clients to create engaging virtual reality experiences. For example, VR can enhance learning by developing training programs to immerse users into realistic situations, such as crime scenes or fire scenes that cannot be reproduced easily in life.

Augmented reality is the technology that expands our physical world, adding layers of digital information onto it. Augmented reality can aid manufacturing operations by cutting down production downtime or quickly identifying manufacturing process problems. For business logistics, it can increase efficiency and cost savings across many areas, including transportation, warehousing and route-optimization.

Mixed Reality In the News

National Chanpionship Mixed Reality Moment.png

Mixed Reality Technology Featured in College Football Playoff & National Championship Game

Gillette Labs.png

GPRS 3D Laser Scanned Gillette Stadium To Help The Famous Group Create A ‘Flying Razor’ Mixed Reality Experience

3D Laser Scanning the Carolina Panthers Stadium

GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Helps Mixed Reality Masters, The Famous Group, Make Magic For Sports Fans

Powerful and Reliable Tools Make Mixed Reality Come to Life

Erik Beaumont, head of mixed reality at The Famous Group

“I liken it a little bit to carpenter’s tools. Buying high-end tools as a novice carpenter doesn't help you. But once you reach a certain level of expertise, you’re able to leverage those high-end tools to enhance your performance because they’re built to withstand more and do more if you know how to use them. The same principle applies to what we’re doing: as your expertise increases, your demands on your tools increase.”

Mixed Reality Laser Scanning Case Studies

TruePoint Helps Pro Sports Leap Off The Screen

GPRS Helps Pro Sports Leap Off The Screen

Laser Scanning SoFi Stadium

Laser Scanning SoFi Stadium For 2022 Super Bowl Mixed Reality

3D Laser Scanning the Carolina Panthers Stadium

3D Laser Scanning the Carolina Panthers Stadium for Mixed Reality

PGA Tour & NBC Debut Mixed Reality For The First Time On Golf Broadcast

PGA Tour & NBC Debut Mixed Reality For The First Time On Golf Broadcast

Virtual Fans Created With The Help Of 3D Laser Scanning

Virtual Fans Created With The Help Of 3D Laser Scanning

3D Laser Scanning Hard Rock Stadium For Mixed Reality Super Bowl Feature

3D Laser Scanning Hard Rock Stadium For Mixed Reality Super Bowl Feature

Client Review

"Thank you for all your hard work, expertise, and innovation! We appreciate you. It takes a team to move things forward! Now let’s go out and have some more fun!" -- The Famous Group

3D Laser Scanning For Video Game Developers

3D laser scanning captures stunning visualization for video game content creation. 3D laser scan technology documents real-world environments and reconstructs them into a dimensionally-accurate 3D digital representation. Environments are quickly captured and rendered and prove to be more realistic and more engaging. Once the environments are in your database, they can be adjusted and modified. Photorealistic assets are delivered in high-detail with texture, the perfect element for most visualization applications.

GPRS has experience in 3D laser scanning for video game development. 3D scale data is captured in a point cloud file and is used to create deliverables useful to software developers. Deliverables can range from the raw data itself, to 3D models and 3D photographs. Laser scanning can be combined with real time ray tracing to create beautiful renders and realistic looking results for the next generation of video games.

We can support Unreal Engine, Unity, GameMaker, Godot and other game engines with high quality data for rendering images and environments, or by creating custom scan to BIM models. These large scale BIM models can be viewed at high speeds and shared to facilitate communications between designer and client.

Video Game Development Case Studies

Colorized Point Cloud of Façade and Racetrack

Colorized Point Cloud of Façade and Racetrack

3D Laser Scanning For Projection Mapping

Projection mapping uses video, animation, graphics, and images to map light onto any surface, turning common objects into interactive displays. From building facades to theatres to sports fields, images are displayed in high-definition quality regardless of the surface. It’s completely scalable, from a city block all the way down to the side of a building.

GPRS 3D laser scanning services can be used to create a mesh model for projection mapping complex industrial landscapes, buildings, arenas, theatres and more. Experienced scan technicians use state-of-the-art Leica laser scanners to capture accurate point cloud data. Our in-house CAD team generates a 3D mesh model in an .obj file format containing basic architectural elements including walls, columns, doors, roof, openings, etc. for clients to incorporate the structure’s features into their projection mapping. Use the data to design 3D multimedia shows using the latest 3D projection mapping or video mapping techniques.

Projection Mapping Case Studies

3D Mesh Model

Projection Mapping Providence City Hall

3D Laser Scanning For Movies

Laser scanning is an excellent tool in the movie industry for selecting filming locations, pre-visualizing and planning scenes, and to help create stunning CGI and visual special effects (VFX) in post-production. The speed and accuracy of laser scanning allows for environments to be quickly rendered in 3D to a high level of detail and precision. The ability to create exact copies of locations and assets has significantly reduced the time and cost of visualization and provides for more realistic VFX.

It can help location managers searching for interior or exterior venues to serve as the setting for scenes depicted in a script. Laser scans enable you to visit the scene location virtually and to present it digitally to all persons dealing with the production. With 3D laser scan data, the location can be analyzed spatially and geometrically. The digital three-dimensional documentation of the location facilitates planning and decisions before shooting starts.

When utilizing 3D laser scan technology, an entire movie location can be transformed into a computer generated (CG) set. The laser scanner’s software produces a digital 3D point cloud from which detailed measurements can be calculated for design, construction, visualization or evaluation. Point cloud data can be turned into 3D models, eliminating the cost of modeling sets from scratch. Filmmakers can use the 3D model to replicate, design and layout a digital scene. The information captured can be used during the current project and in the future for a completely different production.

Laser scan data can be used to recreate environments for virtual sets and LED walls. 3D environments are projected in real time behind actors to provide the illusion of being in a physical location.

Whether in pre-visualization or storyboarding, production or creating special effects, 3D scan data offers many benefits. Scans support planning (design and movie set construction, perspective, lighting, camera paths, equipment placement) as well as digital post-editing (3D modeling or embedding true-to-scale digital contents in correct position).

3D Laser Scanning Pricing

The cost of 3D laser scanning can vary widely depending on your project scope. GPRS customizes every quote specific to your project’s needs. GPRS Project Managers use 3D laser scanners to capture every detail of your site, delivering building dimensions, locations, and layout with millimeter accuracy. This can include the aboveground structural, architectural, and MEP features, plus underground utility and concrete markings. Our Mapping & Modeling Team can deliver point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D Mesh models, TruViews, and Virtual Tours at any level of detail.

There are many applications for laser scanning in 3D video gaming, projection mapping, mixed reality and movies. For more information contact GPRS at 419-843-7226 or email Laser@gprsinc.com.

Video Gallery

Toledo-based company uses laser technology to enhance sports fans' experiences

Mixed Reality Moments from The Famous Group

Carolina Panthers debut mixed-reality Panther at Home Opener

Mixed-reality with The Famous Group and Baltimore Ravens

Using GPRS 3D Laser Scanning for Projection Mapping

Future of Ford’s train station comes alive with light and sound projection show

West End Stadium Fin Lighting

Creating “Wow” Moments

  • “It’s so incredible to see how laser scan data is being used to visualize things in a way that would have been impossible 10 years ago.” - Nate Machel - Project Estimator

Quick Links