Leica Geosystems HDS and INOVx announced at the SPAR 2010 conference and at the ARC World Industry Forum a partnership to jointly develop advanced software for converting laser scan data into intelligent plant models. Integrated products will be based on Leica Cyclone software and INOVx RealityLINx software. Availability of first integrated products is planned for the second quarter 2010.   Interoperability of complementary, industry-leading solutions accelerates adoption As the use of 3D laser scanning to capture as-built geometry of plants has rapidly grown, industry is increasingly taking advantage of intelligent 3D models based on this data for better plant Operations & Maintenance and better Design & Construction. This has, in turn, led to increased demand for (1) more accurate intelligent models, (2) more office-efficient software for creating these models, and (3) open solutions that can be deployed regardless of the specific type of laser scanner used or plant design software involved. By improving the process for converting point cloud data into intelligent objects, the partnership will create new, interoperable software solutions optimized to meet this increasing demand and accelerate adoption.

Joint development will leverage each vendor’s complementary strengths. From Leica Geosystems strengths, integrated solutions will reflect fast, highly accurate geometric modeling of as-built laser scan data using advanced, geometric modeling algorithms and the powerful point cloud engine (pcE) in Leica Cyclone software. In addition, solutions will reflect Cyclone’s multi-vendor support of scan data formats, including native formats.   Efficient, accurate attachment of intelligence to the geometric model will take advantage of INOVx’ rich plant design catalog links and the friendly user interface of INOVx’ RealityLINx software. Users will further benefit from INOVx’ strength in seamless, open systems data exchange of the resulting models with all major plant design systems.   Compared to other options for creating intelligent models from laser scanning, the integrated Leica Geosystems & INOVx solutions will support more scanners natively and deliver more rigorous geometry models faster. It will be easier to attach comprehensive intelligent plant information to these geometry models and it will provide better data exchange to more types of plant design software.

What they’re saying “We’re very excited about this partnership,” states Juergen Dold, President, Leica Geosystems Geospatial Solutions Division. “We see continued strong demand for our CAD plug-in solutions and our standalone plant modeling solutions. INOVx is a great partner for making plant models intelligent for Operations & Maintenance with seamless exchange to plant design software. Our integrated solutions will provide significant accuracy, efficiency, and open systems benefits.”   Dold adds, “This new partnership was facilitated by our strong relationship with INOVx, which began in the mid-1990’s when they were the as-built services & technology team of Fluor Corporation and a pioneer adopter of our laser scanners and point cloud software. Today, INOVx’ software stands on its own merits for bringing the benefits of intelligent plant models to plant Operations & Maintenance and Design & Construction.”

“Partnering with Leica Geosystems, the industry leader in laser scanning, is a great fit for expanding and enhancing our software product offerings and our reach into the global market. Further improvements to the creation of intelligent models from as-built geometry based on laser scanning will support our Asset Virtualization solutions by sustaining virtual models that accurately reflect plant changes and thus maximize value to our customers,” says Costantino Lanza, CEO of INOVx.   “INOVx’s process plant know-how combined with Leica Geosystems’ scanning technology and worldwide reach will drive asset owner/operator efficiency, safety and regulatory compliance initiatives to new levels,” Tom Greaves, Managing Director, Spar Point Group.

“The integration of Leica Geosystems’ point cloud management software with INOVx’s object modeling and information software provides improved capability and workflow with faster time to benefit” comments Ralph Rio, Research Director, ARC Advisory Group. Mr. Rio continues, “This combination enables increased use of 3D laser scanning technologies for improved plant maintenance.” About INOVx INOVx, founded in 1999, provides a platform and solutions for Asset Virtualization® to companies in the process industries worldwide. INOVx’s RealityLINx product enables the creation, management and access to high fidelity three dimensional views of plant assets. These views are used in daily work practices to better communicate and navigate all asset information. INOVx solutions support many plant functions such as reliability, safety, operations, maintenance, inspection, and engineering. INOVx is a pioneer and thought leader in the application of laser scanning technology for the creation of accurate and precise three dimensional models of existing facilities.

This Asset Documentation Service offers a reliable and proven way of creating and maintaining the three dimensional asset models. INOVx is headquartered in Irvine, California. For more information please visit www.inovx.com.