Site Mapping

 

My next task for this project was to construct a site map for Piney Croft before we are scheduled to do the scanning of the site. The goal for this stage of the project was to create two separate site maps with one being done from a distance using only google maps to discern where to scan which is to replicate the scenario of a far away site that we cannot visit before scanning. The second was done with the benefit of living nearby the site in mind by visiting the site physically to plan where the scanner would go.

                The first site map in figure one was completed before I visited Piney Croft with the white markers denoting where the scanner would go. There are a few concepts that influence where I placed the markers which include avoiding or scanning around trees and other obstructions, scanning on corners, scanning at a distance as well as up close, overlapping scans, and scanning underneath or behind columns or overhanging eaves. From a distance a few different problems were already prevalent such as the number of visible vegetation and trees prevalent around the property especially along right-hand side. Some of the problems associated with distanced site mapping include the date of the google maps photography as the topography may be different with new obstructions or the removal of the previous one.

Figure 1

                This past weekend I was able to travel to Piney Croft to create a new site map to get that physical element in understanding it. Figure 2 is the site map that came from this visit. A few differences include the shifting of most scan points, the inclusion of more scan points, as well as the inclusion of scan points for locations that I could not recognize on google maps. The overhanging eaves, columned patio in the back, and bushes lining the front meant that I had to adapt the map to accommodate these formations to construct a more complete scan without the allowance of blind spots to develop. One of the biggest benefits of constructing the site map in person was finding that the vegetation situation was different then I both imagined and could perceive from a distance. Trees prevalent on Google Maps are no longer there, likewise, open areas previously devoid of obstructions now had new trees in their place. Additionally, visiting the site in person allows me to see the vista for each spot I would place the scanner which gave me a better idea of the quality of scan I would be getting.

Figure 2

                Another benefit of visiting the site was meeting Christine French whose name popped up a few times in researching local Maitland and Winter Park history in reference to some of the historical homes in the area as well as the interviews with Clifford Wright. She was able to show me around the house and give some great contextual information that can be incorporated as annotations on the final model to create an immersive experience.

                The next step for this project is to actually conduct the laser scanning and photogrammetry at the end of May and then, work to process the scans into a 3D model that can live on the ChronoPoints website. I already complied a photo profile of a bird bath on site, once the model is built it can be used as a comparison of laser scanning and photogrammetry by the end of the internship.