High-Tech Measuring Devices

[Neophyte Optician]

What's everyone's experience been with "high-tech" measuring devices? Are the benefits worth the cost? What system would you recommend and why? Thanks!

[ThatOneGuy]

My first experience with "high-tech" measuring software was in the mid 1990's, when I could convert photos of architecture and landscapes in to 3D objects to be imported in to 3D environments such as videogames (so that, for example, a player could walk their character around inside of a real building). It was usually very accurate, though occasionally required some adjustments due to no depth perception device. By the time I saw measuring devices sponsored by Essilor, Zeiss, Hoya, and Walman Labs, they had each developed their own systems for including depth perception. I find the results with most devices to be accurate, replicable, and invaluable. Having a picture to reference back to, if nothing else, is a life saver if dealing with young/new/inexperienced staff.