Africa Surveyors May-June issue 2023 digital

3D MAPPING
A Vizzio Technologies staff member holding a 360-degree video camera. In the background is a laser scanner with a video camera mounted on top
of it. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
patrolling the grounds every four hours.
“With 3D-mapping technology, which allows virtual patrols, the facility
was able to reduce manpower needs by more than half, which means
cost savings,” added Dr Lee.
Estimates vary, but reports suggest that up to 15,000 security officers
are needed to supplement the 49,000 already working in the sector.
Security firm Aetos is using Vizzio’s 3D-mapping tool to manage
multiple facilities under its charge.
Aetos Holdings CEO Alfred Fox said: “Vizzio had been integral in
helping us implement the nation’s largest 3D digital twin within
Aetos’ next-generation 5G Integrated Command Centre (ICC) – an AI
cloud-based platform that visualises unified operations islandwide and
beyond borders onto a single dashboard – based on aggregated data
from numerous subsystems.”
A video wall measuring 2.7m by 9.6m sits on a wall inside the ICC,
which is located within the Aetos headquarters in Corporation Drive. It
displays all of Aetos’ operations and resources in Singapore.
Personnel at the centre can focus on an area on the map, then narrow
the search to a specific building, and even zoom in to go inside a
facility by tapping cameras at the building.
Mr Fox said that with the digital-twin tool, the ICC is able to work with
building owners and operators to respond to security breaches and
other safety and management-related incidents.
Stellar Lifestyle, the business arm of SMRT Corporation, has adopted
Vizzio’s 3D-mapping technology to extend its physical retail and
advertising spaces to virtual spaces.
Commuters can access 3D maps on their devices to scan services and
shops which are en route to their destinations. The tool also allows
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potential tenants to attend virtual viewings of retail units prior to a
physical visit.
Mr Tony Heng, president of Stellar Lifestyle, said: “Beyond physical
spaces, Stellar Lifestyle and Vizzio are bringing our ecosystem of small
and medium-sized enterprises to virtual realms, enabling immersive
shopping, wayfinding, gamification and more.”
Vizzio has also been engaged to map districts in Saudi Arabia and
Hong Kong for tourists.
Dr Lee said the firm captures video footage of an area to be digitised
into a 3D model by having staff walk, cycle or drive along the intended
route.
A selfie stick-mounted video camera, which is capable of generating
a 360-degree image, is good enough to generate accurate 3D models.
But he added that the firm also uses commercially available cameras
to scan buildings.
The data collected is then uploaded into Vizzio’s proprietary AI and
behavioural analytics software.
“Traditionally, people mapped indoor and outdoor areas using bulky
(laser scanners). How many can carry these for kilometres?
“These devices are also mounted on top of a car, which are not able to
cover walkways or areas not passable by cars,” said Dr Lee.
Some companies also use drones for mapping, but he said Vizzio buys
satellite images for its 3D maps.
Dr Lee said live 3D-mapping technology is not just for national or
public security purposes.
“It can be used for many other applications, such as tourism, facilities
management and live street maps,” he added.
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