3D Laser Scanning: A Conventional Way of Surveying



Using indirect or direct measurements, surveying is a technique that establishes the relative positions of numerous features beneath, above, or on the earth's surface. The results are then represented as parts of a plan or map. Considering the present reality and translating it to virtual reality through equivalent mapping technologies or sophisticated software, it is employed in a wide range of technical applications. The entire goal of surveying is to create detailed records of all types of man-made objects, including buildings, trees, land contours, sidewalks, and topography. 

To collect such data, a variety of measurement techniques have been used over time. But as the world develops quickly, so does the requirement for more accurate measures. For today's needs, advanced 3D technology is more readily available than ever. Additionally, it can now provide comprehensive documentation, which with conventional measurement techniques looked practically impossible. 

Check out the uses and advantages of 3D laser scanning services for surveying: 

Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning 

Similar to reflector less total stations, a 3D laser scanner uses a single device to collect the 3D coordinates (x, y, and z coordinates) of a specified environment and creates a high-resolution point cloud. The points are referenced geographically to the instrument itself and not the actual coordinates, so they gather a whole line of sight and do not require any location input. As a result, laser scanners, which are line-of-sight, non-contact devices, are successful in obtaining 3D measurements with a precision of up to 1mm. Advanced sensors, laser beams, GPS, receiver electronics, inertial measurement units (IMU), and Photodetectors are all used in modern laser scanning methods. With all of these elements, 3D laser scanners can precisely determine the coordinates of the structures and surfaces. Surveyors can provide all the information of a particular site or structure using laser scanning. The information acquired is then brought back to the office, much like in a total station, to create models or surveys for the clients. 


3D laser scanning is advantageous for surveying 


A growing number of businesses are implementing 3D laser scanning technology to increase productivity and improve the specifications and details of their clients' offerings. While ensuring the field crew's safety, 3D laser scanning technologies can efficiently decrease labor costs and accelerate the total data collection process. Compared to conventional land surveying techniques like Photogrammetry, laser scanning technology has many advantages. The following are some advantages of 3D laser scanning:

 

1. Reduce the risk to health and safety: 

Field staffs do not need to put themselves in harmful situations since 3D laser scanners can collect data from difficult-to-reach or dangerous locations. Instead, while the laser scanner completes the task, the crew can remain secure and unharmed. 

2. Provide complete information: 

Surveyors using total stations and real-time kinetics approaches must collect measurements and numerous benchmarks at each direction or gradient change. A 3D laser scan produces an exceptionally dense point cloud with millions of points by undertaking a full 360-degree line-of-sight scan of a specific location. These points can then be used to map the land's contours and give a precise representation of how the land looks. 

3. Technology that is not intrusive: 

A major area of interest for surveyors is surveying in dangerous conditions. Laser scanners are immensely useful for conducting assessments of industrial facilities and plants since they are non-contact and non-intrusive, meaning that field teams will have the least possible impact on them. Additionally, surveyors can use laser scanners to quickly collect data in dangerous working areas from a safe distance without the use of safety harnesses or scaffold platforms. 





4. Saves effort and time: 

In most cases, standard survey methods require a 2-man crew to collect data. However, using cutting-edge 3D laser scanning technology enables businesses to collect thorough and extensive data with just a one-man team. This drastically lowers project costs, staffing requirements, and field time. Laser scanning also makes it possible to virtually visit the site of interest, which ultimately removes the need to visit the site again to take measurements that were missed. 

5. Accurate Measurement: 

With several scan configurations, 3D laser scanning provides a detailed degree of information that is challenging to obtain with conventional surveying techniques. Surveyors can provide clients with accurate measurements or 3-dimensional models of complex situations or locations using the 3D data acquired with 3D laser scanning technology for usage in: 

• Civil, mining, or architectural engineering 

• Design of ducting and piping 

• Industrial building 

• Installation and retrofit tasks 

Applications of 3D laser scanning: 

At the moment, surveying is important in practically all facets of our life. For instance, it's used to map the ocean's bottom (hydrographic survey), define the boundaries of private and public lands (cadastral survey). 

Here are a few instances of how 3D laser scanning technology (application) can be used by surveyors: 


  1. Urban topography: Urban topography is the study of a city's forms, layout, geography, and architectural heritage as they relate to town planning. Therefore, accurate, consistent, and comprehensive data must be acquired throughout a topographic survey. Urban planners must therefore gather and carefully process the data using 3D laser scanners before the development work. Additionally, it is crucial to many civil engineering projects and aids both commercial and public agencies in completing their work on time and accurately. 

 

  1. Mobile Mapping: A cutting-edge use of 3D laser scanning for surveying is mobile mapping, which involves collecting geospatial data from moving vehicles. Numerous projects need for measuring thousands of miles of road or shoreline. Mobile mapping is a great, non-intrusive approach to collect data from a moving vehicle safely. 

 

  1. Geospatial Analysis: Spatial scanning procedures typically take a long period. Sometimes, a single tiny error might have an impact on the entire project. The use of 3D laser scanning technology speeds up the planning process by significantly lowering the likelihood of human error. It also cuts down on the time needed for spatial scanning and plotting. Many professionals use laser scanners for surveying, mobile mapping, and scanning the interiors and exteriors of buildings due to the enormous value they can produce for spatial scanning. 

 

  1. Extractions by Volume: In addition, surveying is crucial for mining and building projects that require large-scale extractions. Surveying teams can quickly scan locations before and after the extraction process using laser scanners to calculate the exact amount of extracted material. 

 

  1. Analysis of traffic construction and road surveying: Another task that might be very difficult for authorities is creating highways. It is not practical to stop traffic for an extended period of time to gather data on current roadways. However, the turnaround time for road surveys and traffic construction analysis can be drastically reduced with the use of 3D laser scanners, going from months to just a few hours. 

 

  1. Applications for Piping and Bridges: Considering the safety risks of operating on highways or in a dangerous environment, documentation for high-traffic consuming bridges and intricate plumbing within manufacturing plants is difficult to acquire. While structures are being built, field surveys are still required to confirm the correctness and guarantee their proper integrity and location. A different approach to lower the risk for field employees is 3D laser scanning technology. This makes it possible for surveyors to collect data safely without having to stand in close proximity to potentially dangerous situations and materials. 


Laser Scanning Services for AEC Professionals at Top BIM Company: 


Top BIM engineers rapidly examine data on or off-site with the help of lidar technology by: 

• Capturing data under the most difficult project settings 

• Generating precise measurements and as-built documentation 

• Completely and accurately executing machine installation and alignments.  

• Quickly obtain accurate measurements and data to aid better informed and wise decision- making 

Top BIM consultants assist AEC professionals in overcoming all issues, whether you require site scanning, dimensional analysis, 2D/3D drawings, or fabrication drawings. 

To know more about 3D laser scanning BIM services, get in touch with Top BIM team in USA at 240 899 7711 or info@topbimcompany.com. 

 

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