Terrestrial Laser Scanning also know as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an optical sensing technology used to measure and record vast amounts of 3D Data. This is achieved using a laser scanner which can be either pulse or phased based.

There are many different laser scanners for LiDAR surveys on the market. Currently they all have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the job at hand and the required client deliverable.

Pulse based scanners tend to be slower but have a longer range while phase based scanners are much faster but have a much shorter range. At Digital Surveys we mainly use Leica’s Scanning technology for terrestrial LiDAR projects and own a Leica Scan Station 2 which is currently 10-times faster than other pulsed scanners, and is generally regarded as the best all round scanner on the market. We also use the industry standard software Cyclone and Cloudworx. We also have experience using Trimbles GX scanner and Realworks software.

LiDAR and High Definition Surveying is quickly becoming the preferred technology for very detailed survey projects. It has been embraced by many heritage and conservation organisations who are using it to record exact replicas of historical and archaeological sites and buildings.

We are currently working with leading heritage organisations in the North East on a number of prestigious scanning projects. The main one being the scanning of Alnwick Castle home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and also used in the filming of Harry Potter as Hogwarts!!

Typical deliverable from a LiDAR laser scanning project are the Raw Point Cloud data as well as high definition ortho rectified images and traditional 2D elevations, plus 3D flyby and walk through movies. From the point cloud, elements can be sliced up and meshed to create full 3D models that can be exported and worked on in packages such as Autocad, Geomagic and Rhino.

Aerial LiDAR works on the same principals however the laser is mounted on a light aircraft and the scanning is carried out from above. Aerial LiDAR is best suited for covering very large distances where accuracy isn’t as important.

If you are interested in our LiDAR and 3D laser Scanning services then please email ben.bennett@digitalsurveys.co.uk to discuss your requirements

SECTOR:
Heritage & Conservation