Leading VFX Data Capture Company 4DMax Invest in the Latest Leica High-Definition Surveying Technology

UK based 4DMax, a leading company in the film, TV, visual FX and Forensic 3D data capture market has recently purchased the latest Leica High-Definition SurveyingTM (HDS) ScanStation C10 to enhance its 3D data capture services.

Duncan Lees, Co-Owner and Director, 4DMax comments: “Working across a number of markets from big Hollywood blockbuster movies such as John Carter of Mars, Captain America, X Men First Class and the new Narnia film, to major TV programmes including Monumental Challenge, Mummy Forensics and the Time Team to police forensic work, 3D data capture is core to the success of our business. Since forming the company in 2009 4DMax has grown beyond my expectations as these market begin to realise the full potential of 3D data capture.“

“We have been working with the HDS team at Leica Geosystems UK for a number of years to hire their scanning instruments but as we continue to grow, it was important for us to own a scanner to be able to fulfil our clients needs and cope with the influx of new projects both in the UK and internationally.“

Louise Brand, Co-Owner and Director, 4DMax continues: “Working in sensitive police scenes and multi-million pound film sets, it is imperative that the instruments we use are reliable, quick and non intrusive. Leica is a brand we trust and the support we get from the guys is second to none, they are always on hand to provide advice and expertise on tricky projects. We have hired the Leica ScanStation C10 on a number of occasions and it has never let us down so this was an obvious choice when looking to purchase.“

“We intend to use the ScanStation C10 with the full suite of Geomatics technology from Leica Geosystems including GNSS and total stations, to offer a comprehensive 3D data capture and modelling service to our ‘blue chip’ clients who rely on us for our experience, expertise and bespoke 3D solutions.

Tim Badley, HDS Sales Manager, Leica Geosystems Ltd comments: “Most of today’s epic blockbuster movies use animation and CGI for scene recreations, set extensions and modelling, and it is 3D laser scanning that is beginning to underpin this entire process. By providing the ability to capture data to milimetre accuracy, the scanner is a cost effective tool for VFX professionals to accurately recreate, manipulate and integrate scenes using CAD packages. From the success of companies such as 4DMax is it clear that this is a fruitful market that will continue to grow.“

About 4DMax

4DMax are the complete 3D data experts. Specialising in Film & TV VFX and Forensics, 4DMax have become the leading exponents of terrestrial LiDAR scanning, cyber scanning, close range laser scanning and professional photographic services to the entertainment industry and the use of Forensic Geomatics in the pursuit of justice.

4DMax offers a number of VFX services including; The 3D recording of sets and locations using terrestrial LiDAR laser scanners and photogrammetry; On set survey and data wrangling with 4DMax staff embedded into the VFX team; The close range scanning of objects and maquettes, both for digital reality in the film and as PreVis models for the art department; The scanning of heads and bodies to provide digital doubles; The tracking of camera movement and location using digital total station theodolites; Digital photographic services to capture texture and for reference; Textured 3Dmodels of sets, locations, objects and people; We are currently working in the VFX teams on Lockout, John Carter of Mars, Green Lantern, Captain America and X Men First Class.

For more information about 4DMax contact Duncan Lees on +44 (0)7976 897 594 or email 

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With close to 200 years of experience pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyse, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyse easily, and visualise and present spatial information.

Those who use Leica Geosystems products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 3,500 employees in 28 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.

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