Abstract: Systems and methods for viewing and measuring real world 3-D spatial data using corresponding image data and interpolation of low resolution 3-D spatial data is disclosed. Image data and 3-D spatial data are organized as a 3-D polygonal model. The resultant 3-D polygonal model may be viewed, measured or edited efficiently on a computer. The image data and 3-D data are aligned, and a point on the polygonal model may be measured. Additionally, low resolution 3-D spatial data and image data may be combined with high resolution and highly accurate 3-D spatial data and image data. The resultant combination of data sets may then be organized, aligned, viewed, measured or edited in an efficient manner on a computer.

Abstract: Image data and 3-D spatial data are acquired for an object or scene. Non-unique (over-sampled) image data exist for at least one point on the object or in the scene. A selection mechanism is established for choosing one datum or set of data over another where over-sampled image data exist. The desired image data are isolated or blended to produce a single datum or set of data to represent the image of 3-D spatial data.

Abstract: A system is designed by a computer performed method using object oriented programming in which the manipulative programs are linked to the data records which represent the various elements in the system. The data records are linked by pointers in a hierarchy so that operations proceed from link to link without the need for interpreting character string commands. Only the highest level commands must be interpreted in a time consuming manner. Thereafter, the program proceeds quickly from linked data record to linked data record.