3D Laser Scanning Surveys
Laser scanning is changing the way surveyors work and collect data. In the past, the survey of a building or structure required the use of a Total Station to record chosen three-dimensional positions. These would then be processed in AUTO CAD and used to generate elevations. With laser scanning this has fundamentally changed.
The scanner records three-dimensional positions at a predetermined resolution (1mm – upwards) over a chosen area, generating thousands of high-accuracy coordinates. The surface of a scanned structure is then represented as a dimensionally accurate ‘point cloud’ in full 3D.
Scanning WorkFlow
- Scan area from multiple locations
- Register scan together using overlapping points / targets
- Import known Co-ordinates
- Clean noise from data
- Produce desired deliverable
There are two principal advantages of using laser scanning. Firstly, the technology is extremely rapid, vastly reducing the time required on site. Secondly, it generates huge quantities of data which means that the client is not restricted to the skeleton measurements traditionally taken. Once back in the office it is possible to take numerous measurements and to interrogate the data, as well as generate elevations, ortho rectified images or use the point cloud as the basis for 3D modeling.
The quantities of data generated from laser scanning can also be used in a variety of ways. In addition to providing a basis for generating drawn elevations and plans, the data can also be modeled to generate continuous mesh or solid surfaces, that can be exported to a variety of architectural software packages. These models can form the basis for reconstruction and visualisation. Equally they can be used as the basis for architectural design, to explore how new buildings might fit within the current environment.
For heritage work or areas where very high quality images are required a separate Digital SLR is used in conjunction with the scanner to take high resolution images from the scanner locations. These images can then be merged with the point cloud.
Once we’ve scanned a the building or utility, we can make the results available online using Leica’s Tru View plugin.
This provides a rich 3D online environment that can be used to view and take measurements from the point cloud, using a standard web browser. This opens up a host of new ways for engineers and managers to visualise a project in its true location and then collaborate on a project marking up and sharing dimensionally accurate notes.
Sectors Utilising 3D Laser Scanning:
- Archaeological Heritage Conservation
- Civil Engineering
- Architectural Surveys
- Mining
- Forensic Investigation
- Offshore Oil, Gas and Marine
- Decommissioning
- Nuclear Inspection
- Games VFX & Film Industry
Slide 4