(ASTM: West Conshohocken, PA) -- Three-dimensional laser scanning is an emerging technology that holds great promise for capturing dimensionally accurate information about an object or scene by collecting millions of dense measurements quickly. ASTM International Committee E57 on 3-D imaging systems is developing new standards for this technology, including ASTM E2761—“Specification for 3D Imaging Data Exchange.”

ASTM E2761, which is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E57.04 on data interoperability, will have important applications in the 3-D imaging systems industry, according to E57 committee members.   

“Currently, each hardware vendor uses a proprietary format for the files they produce,” says Fred Persi, president, Persi Consulting and an E57 member. “A standardized data exchange format would provide users with significantly greater flexibility in working with 3-D point clouds than is currently possible. Doing so will lower costs and increase applications for 3-D imaging, with commensurate benefits to industry and society.”

Gene V. Roe, principal, MPN Components Inc., and chair of E57.04, says that ASTM E2761 will help the design world in its current transition from 2-D to 3-D technology.

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