Frequently asked questions


Q:
How does the FREE Areoscan service work?
A:
After you've uploaded and processed your Areoscan you can download a free pointcloud in our own format. These contain the '.areoscan' extension. This can be viewed in full 3D in the Areo-player (available for download here). However, these files can not be imported into CAD programs such as Meshlab or AutoDesk. If you want to import your Areoscan file into a CAD program you must use a credit to 'unlock' the other CAD formats for downloading.
Q:
What is Areoscan?
A:
It’s a service for professionals who use 3D spatial information, to obtain 3D data by simply taking a series of photos. The result is similar to what you would get from a laser scanner.
Q:
How accurate is Areoscan?
A:
Areoscan is accurate to within 3%. E.g. If your scene is 1 metre long (3 Feet), the accuracy will be within 3cm (1.18 inches). If your scene is 10m high (32 Feet), the accuracy is within 30cm (12 inches). You can improve the accuracy to within 1% by following our 'Advanced Accuracy Guide'.
Q:
What is a pointcloud?
A:
A series of points which lay on the surface of objects in the scene. By creating thousands of these points, Areoscan builds up a comprehensive representation of the scene. These points can be viewed directly, measured directly, or used to build a 3D model.
Q:
What programs can I use the pointcloud in?
A:
Most CAD programs have the ability to use pointclouds as references in building CAD models. We are in the process of building documentation for the various applications which will be available on areoscan.com soon. If you would like to look at a point cloud, take measurements and convert it to other formats, we recommend the free meshlab software available at http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/
Q:
My pointcloud preview never seems to contain as many points as your examples, what am I doing wrong?
A:
To get a good quality result, it is important to follow the documentation on this site carefully. While there aren’t too many things you can do wrong, there are many things you can do right to get a better result.
Q:
Your guides don’t seem to be working for my Areoscan, can you please give me advice on how to approach my subject matter?
A:
Our guides can’t cover every unique situation, so by all means, if you need additional guidance please email us at support@areograph.com and describe the subject you need to Areoscan.
Q:
What sort of camera should I use? Can I use a mobile phone camera?
A:
Almost any digital camera. We don’t recommend the cameras on mobile phones, or webcams however. There are some exceptions to this, including the iPhone 3gs, iPhone 4, and the advanced smartphones with high quality cameras.
Q:
Your ‘coming soon’ page mentions a pointcloud to 3D mesh conversion service, and 3D digital elevation model service, this is exactly what I need! When will this service be available?
A:
This service will be available within a few months, but if you want it now, please contact support@areograph.com and we may be able to help you out on a case by case basis.
Q:
I purchased a pointcloud that I’m not happy with. Can I get my credit back.
A:
Of course. Please email us at support@areograph.com and describe your situation.