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The Zoo's Concern
Recently some of our surveying experts in Victoria, Australia, Gus and Matt, undertook a 3D scanning project for the Werribee Zoo. A decision had been made to begin planning for a potential refurbishment of the zoo’s gorilla enclosure.
After originally obtaining an x-ray of the non-visible reinforcement steel around the enclosure, the zoo was advised they would also need to obtain surveys of the enclosure to assist with identifying the enclosure’s existing conditions and any future design limitations. Realserve was contacted and engaged to provide precise 3D scans and a Revit model showing the existing conditions of all building and visible steel structures in the gorilla enclosure.
Our team attended the site pre-survey to plan the best approach and navigate a route that would minimise disruption and movement of gorillas on the day. At the end of the project, we provided high accuracy 3D point clouds, which were millimetre accurate, 2D plans and a Revit model.
The Surveying Approach
At Realserve in New Zealand and Australia we always focus on working efficiently so our clients can keep moving forward, and our Werribee Zoo job was no different:
- Matt and Gus visiting the site prior to the survey to navigate around site and identify objects that would need to be removed for the most accurate scan, minimising disruption to its inhabitants.
- Speaking to gorilla handlers about safety compliance and how to deal with compromising situations should they arise.
- Utilising innovative technology and traditional equipment.
On the day, our surveyors brought a FARO 3D Laser Scanner and a Leica Total Station. They followed instructions from the Keepers so their job was done safely and efficiently. The team carried out the works in an efficient and safe manner, ensuring that they adhered to zoo staff instructions.
With the total station providing more points, and the accurate imaging of the 3D scanner, the precise and detailed point cloud that was produced can be used by the Werribee Zoo for future projects. Matt and Gus used their expertise and experience to anticipate the most useful information to capture and provide to the zoo.
It took less than a day to complete the on-site surveys, thanks to the friendly staff and our team’s efficiency.
The Result: 3D Scans & 2D Plans
We provided some point cloud screenshots to the zoo in advance so they could share the information at a meeting, and later gave them a 2D plan and the entire 3D scan, after it was double-checked and refined. Click here to check out some screenshots of the 3D point cloud scans, as well as some Revit model screenshots.
We also produced a Revit model from the point cloud data. Have a look at the images below to see the process from the FARO scan in action, to the point cloud, to the Revit model.
The reality that was captured will be helpful for our clients both now and in the future.
One thing our surveyors love about the job, whether in New Zealand or Australia, is the variety of environments they get the opportunity to work in, and this was no exception. This project meant they could survey in a new environment and discover information about the Werribee Zoo and its gorillas. Gus shared some things he learnt about the three gorillas with us, such as how gorillas don’t like eye contact, and that the Keepers hold birthday parties for the gorillas. Gus and Matt were pleased they could provide some assistance to a “great organization that do outstanding work”, as Matt said.
If you are looking for a 2D or 3D existing conditions plan in New Zealand, and you want to be provided with exactly what you need, then click an option below to:
- Give us a call to discuss your project
