Z+F Announces the Imminent Launch of LFM Server 4.0

If you’re looking to work with laser scan data and enjoy the benefits of an open system, without restriction, then you’re in the right place.

Not only can you create and manage huge point cloud databases from a large range of laser scanners, but you can also link to almost all of the major CAD packages with just one piece of software.

LFM Server™ 4.0 builds on the strengths of the hugely popular LFM Server 3 whilst adding a whole new dimension in versatility. A host of new features and an incredible new interface add up to a great new feature set.

LFM Server 4.0 has undergone major development and beta testing. The official release date is set for 1 May 2011, from the LFM Software website – www.lfm-software.com/downloads
 
New Features
New Ribbon style interface

The interface provides a host of novel new features using the latest developments in interface design. Through careful design, experienced users should feel at home almost straight away whilst new users will find all of the features they expect from a well thought out interface.

The drag and drop features of the new interface will increase user’s productivity. With the new ‘Quick-Access’ Menu, loading recent project is as easy as a simple click.

A versatile new Grid View allows users to view up to four views at once. These can be either all BubbleViews or a mix of both 3D and BubbleViews.

These interface improvements are based directly on customer feedback.

Enhanced Volume Manager
Selecting complex regions in 3D space, so that they can be clearly viewed, is made really simple in the latest LFM Server. This is done using an simple to place and intuitive “stretching box” which can be easily adjusted for rapid point selection. Users can quickly spawn off new regions allowing multiple volumes to be quickly defined, each volume can be morphed, manipulated and swivelled into a multitude of shapes.

This feature is recognized as one of the biggest improvements of LFM Server.

BubbleView™ Enhancements
Neighbouring Scan Site Map

Each BubbleView now maps the exact location of scans which are it’s close neighbours. A single click is all that is needed to switch into a neighbouring BubbleView.

Enhanced colour support
In line with the latest development in colour mapping, the colour depth has been increased to map rich and vibrant colours accurately.

Inter BubbleView™ Measurement
A versatile new grid view allows users to view up to four BubbleViews at once. This enables measurements to be taken over very large distances.

Point-plane Measurements
This allows easy measurement of the height of objects off the ground, below beams or walls.

Quick Detach
BubbleViews™ can be rapidly torn off the interface for use in CAD systems or directly launched from external CAD packages. Once a BubbleView is detached, a drop down toolbar is available inside the bubble. The toolbar can be permanently visible using the new ‘Drop Pin’ functionality.

Improved Input and Output capabilities
LFM Server aims to be scanner neutral. This means that it can read numerous scan formats. LFM Server 4.0 can now read the latest Z+F Imager 5010 format, the latest Faro and Leica formats.

LFM is also CAD-vendor neutral and the CAD interface has been further enhanced, enabling users to interface with Revit for BIM applications.

Administrator Capabilities (Dongle Protected)
Translation and rotation of databases
Using a simple time-saving utility, project administrators can now reposition an entire LFM Server database without regeneration.

NetView Project Creator (Optional)
Creating Internet or file-based NetView projects has never been easier. The NetView Project Creator uses a simple to use Wizard to guide the user through a few simple steps.

Windows 7 Certified
Giving you the confidence that LFM Server is thoroughly tested with Microsoft-provided tools. Complete with full 64-bit support.

Connectivity with all of the major CAD systems has been a key feature of LFM Server since its inception. This latest release introduces some major new features and a brand new interface while massively enhancing the core capabilities.

Core Feature Set
InfiniteCore™ Technology

When it comes to handling multiple high capacity databases LFM Server is unequalled.
LFM users benefit from it’s Infinite Core™ technology, which allows an unlimited number of registered laser scans to be stored in a single database without compromise.
Its unique method of organising laser scan data means that even for the biggest project, every single point of measured scan information can be stored.
Infinite Core™ technology lies at the heart of LFM Server, which means that access speed is unaffected and individual laser scans remain unaltered, intact and freely accessible.

BubbleView™ Interface
This powerful “true to life” tool gives user the impression of being on-site.
The BubbleView™ provides a natural 360° view of a high resolution intensity image.
Multiple actions can be undertaken within the BubbleView™ including volume selection, pipe diameter measurements and CAD object rendering with the Objects in Bubble feature.
Full colour support in the BubbleView™

Unrivalled CAD Connectivity
Not only can LFM Server handle huge data sets, but it can also interface with any CAD package, enabling users to enjoy the benefits of an open system without restrictions.
Bring laser scan data directly from LFM to your preferred CAD system with a seamless interface. New CAD links have been added to LFM Server 4.0 including the latest Revit Interface.
Membership of  Autodesk and Bentley development network and certified development partner of AVEVA and a member of Intergraph’s SmartPlant Alliance Programme help ensure that we provide you with the best CAD-Links possible.

Automatic Clash Detection
A powerful and reliable clash detection tool displays every interference between a proposed CAD design and as-built laser scan data. Each of the clashes can be displayed within the BubbleView™ in high resolution.
Clash detection by LFM Server can be operated with any CAD package from Autodesk, AVEVA, Bentley, Intergraph and VR Context.

Smart Demolition Tools for Asset Management
Laser scan data can be temporarily demolished so that it does not contribute to the clash detection process or to reflect changes in the as-built site.
Users can highlight and block out multiple regions which are to be demolished from the dataset, making it an essential tool for Owner / Operators to easily understand and document the revamped asset.
Finally, the points are never completely removed and can be brought back where required. This allows users to get an instant visual feedback of the regions which are to be demolished.

Hardware Neutral
This has direct cost implications for anyone involved in 3D Laser Scanning. Only one piece of software is required, even when using multiple hardware systems.
As a result, changing hardware system will not affect the software solution.

Create Pipe tie-ins
LFM Server allows users to create pipe tie-ins. Previously these would be created in LFM Viewer/ViewerLite and imported into LFM Server. This new approach enables customers to be more streamlined in their design work processes.

Extensive Measurement Tools
Users can receive incremental measurement read-outs by clicking several points within a BubbleView™.
Mark-up, measurements of structures or pipes diameters can be made within the BubbleView™.
Can now load up to four Bubbles, making it easy to make measurements across multiple BubbleViews™.

Edge Mode
Edge mode allows users to visualize outlines of features such as walls and pavements. Whilst in Edge mode, floor plans and elevations can be created by drawing around the point cloud data
Edge Mode can now be toggled on and off in AutoCAD, PDMS, Microstation and SP3D enhancing user experience when working in a CAD environment.

For more information please visit www.lfm-software.com