Mapping Indoor Spaces

Few museums, shopping centres, airports and other indoor spaces have been mapped, although the demand for detailed 3D models of such spaces is accelerating rapidly. Here, the authors present a trolley-based system equipped with laser scanners, cameras and advanced software aimed at creating, visualising, navigating through and exploring detailed and accurate 3D models of indoor spaces. The system can capture up to 50,000m(2) daily. To date, ten mapping trolleys are operational; two are operated by NavVis and eight by other companies. The potential is huge: according to estimates, at least 50 billion square metres of interior space will be mapped within the next five years.