Has anyone thought of using the Photosynth application in engineering. According to Wikipedia,
Photosynth is a software application from Microsoft Live Labs and the University of Washington that analyzes digital photographs to build a three-dimensional point cloud of a photographed object.[1] Pattern recognition components compare portions of images to create points, which are then compared to convert the image into a model. Users are able to view and generate their own models using a software tool available for download at the Photosynth website.
So, you can build up a pseudo 3D model using photos, kinda like the game Myst. How about using it to display equipment undergoing a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)? Or take a picture of an installed skid? You could make a walkthru of your plant, assuming you are allowed to take photos.
I guess there would be techniques you have to pay attention to to maximise the technology’s benefits:
- Take overlapping photos, so the software can figure out how to transition from one frame to another.
- If you want to zoom into something (gauges, nameplates), you have to take a photo (no miracles here).
- Learn to rotate and take pictures around a point.
- Think 3D! Take pictures pointing up/down, or take pictures from an elevated/sunk perspective.
Point me in the direction of you masterpieces.
Wata - Malaysian Oil and Gas Engineer 
nice. like a virtual tour. you “map” the whole plant + browse it. equip with cctv if u need to, high tech cameras, connect em all together. sync with the control system. sweet.
Zzeed: I would try it around the house first, see if you can do a virtual tour, like a sales presentation.
i would love to. but as always with a venture: capital required. I don’t have much.
Have a peek at the point cloud of a neolithic standing stone. It’s a lot of fun rotating the point cloud.
http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=40f024dd-d24e-4d97-a530-501faefc639f
Bill Hume.