Laser scanning is the leading technological solution for creating 3-dimensional visualisations or representations of the real world. Data collection or surveying using laser scanning technology can be carried out during planning or design activities, before and after construction activities, and, of course, during construction activities.

Laser scanning allows for the collection of a very large quantity of data in a short period of time, which can be processed in the form and volume required. A laser scanner is a high-precision technological device that allows the operator carrying out the laser scanning to collect millions of points every second during the scanner’s operation; in simple terms, a million measurements are made every second within the working radius of the laser scanner. The measurements result in a 3D point cloud of the object to be measured, which can be used for 3D modelling or 2D plotting of almost any object contained within it.

Why order laser scanning from Geodeesia24:

• Fast: very quick data collection. It’s possible to capture and recreate the situation in a computer within seconds;
• Accurate: we can ensure accuracy up to 1mm in both stationary (buildings) and mobile scanning fields (roads, railways, bridges);
• Lots of data: it can be processed in the direction and volume necessary for the client;
• Versatile: data is the foundation of everything, it provides the opportunity to make more rational decisions. Mass data analysis is becoming increasingly efficient thanks to the advancement of software and AI, allowing more significant information to be extracted from the data.

Advantages of laser scanning:

• Lower risk of mistakes in both design and construction
• Time and cost savings, because the need for repeat surveys is reduced. Data capture is also many times faster compared to traditional methods
• Reuse of data – once a point cloud has been created, it can often be used for other purposes as well. For example, you may have produced a 3D point cloud to assess floor flatness, and later realize you also need to design a new space plan – in that case, the same measured and processed point cloud can be reused
• Faster communication between designers, builders, and the client thanks to smart digital tools

Laser scanning is growing in popularity each year, with point clouds becoming an increasingly common tool in daily operations. On one hand, equipment manufacturers are continuously improving laser scanners to produce higher-quality point clouds in shorter timeframes. On the other hand, software developers are tackling the challenge of retrieving data from point clouds in an automated and labour-efficient manner.

Thorough and reliable data is invaluable in construction when it comes to making the right decisions. 3D laser scanning provides high-quality information that architects can use for design work, site teams can rely on during construction when preparing as-built drawings, and property managers can benefit from in the maintenance and operations phase. In addition, laser scanning offers the possibility to collect data from a distance. Measurements in hard-to-reach places are safe and non-contact thanks to laser scanning.

Building laser scanning is a widely used method for collecting data about existing buildings and structures, and then processing that data to create deliverables such as 2D plans or 3D models. There are many different outputs you can produce from this type of survey. At one end, you have the 3D point cloud, a result that requires the least amount of processing. At the other end, you can go all the way to highly detailed models of complex structural connections. In between, you will find 2D building plans, elevations, and sections created in CAD software. Of course, we can also create 3D models in different software, for example Archicad and Revit. We can provide floor flatness checks, slope maps, and verticality analyses for columns and walls. Read more about building surveying here.

Laser scanning workflow in Geodeesia24:

• Office preparation – choosing the right equipment and putting together a clear work plan
• Setting up a control network on site – we place special targets and measure them with a total station. If needed, these points are also georeferenced to the height network.
• Laser scanning on site
• Point cloud registration in the office – combining the scans from different positions into one complete, unified point cloud
• Quality checks and point cloud export to the required format (.e57, .rcs, etc.) so it can be delivered to the client or used as the basis for final deliverables (3D model, 2D drawings, and more)