As technology continues to stride forward at a previously unbelievable pace we are consistently shown more of what is possible, rather than what is not. Autodesk, ever the purveyors of possibility, continue to give us ways to interact and manipulate our world. Autodesk’s Recap Pro is an outstanding example of this notion. As part of their AEC Collection, Recap Pro software helps designers and engineers capture high quality, detailed models of real-world assets. ReCap Pro is used to create 3D models for real-world building and infrastructure projects. By using a combination of point clouds obtained by laser scanners and high-res photos, often delivered by drone, Recap Pro provides and understanding of existing conditions and as-built assets to gain insights and make better decisions throughout the life cycle of a project and well beyond.

Perhaps it’s best to simply jump in and take a look at the features and functionality of Recap Pro to better understand its uses in an AEC environment.

Enhance insights with reality capture data

  • Use laser scans and photographs to generate accurate intelligent models that support a wide range of use cases in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC).
  • Improve accuracy with a side-by-side comparison of the scan view (RealView) and overhead map view.
  • Use the compass widget to set the XY axis for the user coordinate system in the overhead view.

Quickly generate survey-grade 3D models

 

  • Expand your photogrammetry capabilities with ReCap Photo, available with a ReCap Pro subscription.
  • Use ReCap Photo, a service of ReCap Pro, to generate geo-located textured meshes, point clouds, and ortho-photos of existing conditions from drone or UAV-captured data.
  • Save costs on prep work, increase precision with GPS technology, and achieve survey-grade accuracy from photo reconstruction.

Collaboration

When it comes to any project, the ability to seamlessly coordinate and collaborate with other members of your team is not just a benefit. These days, it’s a requirement. Recap Pro allows for the editing and measuring of cloud points. This leads to enhanced communication between collaborators with the ability to measure, mark up, and share throughout the point cloud data. By capturing existing conditions throughout the full project lifecycle, the “big picture” is in view by all who participate in the project. Errors can be reduced and confidence in your decisions can be gained through critical insights that help you make better decisions.

This also includes Autodesk Drive integration, allowing users to publish ReCap Pro projects to Autodesk Drive, Autodesk Docs, and BIM Collaborate Pro.

Uncompromising Measurements

   

  • The Surface Snap feature measures clearance between a starting surface point and a point that projects outward from the selection.

Keep Investors Informed

  • Showcase your work with videos
  • Turn View States into handy animations you can use to create presentations.

Integration

Seamlessly integrate your work from Recap Pro with other Autodesk apps like:

NAVISWORKS

REVIT

 

And these are just a few of the many ways this feature-packed application can benefit your company. Trust me, there’s so much more to learn and implement. Untold benefits await your companies projects.

Another item that is also of import here is the ease of use. The application is streamlined and simplified which makes work faster. But don’t be fooled by it’s bare layout; Recap Pro is certainly not lacking in functionality. Heck, even on my first go with the program a while back I was able to bring in and work with a scan of a 100+ year old barn on my property in a matter of minutes:

 

Long story short, you likely won’t fully appreciate what Autodesk’s Recap Pro can do for you until you’ve “gotten your hands dirty” with it. To have such a way of interacting with the physical environment through digital means is still something that astounds and intrigues me. Applications like this provide a way of bringing in what our eyes can see and our hands can feel and translating that information into a world pure data. If you haven’t yet looked into what Recap Pro can do for you, your team, and your projects, you’d best pick up the pace. Time waits for none of us.

Thanks again for reading!

-Luke