Laser-firing backpack effortlessly creates 3D maps of buildings

With just the flip of a switch (and a student to lug it around), UC
Berkeley's laser-scanner-studded backpack automatically creates 3D maps
of the world around it. Walking down a hall? While that's going on, a
digital replica of said hallway is showing up on a computer.













Along with a bunch of laser scanners, the backpack also has sensors
that let it know where it's at and takes pictures of the structure
around it. Just like stitching several pictures into a seamless
panorama, the software governing the 3D reconstruction turns it into a detailed map.

Just think: in the future, Google Maps could compliment its street
view with the actual interiors of famous buildings. The backpack would
make constructing virtual tours a snap. Check it out in the video in the OP.