TAVCO Construction Technology Blog

Part four of our multi-part series on the Leica BLK3D Imager focuses on organizing and sharing 3D images. Previously, we covered how you can use the Leica BLK3D for taking stereo camera 3D pictures so you can take measurements directly from the image using sophisticated photogrammetry technology.

Besides being a reality capture device, the BLK3D is also a very competent DISTO unit that lets you to take accurate laser measurements. But, once the pictures and data are collected. How do you deal with them? How to you keep them organized and share them with others? 

Cheat Sheet for Bluebeam® Revu® Shortcuts

When it comes to marking up and annotating PDF files, there are certainly a wide range of options to consider. Adobe is an obvious choice, but the platform that has skyrocketed in popularity is none other than Bluebeam Revu.

In fact, Bluebeam Revu is the go to software for many Architects, Engineers, Government, and Construction professionals. One of the reasons for this is the incredibly easy to use interface.

It's incredibly intuitive, but learning a few keyboard shortcuts can help speed up your work so that you can crush that looming deadline without breaking a sweat. 

Chances are if you work in construction, you have probably heard of Bluebeam® Revu®. Although it is now a construction industry standard, there are plenty of people who just don’t know what it is or what it does.

Bluebeam Revu is a software application that allows users to markup, takeoff, organize, and collaborate with PDF files like never before. Here's how. 

Part three of our multi-part series on the Leica BLK3D handheld Imager focuses on using the device for working with construction plans. To to maximize this functionality, users should certainly look into adding the optional Mobile Sketch and Document Software.

This upgrade opens up a whole new world of possibilities with the BLK3D. Users can import plans, sketch floor plans, create smart rooms, take point-to-point measurements, and even measure facades. Once you use it, this will become one of your favorite things about the BLK3D.

One thing is for sure, the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic has completely altered the landscape of how people work - maybe forever. Mandatory shutdowns instantly required companies to pivot to a remote workforce, and with that change, companies and employees have experienced some unique challenges.

Although everyone is universally affected, some industries have mitigated the impact by being classified as “essential,” thus enabling them to continue their operations. The construction industry is one such commercial enterprise, but not without lots of challenges.

This is part two of our multi-part series regarding the mobile applications of the innovative Leica BLK3D Imager. Last time, we explored capturing reality via photogrammetry - the ability to take measurements from stereo image photos.

Now, we detail how to take extremely precise laser measurement distance readings with the BLK3D for general distance, verification, or point-to-point calculations.

It is important to point out that the Laser Measure function is included out of the box, in the basic version of the device - no software upgrades are needed. 

Due to the significant impact of the novel COVID-19 Coronavirus, businesses around the globe have essentially shut-down overnight. Many people are now facing the prospect of working from home as the only way to stay productive.

Swiss-based imaging manufacturer, Leica, recently introduced the first smartphone-sized device that allows users to instantly get measurable 3D data just be snapping a picture. Contractors are ecstatic about the new Leica BLK3D Imager.

This tool is perfect for skilled construction trades that need fast and accurate measurements, but not necessarily full models. It takes immediate and precise 3D measurements from any 2D image it captures.

Today, it is commonplace to overhear someone recognize a member of our Armed Forces by saying, “Thank you for your service,” but one Texas man is doing much more than that.

Ken “The Dauber” Prigeon has spent several years painting hundreds of portraits of Texas Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who have been killed in action.

His work showcases how one person can have a positive impact on the tragic loss experienced by hundreds of Texas families.

There's no doubt, the Designjet 1050 plotter was a wildly successful model for HP. After all, tens of thousands of them were sold and installed throughout the United States during the early to mid-2000s.

Unbelievably, there are still a ton of those units still in the field and in use today. That fact is certainly a testament to the build quality of the 1050 series, but, that model has reached the end of its effectiveness and usefulness in the modern workplace.

If you still have one, there is a good chance that you are experiencing the law of diminishing returns firsthand. So, upgrading it for newer technology is a no-brainer. Learn why.

Lots of people would love to display fine art in their home, but artwork can be really expensive. Luckily, another alternative is to get a high-quality reproduction of a painting called a giclee.

Throughout Austin and Central Texas, artists and buyers alike continue to rely on the top-notch giclee printing services of Austin Art & Frame.

See how they do it and learn about their business in our exclusive TAVCO Partner Profile.

Guest article by Christian Erickson of Qnect - Connection Engineering and Design Software

“This nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to Earth.”

~ President John F. Kennedy May 25, 1961

That was a big goal. We know the outcome. Goal reached.

Another big goal in the building and construction was recently announced. Specifically in the structural steel sector - a growing and important part of any project.