Circuit Zolder: 3mm Precision Digital Model.
How it started behind the scenes...
Circuit Zolder—it's iconic, it's challenging, and up until recently, its digital twin was about as modern as dial-up internet. With the previous scan being over 13 years old, I decided it was time for an upgrade. And not just any upgrade—I'm talking about 120GB point cloud, and images created by Teccon, a leader in the Belgian Lidar business. I wasn't interested in halfway measures; I wanted Circuit Zolder to have the best representation available—something accurate enough for real-world use by race teams and sim racers alike.
Teccon has an impressive track record. They usually handle massive projects for government bodies and construction giants, which tells you a lot about their credibility. When the best is available, you don't settle for less. This scan wasn't just about capturing data, it was about capturing the heart of Circuit Zolder.
Especially for Belgian motorsport!
Teccon LiDAR Services
Why all the effort?
Because precision matters—and Circuit Zolder deserved it! The track surface has been redone 4 years ago; changes in elevation, updated curbs, and a brand-new tarmac meant a whole different beast on race day. Even seasoned drivers could lose their way if they hadn't experienced these changes firsthand. That's where my collaboration comes into play now. I worked closely together with Circuit Zolder to make sure every bump, every change in elevation, and every tricky corner was meticulously captured. It's not just about seeing the track—it's about feeling it, knowing the differences, and being ready for them. Let's face it, if you never driven here but can practice upfront?
More than just business
This project was more than just business. It was about giving back to a community of drivers, engineers, and enthusiasts who thrive on pushing the limits. Imagine a driver from the UK or the USA getting to know every nuance of Zolder before setting foot in Belgium. That's the kind of advantage we're offering—one that makes sim racing and real-world racing an intertwined experience.
So next time you hear someone say "it's just a sim track, or a game"
Remember: with this kind of technology, simulating becomes believing. When we see 0.013 second differences on simulator and real life laptimes...
Sometimes, it's more real than you actually think.
Is this data for sale?
Yes, I've created a solution that allows you to use the track data accurately without any loss in time from your side and precision on my side. More details below this page with in depth Q&A. Teccon has done 7 scans and we took the best average out of it.
My personal interest in developing a virtual copy led me to negotiate a great deal with Circuit Zolder and invest in the scan myself. Our data is top-notch in the industry and is available at a very fair price. If you're interested, please send me a message on my phone, and we can schedule a call at a time that works for both of us.
For licensing, I'll personally connect you with Lorenz (Sales Manager Zolder) to ensure you receive a favorable agreement to sell and arrange public use of official content. Depending on your target audience, you can expect a fair podium win.
Gilles Villeneuve Chicane Zolder Circuit, a beauty of history.
In 1986, Circuit Zolder added a chicane to the section where
Gilles Villeneuve tragically crashed in 1982, marking a somber yet
vital improvement to the track’s safety. Over the years, this
chicane has become an iconic feature, adding to Zolder’s
complexity and demanding precision from drivers. Despite the
changes, the circuit remained a premier venue, welcoming
international championships like the FIA GT, Champ Car World
Series, and German DTM. The Formula 3 Masters also made a brief
home here in 2007 and 2008, driven from Zandvoort by noise
restrictions. Today, Zolder's ongoing legacy is etched in each
corner and chicane, preserving both speed and safety for
generations to come.
With a very accurate representation of the elevations coming down
full speed from the Sacramentsheuvel, the grip levels just before
the Gilles Villeneuve righthander are always on the edge as cars
turn in downhill.
In wet conditions this can be very tricky indeed! Note the
scandata traces of car tires in the gravel, in the simulater I
understood why
Is it really worth it?
The scan data was captured with 3mm accuracy. We have detailed captures of gravel traces, grass sprites, pines, buildings, and everything near the track. At my request, we also included the BMX area and the entrance to the pit lane.
Thanks to Teccon, we have the data available in LAS, ARENA 4D, Pointtools, and a large collection of 360-degree views at every meter of the track. I have created a workable 3D model that is game-ready, very precise recreation of the asphalt in quad mesh and triangle. Obviously less dense around asphalt areas for maximum FPS results. Wet conditions are simulated realistically, offering a highly attractive package.
I can provide scan data files only, 360-degree images, track references, video footage, game-ready 3ds Max and Blender files.
3mm High-Precision RGB Color Cloudscan of Circuit Zolder.
Capture date: May 14th 2024
Q1: What is the Zolder track scan data you are offering?
A1: We provide highly accurate 3D scan data of the Zolder race track. This includes detailed captures of gravel traces, grass sprites, pines, buildings, and all surrounding elements. Additionally, the scan covers the BMX area and the entrance to the pit lane, offering a comprehensive top-down view of the entire track environment. Most important was obviously the asphalt and curb levels. A small 1cm track edge of the asphalt giving a race car a little more grip on the inner tire edge, we got it.
Q2: How accurate is the scan data?
A2: Our scan data boasts a precision level of 3 mm, ensuring that every detail—from the asphalt surface to nearby structures—is accurately represented. This high level of accuracy is ideal for creating realistic simulations and virtual recreations. Lower than that is more a sales strategy as it was simply not possible on date of recording May 14th 2024.
Q3: In what formats is the scan data available?
A3: The data is available in several industry-standard formats, including LAS, ARENA 4D, and Pointtools. We also provide a large collection of 360-degree views captured at every meter of the track. Additionally, we offer game-ready 3D models compatible with 3ds Max and Blender. FBX, OBJ, PLY you name it, we can arrange it.
Q4: How can I use this scan data for my simulator or racing team?
A4: The scan data can be integrated into simulators to create an accurate virtual representation of the Zolder track, it's the best option I can offer for training capabilities for racing teams. It can also be used for track analysis, strategy development, and virtual practice sessions. Scanning it yourself will probably cost more as we excluded a full day on track rent costs, travel and much more.
Another question comes to mind if only iRacing did scan in the past 13 years, at least the info I got from Zolder itself, meaning that other titles to date are probably based on images and why I myself never was connected with unrealistic versions.
Q5: Is the scan data available for licensing?
A5: Yes, the scan data is available for licensing. I will personally connect you with Lorenz Van Mossenvelde to ensure you receive a favorable licensing agreement tailored to your specific needs, whether for a private simulator or other commercial applications. As example I outsourced an NDA to get the 3D work on a big event to make promotion for Circuit Zolder after Zolder approved this deal for a client of mine. Sales are forbidden obviously and big penalties will be given for non correct use as the rules by Zolder Circuit are locked in.
In simple terms: They want a correct representation, you get a deal for sales (licensing) and buy the model from me which is negotiable in terms of price setting and contract deal. Commission per sale, one invoice or how you think it might work. Getting a license without cloud model they will simply not approve as that is what we have on paper and how I secured my investement for them.
Q6: What sets your scan data apart from others in the industry?
A6: Our scan data is among the best in the industry, offering unmatched precision and comprehensive coverage of the Zolder track. We provide realistic simulations of various conditions, including wet weather, and ensure that every aspect of the track is meticulously captured for perfect recreation in simulations.
If needed I can even arrange real track data by some race teams to offer you anything you need.
Q7: How much does the scan data cost?
A7: We offer our high-quality scan data at a very fair price. For specific pricing details, please send me a message on my phone, and we can arrange a call to discuss the best option for your needs. The race game 3D meshes and texture assets are for sale for 3K€ excluding 21% Tax fee, we are looking at 3 months of one man labour. Due to a split sale I can offer this price setting for you. Cloud alone with the resources are around the same price setting. For licensing and aftersales I forward you to the Sales Manager of Zolder. If the price setting is not of your liking, I can offer a monthly payment or commission model depending on your sales.
A combination of 3D meshes and clouddata as full blown package are up for grabs at 4840€ all in which is a very low price knowing myself what devs have on average.
Q8: What additional resources come with the scan data?
A8: Along with the scan data files, we provide 360-degree images, track references, video footage, and game-ready 3D models for both 3ds Max and Blender. We also facilitate connections with the right people to ensure you have all the support you need.
Q9: Can the scan data be customized to fit specific requirements?
A9: Yes, we can tailor the scan data to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need additional areas scanned or specific modifications, we are flexible and can work with you to achieve the desired outcome.
As example, if you need to know the pit box heights I can offer you the data or cut out a piece of the track and sell it depending on the request/work. If you need specific data or heights of buildings, we got it.
Q10: How can I purchase the scan data?
A10: To purchase the scan data, please send me a message on my phone or email alonso.frederick at gmail.com. We can then arrange a (video) call at a time that suits both of us to discuss your needs and finalize the purchase over banc transfer. I can give a piece of the cloud to try out in case you are having doubts.
Once the deal is made on paper, I securely transfer the files after 50% upfront payment. The second half needs to be payed at full within 30 days of the first invoice date. No fullfilling gives you no rights in using the data in any way. Once the files are securely transfered and agreed of complete transfering, I remove them online 24h after. In case of loss I can transfer them again, support is what I have been giving to all my clients in last 18 years.
Q11: What support do you offer after purchase?
A11: We provide comprehensive support after purchase, including assistance with licensing, integration into your simulator, and any technical support you may need to effectively use the scan data.
Q12: Who can benefit from using this scan data?
A12: The scan data is ideal for simulator developers, racing teams, track enthusiasts, and anyone interested in creating accurate virtual representations of the Zolder race track. It's also beneficial for training, analysis, and enhancing the realism of racing simulations. Some people believe it's flat, from a point of view yes but not really. There is almost 5,27 meters difference between T2 and the Sacraments Heuvel. In terms of visuals, you are free to workout the 3D textures and change them how you believe it should look like. Zolder obviously needs to approve it afterward and is also a topic you should go over when arranging a license with them in case of commercial DLC sales for game/simulator versions. Raceteams or private users can use the cloud data and 3D the way they want to do it, even without textures to get height and race team simulations in. That I leave to the private users however they feel fit.
Q13: How do you ensure the quality of the scan data?
A13: We collaborated with Teccon to capture the data in multiple formats and ensure high precision. Their team meticulously processed 7 scans to create a workable LAS model that is cloud point ready, maintaining 3mm accuracy on the asphalt and optimized density around track areas for perfect simulation recreation.
Q14: What is included in the 360-degree views?
A14: The 360-degree views are captured at every meter of the track, providing a comprehensive visual reference from all angles. This feature enhances the realism of simulations and allows for detailed analysis of track conditions and surroundings. It looks like google maps street view but then way more detailed and closer. Eventually you can make these panoramic images flat with tools to use it.
Q15: Can the scan data simulate different weather conditions?
A15: Yes, our scan data includes realistic simulations of wet conditions, closely mimicking real-life scenarios. This adds another layer of authenticity to your simulations, making them more engaging and effective for training purposes as we have the heights of each mm.
Q16: Is there artwork for sale from the cloudscan?
A16: Good question I should ask Zolder about as well. For myself I made some slice thru views that look stunning on poster. The point cloud can be rendered into a resolution as big as I basically want it. From the height model itself in black and white I have surreal images for private use. Might share them later.
I end the page with a video of our recording day.
This was a full day work and 3 months arrangement to get everything sorted out.
Feel free to navigate on the above menu buttons to other nice projects.
