Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning
3D Laser scanning is a non-destructive, highly accurate spatial data capture technology using fast laser and high resolution photography. Laser scanning of objects and sites is guaranteed to reduce your overall costs to deliver any project in the built environment. Not only are surveying and measurement costs reduced, but also the CAD drafting process and documentation. Project risks are reduced by lessening human error and assumptions when manually surveying a site. If done properly 3D laser scanning captures everything within a defined area, be it an industrial site, factory, processing plant, pump station, commercial building, railway infrastructure, mining and so on.
- Accurately capture existing structures, machinery, pipes, vessels, framework, plinths and equipment in highly accurate 3D point cloud data
- Analyzing and modelling from the point cloud reduces the time and cost for documentation
- Subsequent 3D modelling highlights clashes where new equipment may interrupt existing pipes and structures
- The 3D “Point Cloud” captured by multiple scanning positions is a precise spatial data representation of the scanned area and multiple measurements, slices and sections can highlight:
- Angles in 3 dimensions
- Diameters
- Lengths
- Spacing
- Potential clashes
- Space for new or replacement pipes and equipment
- 3D CAD models will be faster to produce and dimensionally more accurate by using 3D spatial data versus the older method of manual measurement and survey
- 3D Laser Scanning not only picks up every detail the scanner can “see”, but also captures high resolution colour 3D overlay photographs which significantly improves remote inspection and modelling work. The photographs are actually overlaid with the point cloud so the viewer or CAD operator can quickly switch between the two
- The resulting 3D point clouds, high resolution images and 3D model forms the baseline for not only the immediate work to be performed but future works not anticipated in the present. The baseline is also important for before and after analysis to assess the work done
- Facilities management, maintenance, site operator training and safety programs benefit through 3D inspection of a particular item or area, simulations, walk through’s and fly over’s.
- The success of your project will be beneficially improved by the use of 3D Laser Scanning:
- Reduce or eliminate measurement errors. 3D Laser Scanning and post processing is significantly lower in cost that manual measurement on its own
- Reduce or eliminate clashes when installing new equipment or structures on an existing site
- Improved management of trades through comprehensive and accurate documentation.
- Improve your supervision and interaction between trades by being able to visualize the site and new equipment in 3D back in the office before crews turn up on site.
- The overall risk of costly mistakes is lowered.
- Your project will save money and you will be able to sleep knowing you have covered the design with the best technology available.
