From Recording Buildings to Accident Scenes – The Versatility of 3D Laser Scanning
When you think of the term ‘Laser Scanning’, you might be forgiven for imagining a Sci-Fi scenario ‘a long time ago, in a Galaxy far-far away’….Well, it’s not quite like that. While it doesn’t involve lightsabres or epic space battles, laser scanning is pretty incredible in its own right. Let’s dive into what laser scanning is and how it’s revolutionising various fields.
What is 3D Laser Scanning?
Laser scanning is a technology that uses laser beams to measure and capture the precise dimensions and features of buildings, structures, and the environment. So, how does laser scanning work? Imagine a laser scanner as a device that emits a laser beam travelling to the surface of an object or structure. The laser beam then reflects off the surface and returns to the scanner. The scanner calculates the distance to the surface based on the time it took for the laser to return. This process is repeated millions of times, collecting numerous distance measurements, known as points. These points are then used to create a “point cloud,” a digital 3D representation of the scanned area.
3D Laser Scanner
FARO Focus 3D Laser Scanner
Types of Laser Scanners
Various types of laser scanners are available, each designed for specific applications:
- Terrestrial Tripod Mounted Laser Scanners: These are commonly used for detailed, stationary scanning of buildings and structures. The image above shows a terrestrial tripod-mounted FARO Laser Scanner, demonstrating this type of equipment.
- Mobile SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) Laser Scanning Devices: These can be attached to humans, robots, or vehicles, providing dynamic mapping capabilities.
- Vehicle-Mounted Laser Scanners: Ideal for mobile mapping, these are used for large-scale projects like road and infrastructure surveys.
- Drone-Mounted Laser Scanners: Perfect for remote and hard-to-reach areas, drones offer flexibility and vast aerial mapping.
Applications of Laser Scanning
Laser scanning is widely used in surveying, architecture, and construction to measure and document buildings and structures with high levels of accuracy. This includes creating accurate 2D CAD drawings or 3D digital models of existing buildings for renovation and restoration projects, ensuring that construction projects are built according to design specifications, and documenting and preserving historical structures by creating detailed digital records.
In urban planning and civil engineering, laser scanning captures the built environment, providing detailed data for various applications. It helps in mapping roads, bridges, and other structures for maintenance and development; creating 3D models of cities to aid in planning and development, and assisting in the management of large facilities like airports and industrial plants by providing accurate layout data.
Laser scanning is also used in forensic science to capture accident scenes accurately. For example, it helps in collision reconstruction by creating detailed 3D models of vehicle accidents to analyse impact points and reconstruct events. It also assists in documenting crime scenes to preserve evidence and support investigations.
3D Laser Scanning for Forensic Evidence
Point Cloud used for scene reconstruction purposes
Other Features of Laser Scanning
Laser scanning not only offers accurate measured point cloud data but also, depending on the system being used, offers high-definition 360° imagery and site walkthroughs. This data can be used as a virtual walkthrough of your property, allowing measurements to be taken and notes to be made using viewers on portals without requiring specific software or a PC capable of supporting the data due to its extremely large sizes.
For a practical demonstration of the benefits of 360° viewers, visit the FARO Webshare portal. This portal offers open-source data where you can explore a variety of 3D viewer examples. You will have the ability to:
- Drop into each scan position
- Take measurements
- Visualise the site
- Make annotations
Experience firsthand how these tools can enhance your projects and improve site analysis and communication.
Online 360° Viewer
FARO Webshare Portal for Viewing 3D Laser Scanning Data Online
Why Laser Scanning is Essential
3D Laser scanning offers numerous benefits. It provides highly accurate measurements, often negates the need to revisit sites, and captures vast amounts of data quickly, saving time compared to traditional measurement methods. The technology produces detailed 3D point clouds that offer comprehensive views of the scanned area and can be used to create digital plans or models of the scanned area or structure. The data is versatile and applicable in various fields from construction and urban planning to forensic science and historical preservation.
Our Range of Laser Scanners
At Laser Surveys, we utilise a wide range of laser scanners from industry-leading brands such as FARO, Trimble, and Leica. Our 360° viewers are available in various formats, from the FARO Webshare examples provided in this blog post to Trimble Scan Explorers, which can be conveniently shared as files without the need for creating users and access settings.
Trimble X7 Laser Scanner
Laser Scanning near Newport Suspension Bridge in Wales
Get in Touch
If you have a project that could benefit from 3D laser scanning, please get in touch with our helpful team today. Visit our contact form to start the conversation. We look forward to assisting you with your next project!
