3D Laser Scan Service

Laser scanning is a popular surveying method that can accurately measure and collect data from objects, surfaces, buildings, and landscapes. Laser scanners collect information as point cloud data, consisting of millions of 3D coordinates (XYZ coordinates).

The history of laser scanning goes back to the 1960s. In the beginning, the equipment was basic, consisting of a camera, projector, and light. These early scanning systems took a long time to process the data. Then, in 1985, these simple scanners were replaced by the LiDAR system - high-quality scanners that use laser beams and shading to collect data regarding objects and surfaces.

Modern laser scanners can collect detailed point clouds, and with point cloud processing software, these datasets can generate digital 3D models of the scanned environment.

1. How does laser scanning work?

3D laser scanning these day involves much more advanced technology than it did in the 1960s. Today's laser scanning processes use laser beams, advanced sensors, Global Positioning System (GPS), Units. inertial measurement unit (IMU), receiver electronics and photodetector. Using all these components, laser scanners can accurately calculatecoordinates of surfaces and structures.

First, the laser scanning system emits light waves from surfaces and bounces back to the sensor. The sensor then calculates the surface distance by measuring the time it takes for the light beam to complete its journey. This process is known as "time of flight" measurement. The measured distance is then used to calculate the coordinates for the small part of the surface hit by the laser. All of this happens in just a few seconds, and in one scan, the laser scanner collects millions of 3D coordinates.

As the point clouds from the laser scan are processed, they form a digital model of the scanned surfaces, showing the dimensions and spatial relationships of topographic features and structures. .

 

2. Advantages of 3D Laser Scanning

Laser scanning has several advantages over conventional surveying methods, such as photogrammetry. Here are some reasons why organizations use 3D laser scanning for surveys.

2.1. Laser scanners can collect data quickly

Laser scanning is the fastest field survey method available today. Laser scanners can collect millions of data points in seconds, reducing the time and human resources required to complete surveys. This survey method is perfect for projects that require rapidity.

2.2. The system can be attached to the vehicle

For projects that require information from large landscapes or extensive road or rail networks, laser scanning systems can be mounted on land or airborne vehicles. The system can then collect data from all required areas in a short period of time.

2.3. Laser scanning can reduce health and safety risks

Use laser scanners to gather information from dangerous or hard-to-reach locations. Surveyors can safely stay out of harm's way while the scanner does its job.

2.4. 3D scanning system can survey inaccessible areas

Before the advent of laser scanning, certain areas were not allowed to be used by surveyors. But with a vehicle-mounted LiDAR system, organizations can collect point cloud data from even the most inaccessible areas. For example, drone-mounted LiDAR can survey unsafe locations and structures.

Because laser scanning is a non-contact survey method, it can also survey sensitive objects or areas, such as vulnerable historical sites.

2.5. Create detailed 3D models from scan data

Perhaps the biggest advantage of laser scanning is that the scan data can generate 3D CAD models. These 3D digital models can be used to analyze topographic features, structures, and traffic corridors. They can also be used to simulate urban planning or construction projects.

3. Applications of Laser Scan

Laser scanning is used in many high-value, government-supported and privately funded projects such as defense and road surveying. Some of its other famous applications are listed below.
3.1. Scan space

Usually, the spatial scanning process takes a long time and one small mistake can affect the entire project. Laser scanners not only reduce the time taken in graphing and spatial scanning, but also improve the planning process and significantly reduce the number of errors in the data collection process. Researchers use spatial scanning data for mobile mapping, surveying, scanning of buildings and interior.

3.2. Road survey and traffic construction analysis

Expressway development is one of the most challenging tasks for the authorities because they can't stop traffic for too long to gather information about existing roads - but they can't delay construction either.

Laser scanners reduce turnaround time for road surveying and traffic construction analysis from weeks to hours.

3.3. Urban terrain

Urban topography is an interdisciplinary study of towns - form, composition, architectural history, geography,... for town planning. This is an important process as it requires regular, accurate data collection to data processing before starting development work.