Lidar to Level | Andy Footman & George Pennyfather | EPC 2024

Q3D Studios discusses how they utilise high fidelity lidar scans to procedurally create 3D digital twin models of iconic race tracks. In the world of Formula One, driver-in-the-loop simulators play a vital role of car development, with accuracy of track model details being a high priority and a particular area of focus for the team. They will explain their usage of custom Houdini Digital Assets to extract as much real-world data from the point cloud as possible to assure accuracy and visual realism.

Andy Footman setup Q3D Studios over 20 years ago, having previously worked for prestigious companies like McLaren International, working on the industry’s first, cutting-edge driver-in-the-loop (DIL) simulator. 3D modelling the world's F1 tracks perfectly fit his passion for optimised real-time asset creation. Constantly streamlining the production process has been key to capitalising on advancements in lidar scanning, allowing the Q3D team to model every captured detail. Since introducing Houdini into the pipeline, they have been able to create 3D assets quicker and more accurate than ever before via bespoke custom toolsets.

George Pennyfather is a Technical Artist for Q3D Studios, specializing in the authoring of procedural 3D tools in Houdini. His past work experiences include McLaren Automotive, Kwalee, and Associate Lecturer at the University for the Creative Arts, where he wrote and delivered the Technical Art unit for BSc Games Development. Within Q3D Studios George plays a key role in refining the team’s procedural pipelines and improving their accuracy and efficiency when reproducing digital twins of the world’s most iconic racetracks.

00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:30 - LIDAR
00:04:28 - Requirements for an F1 Racing Simulator
00:10:59 - Execution