SPAR International 2014 is right around the corner, and there will be numerous technical seminars, 3D modeling software talks and product exhibits during the conference's four days. Aerial and mobile mapping firms are expected to peruse the latest technology related to static and kinematic scanning at the conference, and they will, no doubt, be blown away with many of the products and software hitting the mobile scanning market as well as insights from laser scanning best practices.

The right tool makes a big difference
One of the biggest draws will be a presentation by Domenick Alario, director of LiDAR and GeoSpacial services at SmartGeoMetrics, on how the 3D imaging market may have their blinders on for the latest high resolution technology and not on finding the appropriate solution for every job.

Alario says most businesses are ready to jump on board with using the most accurate 3D mapping technology that often costs an arm and a leg and doesn't necessarily meet every project's needs the best way possible. Companies may be wasting valuable resources and losing work by using a laser scanner that isn't the best solution for the job. 

Attendees will be able to see this principle best through the Viatmetris iMMS (indoor Mobile Mapping System), a self-contained, indoor mobile mapping system that accurately collects data in real time. iMMS, for example, is the most advanced, true indoor laser scanning system. Not only does it capture 3D LiDAR data and 360 panoramic imagery, but also provides the user the ability to watch the floor plan built in real time. There may be other, less costly solutions than the iMMS, but they don't always provide the greatest return on investment. Also, businesses that don't consult with an experienced laser scanning company can find themselves using scanning technology and methods that may be costing them jobs and money. According to Alario, businesses may be losing out on opportunities for greater accuracy and more point data because the project doesn't require it and ultimately reflects a higher cost. What may be right for one job in a certain market isn't necessarily going to provide the same benefits for a project in a different market.

If you're heading to SPAR 2014, don't miss out on discovering if you've lost money because you've demanded only the latest and greatest technology. Attend Alario's presentation "Are You Stepping Over Dimes While Chasing Dollars?" from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Boardmoor Hall E on Wednesday, April 16.