Virtual surveying cuts risk of costly mistakes

A VIRTUAL measuring system developed by Oxford University engineers will help avoid expensive mistakes in house extensions and renovations. Conventional tapes and rules can be replaced by using the latest digital camera technology coupled with computer generated three-dimensional images, researchers have discovered.

A set of images of a room from different viewpoints can be analysed by a small portable computer to produce a 3-D plan. This can be used on the spot by builders, retailers and customers, or analysed later to help rework plans where necessary.

The Pounds 1 million project has been developed in collaboration with CRL, an information technology specialist company.