Understanding 3D Laser Scanning: Applications and Benefits
It is not uncommon to hear the question, what is 3D laser scanning? The succinct answer is that it’s the modern alternative to manual measuring and hand sketching surveying methods.
3D laser scanning uses high-definition LIDAR (Light, Imaging, Detection and Ranging) technology to capture large volumes of highly detailed data over a short space of time. The laser scan captures millions of single points to form a precise point-cloud model of a structure.
This model provides the foundation to produce accurate and highly detailed drawings, including 2D plans, cross sections and elevations. It is also possible to precision-model external and internal features of a structure in 3D.
Our guide to 3D laser scanning answers the question of what is 3D laser scanning and how it works in more detail. But now, let’s move on to the subject of the benefits of 3D laser scanning across a range of different scenarios.
3D laser scanning for churches
3D laser scanning is particularly valuable in capturing the intricate details of churches, which often feature high ceilings, complex architectural elements, and delicate mouldings.
Church surveying has traditionally been a challenging area. But 3D laser scanning, combined with the expertise and experience of the surveyor, makes it possible to reproduce the fine detail that gives these buildings their unique character.
3D laser scanning at-a-glance benefits for churches:
High detail capture: 3D scanning allows measurements to be taken from a distance. This enables the preservation and restoration of intricate details that are difficult to measure manually.
Historical preservation: 3D laser scanning creates accurate digital records for conservation and restoration purposes.
Access and safety: Removes the need for scaffolding and ladders, making it safer to document hard-to-reach areas.
Non-invasive: 3D laser scanning is a non-contact technology, requiring no physical contact with the object or environment being scanned. Particularly valuable when dealing with potentially crumbling structures.
What is 3D laser scanning’s role for schools?
For education property surveys, especially during term time, the need for fast and efficient surveying is paramount.
3D laser scanning offers the following benefits:
Minimal disruption: Rapid data collection minimises disruption to school activities during term time. In a situation where it’s vital to be in and out of a property as quickly as possible, 3D laser scanning offers the ideal solution.
Refurbishment and extensions: 3D laser scanning provides precise measurements for renovation projects as well as assisting with the efficient layout of new facilities and extensions, ensuring accurate planning and budgeting.
Future planning: One of the key benefits of 3D laser scanning is that it captures all the data in a sphere around itself, regardless of whether that data was requested. This means that any information that may be required in the future can be extracted without having to revisit the school, saving any further disruption and costs.
3D laser scanning for offices
Office buildings benefit from quick and non-intrusive surveying, essential for busy work environments.
3D laser surveys bring value to office building surveying in various ways:
Efficiency: Fast scanning reduces downtime and disruption to daily operations, leaving productivity intact.
Facility management: 3D laser surveys can be used to assist with space planning, facilities management and redesign projects. Again, with the sphere of data collected, additional information can be tapped into long after the survey was taken.
Modifications and upgrades: The detail of the drawings produced from the 3D laser survey means it’s possible to achieve as-built representations, especially useful for future modifications and upgrades.
What is 3D laser scanning’s role for historic buildings?
Crumbling or deteriorating historic buildings require precise documentation to identify areas in need of repair, and to ensure accurate and sympathetic restoration.
3D laser scanning aids:
Preservation: Detailed scans can be used to aid in the preservation and restoration of historic architecture, identifying structural issues and areas of deterioration with great precision.
Replica creation: 3D scans produce exact replicas of architectural elements, which can be referred to for considerate restoration.
Non-invasive investigations: 3D laser scanning doesn’t require any physical contact with the heritage building being scanned, avoiding potential damage to period features. Also, as measurements can be taken from a distance, the scanning process remains safe, which is beneficial where heritage buildings are in poor condition.
3D laser scanning in construction
The benefits of 3D laser scanning in construction are many:
Pre-construction: 3D scans accurately confirm existing site conditions, forming the basis for the plans, models and records that play a critical role in the project. Once again, the sphere of data capture provides valuable when it transpires that more information is required, negating the need for additional site visits which lead to delays and added costs.
During construction: Laser scans are useful for checking build accuracy against designs, facilitating quality control and helping identify any deviations early on so that timely corrections can be made.
Post-construction: 3D laser scanning can prove priceless in verifying that the completed structure is an exact match for the original design. They can also be used to form an as-built model, helpful for planning future maintenance and modifications.
3D laser scanning for industrial plants
In industrial settings, such as factories and plants, 3D laser scanning can be used to map out complex machinery and infrastructure.
Maintenance and upgrades: 3D scanning simplifies maintenance planning and upgrades, without disrupting operations.
Safety: Laser scans help in planning safe installation and maintenance procedures. Factories and plants often have tight tolerances to accommodate specialist machinery, and the 3D scans will ensure everything fits and operates safely within its given space.
Efficiency: 3D scanning can be used to enhance efficiency in retrofitting and space utilisation projects.
3D laser scanning for transportation infrastructure
Transportation infrastructure, including bridges, overpasses, tunnels and railways, all of which work to tight tolerances, can be precisely documented using 3D laser scanning.
Benefits include:
Structural integrity: 3D laser surveys assist in monitoring and maintaining the structural integrity of infrastructure.
Renovation projects: Laser surveys provide accurate data for renovation and expansion projects.
Safety assessments: Laser scans can be used to enhance safety assessments and support regulatory compliance.
Callidus Surveys: Combining Expertise and Experience with the Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning
It is clear to see how 3D laser scanning stands out as a versatile and highly effective tool across a variety of applications. Whether it’s preserving the past, enhancing the present, or planning for the future, this technology offers unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.
But it is important to realise that it is not the technology alone that delivers all the benefits. The skill and knowledge that an experienced surveyor adds to the mix is invaluable when it comes to interpreting data and preparing drawings for any application.
The ability of the surveyor to identify critical structural elements and potential problem areas that may be missed by lower-skilled 3D scanner operators is vital in the success of any project. But further than this, soft skills, such as the discretion to work around office staff, or to pause and attend to the questions posed by curious schoolchildren shows that it’s not just the technology that matters.
If you’d like to book a 3D laser survey for any type of building, simply send us your specification and we’ll respond with a quote, and the answers to any questions you may have.