3D Laser Scanning Services: Digital Twins Imitating Physical Space
Digitizing Los Angeles
Writer Jose Luis Borges once pictured a situation where the cartography was so precise that the map of a single province featured the entire city. At the time, 3D laser scanning services were nonexistent.
In 1981, about 40 years after Borges wrote “On Exactitude in Science,” Jean Baudrillard, a French sociologist, identified Borges’ piece as “the finest allegory of simulation.” Baudrillard argued that it was the generation of models where there exists a real without reality or origin, a hyperreal.
Such is the foundation of 3D laser scanning services, a stage where hyperreal world-building is taking center stage. It’s the virtual representation of the physical system or process.
3D Laser Scanning Services: The Creation of Digital Twins
Experts have argued that an urban digital twin represents the digital counterpart of the real world as it unites many existing technologies, including 3D laser scanning services.
One thing that makes the digital twin distinct from the “normal” models is the notion that the virtual copy changes with its source. In this regard, a model ceases to become the precise representation of an actual object the moment it becomes real.
However, the digital twin is different since it continuously updates its copy, creating an accurate copy of its source. Apart from the 3D scanning services, the digital twin is the perfect example of how software can imitate physical space.
Marc Strassman has been on the frontline, trying to lure Los Angeles city officials into embracing the significance of digital twin technology. The former reporter has pitched his message through two Facebook groups that he recently created.
One of the groups aims to spread the word about campaigning for a Unity-based digital copy of LA. The other group pushes for his involvement in advocating for a policy dubbed ‘Digital Twin & Metaverse Act of 2023.’
Strassman has been in contact with city representatives; luckily, they have shown interest in his idea. He notes that he’s expecting a call some time this month. Still, another project may embrace 3D laser scanning technology as part of the process of digitizing Los Angeles.
Earlier in June, LA building owners launched the Better Buildings Challenge while partnering with Cityzenith, the Urban Digital Twin pioneer, to develop a virtual representation of the city using 3D laser scanning services.
One of the main goals of Cityzenith is to automate the green building overhaul process in the city’s downtown Bunker Hill neighborhood.