Proposal

Narrative

A laser scanner can collect several thousands of such 3D points in less than a second. After the data is collected, it has to be further processed to create 3D data products by using a point cloud processing software. Examples of such products and processes include Mesh for 3D printing, fly through video, Building Information Modeling (BIM), cross sections, as-built survey, plant modeling, etc. This proposal requests funding to acquire Trimble Business Center (TBC) Software for data processing. The laser scanner and the processing software have been incorporated into several courses of undergraduate program of Civil and Geomatics Engineering and graduate program of Civil Engineering. The courses Introduction to Laser Mapping (CCE 4514C) and its graduate counterpart CEG 6304C were created in 2014 and attracted students from at least 6 disciplines namely Geomatics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, Geography, Anthropology and Architecture. In addition, the software has been used in other engineering courses namely, Engineering and Construction Surveying SUR 3205 & SUR 3205L, Design courses CGN 4803C & CGN 4804C. We currently have 10 licenses for the Trimble Business Center (TBC) software that is being used in the classes. However, we have had several times more students than 10 in the recent years (Spring 2020: 44 students; Spring 2021: 56 students) which limited the exposure of the software in lab exercises and projects for the students. This proposal is seeking funding to acquire 10 more licenses to improve the experience for the students. We are seeking $1050 of one-time fee for 10 perpetual educational licenses. We also would like to highlight that during recent ABET accreditation visit, the evaluator recommended to upgrade the lab instrumentation and software to meet with current needs and the state-of-the-art. The acquisition of these additional licenses will help us moving forward in that direction.

Facilities

Hardware Requirements

N/A

Software Requirements

We already have 10 licenses of TBC that is installed and maintained by TSG of Engineering

Personnel Costs

N/A

Other Costs

N/A

Timeline

The OIT or TSG of Engineering will install the software in both VMware and Citrix servers immediately upon receiving the grant

Sustainability

The licenses are perpetual and with no-cost for maintenance. The software can be upgraded annually without any additional expenses

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

Technical Support Group of College of Engineering and Computer Science