ReCap Pro Convert reality into a 3D model or 2D drawing

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3D scanning software and web services; includes ReCap Photo.

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Create accurate 3D models with reality capture. Use ReCap™ reality capture software to convert reality into a 3D model or 2D drawing that’s ready for further design.

ReCap Pro is one of the most used photogrammetry applications today. However, there are plenty of people that still don’t understand why the Pro version is better than ReCap basic. Some even confuse ReCap Pro with ReCap Photo. Let’s not even get started with the term ‘photogrammetry’ and what it entails.

ReCap Pro is the latest attempt by Autodesk to simplify the field of reality capture. It acts almost like a transfer point between the real world and apps that manipulate the data extrapolated from real-world scans.

 

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What is Reality Capture?

To better understand what ReCap Pro is all about you must first understand reality capture. What is this process? In the past, you have to measure site conditions manually for construction, engineering, or other projects. But now it’s possible to take pictures of the site and let an app figure out all the measurements for you from the pictures. From there, you can turn it into a digital representation with all the correct distances and other measurements. That’s the essence of reality capture.

Today’s reality capture results in complex and accurate 3D models mapped from millions of data points. As mentioned above, it can drastically increase the speed at which builders, artists, architects, repairmen, etc. understand the task in front of them. It turns an otherwise time-consuming surveying process into a quick one.

What is ReCap Pro?

ReCap Pro is Autodesk’s flagship reality capture software. It can convert real models, sites, photos, and buildings into digital 3D models or 2D drawings. The end result is a highly detailed mesh which can be further modified and analyzed in CAD and BIM applications.

What can you do with ReCap Pro?

You can use automated registration and stitching and perform cleanups on scans. You can also edit or create your own 3D meshes from photos. There’s even a cloud service included which is a massive improvement over the previous iteration of the program.

Another benefit of ReCap Pro is its compatibility with multiple mobile devices. You can use an iPad Pro to measure, view, and mark up important data. At a minimum, a 10.5-inch iPad Pro is required for capturing and processing data.

You can sync your projects and download the data you need using the cloud service. Of course, you can still use the app in offline mode.

ReCap Pro is also compatible with the Leica BLK360 laser scanner. This gives you access to unparalleled image processing in the field. It also lets you be more mobile as the scanner is small and lightweight.

So what is the point of ReCap Pro? As mentioned above, it is to capture site conditions into 3D models that are mesh ready for detailed editing in CAD and BIM tools.

Features

Let’s talk about some UAV features in ReCap Pro. If you’re familiar with ReCap you’ll easily recognize the editing, measurement, video creation, and mesh comparison tools. Those are pretty standard but won’t allow you to perform complex work.

Here’s a look at some of the extra features in ReCap Pro:

• Importing of GoPro images
• Importing ground control points in WGS84 formats
• Support for GPS tags in EXIF format for geolocation and scaling
• Accepts RCM, OBJ, FBX formats
• 3D and 2.5D orthoview web preview for computed meshes
• Accuracy report
• Exporting in various coordinate systems
• Running multiple projects simultaneously
• Navisworks integration

Get a feel of what you’re spending your money on yet? Here’s a look at some of the exclusive laser scan features in ReCap Pro:

• Automatic registration
• Video tool
• Advanced measurement tools including markup and tagging
• Scan-to-mesh service
• Cleanup service
• Survey control
• Accuracy reports
• Scan Regions

Working with point clouds can be confusing. Imagine that you only have to work with a single 3D building. That model consists of multiple scan files. The different identifying colors and markers can be changed or turned on and off by using Scan Regions in ReCap Pro.

Aerial Reconstruction

Do you like your drones? ReCap Pro can make use of photos taken from above and even combine them with ground data for detailed model generation.

You can also make use of local survey information when available. Selecting the ground control points icon allows you to add local data that relates to your aerial photos.

Object Reconstruction

The reconstruction of a 3D object from photos can be tricky for a first timer in ReCap Pro. First, you will need at least 20 JPG photos. However, keep in mind that the lighting should be consistent and shadows should be at a minimum.

The process itself is quite simple after that. Making and selecting the photos is the hard part. The user interface in ReCap Pro is very intuitive and allows you to easily add photos to the 3D object creation tool. The rendering is also fast even when working off cloud-based photos.

Pricing and Licensing Policies

Like other Autodesk apps, the ReCap Pro license is sold as a membership plan. You can choose a monthly plan, a yearly plan, or a 3-year plan for the single-user license. All major credit cards are accepted and you can also use PayPal for payment.

But why would you choose to pay instead of just using the trial version? Well, for one you get access to all the features in the program. Remember the previous list? It’s hard to imagine doing any accurate 3D scanning unless you have all the tools at your disposal.

System Requirements

ReCap Pro is an advanced capture and rendering application. Despite this, the system requirements are normal by today’s standards. Here are the recommended specs:

As far as CPUs go, you will need a 64-bit processor clocked at a minimum of 2 GHz. Of course, the faster the better and you will probably get optimum results with anything above the 3 GHz mark. Multi-threading is also important so keep that in mind as well.

The GPU requirements aren’t very specific. A decent graphics card will do. All you need is something that supports OpenGL 3.3 which is quite old by today’s standards. 1GB of video memory should be enough.
The amount of RAM is more important than the GPU architecture. 8GB of RAM or above is ideal for high-resolution scans. Last but not least, Windows 10 is recommended as is the Chrome browser.

Keep in mind that the minimum system specs are lower. ReCap Pro will run on low-end 64-bit systems but the end result, as well as the processing speed, will be affected. In terms of data accuracy, you should see no downside on a low-end system.

ReCap Pro Benefits

Let’s recap the main benefits of ReCap Pro:

• Accurate mesh representations
• Compatibility with multiple editing applications
• Can be used as a desktop or mobile solution
• Flexible subscription plan
• Aerial reconstruction and GoPro compatibility
• Useful in multiple real-world applications

Final Verdict

Is ReCap Pro worth your time? This depends on what your line of work is. If your profession requires working with digital representations of real-life scenes, then yes, it is worth it. If your work mainly involves the manipulation of such data, then this is not the application you want.

ReCap Pro collects data, does reconstruction and scaling, and analyzes the accuracy of real-world information through scans. Any further work requires additional software.

 

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