How does environment scanning aid the Art Department?

Scanning a location before the shoot gives the Art Department a 'Virtual Scout.' They can explore the site in 3D, take precise measurements for set builds, and plan camera angles remotely, saving the cost and carbon footprint of multiple physical site visits.

What is the best method for scanning complex film sets?

Complex sets require a multi-sensor approach. We use LiDAR for the rigid structure (walls, props) and photogrammetry for the organic textures. For huge sets, we integrate drone data to capture roofs and surrounding terrain, ensuring the digital set extension blends perfectly with the physical build.

Can you remove modern elements (like cars or signs) from a scan?

Yes. During the 'delighting' and processing phase, our artists can clean the scan data. We remove unwanted objects, modern street furniture, or crew equipment, delivering a 'clean' period-accurate environment ready for VFX use.

How detailed are the textures for environment scans?

We capture textures at massive resolutions (up to 16K) using calibrated DSLRs. By using 'delighting' techniques to remove shadows, we provide neutral textures that Lighting Artists can re-light to match any time of day or mood in the final scene.

Are your environment scans ready for game engines?

Yes. Raw scan data is too heavy for game engines. Our pipeline optimizes this data—reducing polygon counts while baking high-fidelity details into normal maps—creating lightweight, 'game-ready' assets that run smoothly in Unreal Engine 5.

Environment Scanning: LiDAR & Photogrammetry Visualskies

CAPTURE //

ENVIRONMENT
SCANNING

VERSATILITY IN SCALE: FROM LANDSCAPES TO INTERIORS

From expansive landscapes to intricate interiors, our pipeline is designed to flexibly scale to the demands of any project. By combining LiDAR and aerial photogrammetry , we deliver comprehensive data collection through aerial and ground-based technology. Our customised solutions cater to the unique characteristics of each environment, ensuring you receive a precise digital twin ready for Virtual Production and ICVFX pipelines.

ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL CAPTURE

SYSTEM_SPECS // ENVIRO_V.2.0

Aerial Photogrammetry

Elite pilots equipped with 10 Metre OSC Licenses and high-end drone capture systems.

Terrestrial LiDAR

Ground-based laser scanning delivering high-quality spatial and textural data at scale.

Mobile Acquisition

Specialised drivers and rigs for dynamic conditions and large-scale mapping.

Full Spectrum HDRI

Capture of lighting data including diffuse, albedo, and specular information for photorealism.

VS Scout Integration

Pre-visualising all 3D data to provide rich geomatic data for multiple departments.

Global Deployment

Operational scale with dedicated teams in London, Berlin, and New York for rapid mobilization.

PIPELINE_PROTOCOL // V.3.0

Capture >>

Comprehensive data collection combining LiDAR and aerial photogrammetry for high-fidelity digital twins.

Processing >>

Combination of multiple environments to create a modular "kit of parts" relevant to the production.

Optimisation >>

Rigorous data validation and optimisation for real-time rendering in Unreal Engine 5.

Validation >>

Ensuring seamless CGI and live-action elements with precise scale, perspective, and sync.

Integration >>

Seamless integration into ICVFX pipelines for set extension and camera tracking.

Ancillary Assets ■

Volumetric data utilised for traditional non-VP VFX shots and cross-platform branding.

SYSTEM OPTIONS

Visual Skies - System Options

01.SYSTEM

>>>PHOTOGRAMMETRY ■

High-resolution, texture-rich capture using full-frame aerial cameras with RTK/PPK georeferencing for precise alignment.

02.SYSTEM

>>>LIDAR ■

Laser scanning payload for sub-centimetre geometry, producing dense, metrically accurate point clouds through vegetation.

03.SYSTEM

>>>HYBRID SYSTEMS ■

Fused workflow combining LiDAR geometry with high-fidelity photogrammetary for all project requirements.

04.SYSTEM

>>>GAUSSIAN SPLATTING ■

AI-driven radiance field technique for photorealistic 3D reconstruction, capturing complex lighting and transparency with real-time performance.

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