The process of Laser Scanning, which is otherwise known as ‘Reality Capture’ or ‘High Definition Surveying’ is a method that uses laser light to take measurements and capture environments in 3D with speed and accuracy. This service serves a variety of clients and project results and will only continue to grow in popularity with technological advancements.
A laser scanner operates by issuing a beam of light that rotates vertically 270 degrees and horizontally for 360 degrees. Each surface touched by light is reflected and registered as a data point, which is given colour and surface reflectivity. One catching session can record hundreds of millions of these points which, if combined, will create what is called a cloud point.
Benefits of Laser Scanning:
High speed data retrieval.
Greater accuracy compared to traditional methods.
Enhanced security – being able to take measurements without physical contact makes it perfect for areas that are tricky to get to or dangerous.
The ability to create a realistic visualization which provides greater analysis choices.
Helping the coordination of space and team working between architects, engineers and construction companies.
The process can be used for fully implemented 3D models for different formats, such as BIM, for example. For more information on BIM Technology, contact https://www.bimtech-eng.com/
If your project involves complex aspects of mapping, where sites may be dangerous, difficult to access or require limited critical infrastructure downtime, laser scanning is the most effective choice.
Capturing Data
All laser scanners work through the site line. This means that on a typical project, several scans must be taken from different points of view to ensure a complete data set. For the scanning of bigger objects like buildings, it’s usual to complete a scan point of 3mm density at 10m. This means that there is a distance of 3mm between each point from a distance of 10 metres away from a scanner.
It is essential that the correct density point is established before starting a project. Too low a density point will mean the main features, edges etc. may not be visible in the results.
After the data has been downloaded, the data is registered and cleared so that it is ready to be modelled. Erroneous points or noise can be removed from the data and checked for overall accuracy and compliance with project tolerances as needed. Using the cloud point data specialist plugin included in the modelling software for the specific project, this can be AutoCAD 3D, Revit, or BIM, for example. A modelling team then converts point data into 3D models that are put together or appear. After completing the last model, the quality is checked for a final time against the point cloud, cleaned of anything unwanted and checked for potential problems in the format desired by the client.
