3D LASER SCANNING

WHAT IS 3D LASER SCANNING

Laser scanning is non-contact surveying method, which allows obtaining a very detailed three-dimensional depiction of an object and its surroundings in a relatively short time period. This technology is effective and useful in particular situations, for recording status, because it offers incomparably more information about the object than any other traditional surveying method, as well as provides millimetre accuracy! The most popular applications are documentation of architecture and culture historical monuments, as well as recording of objects for design and construction needs.

HOW TO ORDER 3D LASER SCANNING?

To prepare a successful offer, we require the following information:

• inventory case (if available);
• images of the site (if available);
• floor layout plans, in which the current situation is displayed (if available);
• any other information, that might help study the existing situation.

The more information is available of the above mentioned, the more precisely we can prepare the price offer, as well as we calculate the time required for 3D laser scanning surveys at the site.

3D LASER SCANNING END-PRODUCT

Point cloud is the primary end-product. It is a dense cluster of points, which consists of millions of points, each having XYZ coordinate established at millimetre accuracy. As during the surveying the 3D scanner implements also photo imaging, point cloud is colourful, depicted in the same colours as the object at site. Data are collected in 1:1 ratio, which means that the true and actual sizes of the object are recorded without any deviations.

Although a point cloud is the most extensive scanning product according to the number of data, several other engineering technical materials can be obtained from it:

• Horizontal and vertical cross-sections are formed, when diving the point cloud by a plane, thus quickly and easily obtaining 2D plans. In point clouds it is also easy to review the object geometry, and to establish dimensions and spaces.
• A 3D model will always have lower accuracy than a point cloud, but it allows viewing the structure as a closed shape. Thus it is more convenient for visualisations, analyses, designing and data exchange purposes.
• Relief model is necessary for analysing the relief of the required surroundings.
• Mesh model is very useful for visualisation and modelling of various elements.
• WEB browser is simple, user compatible object viewing tool. You can navigate in it similarly as using Google Street View and see the direct image at the moment of scanning. Since the visual appearance is based on actual scanned data, in the viewpoint you can make distance and area measurements.
• Executive surveys and control mechanism – thanks to the amount of the surveyed data the scanner allows us not only to check separate characteristic points, but also the general status of an entire required element, such as a column, wall, window, beam etc. and to analyse its geometry.

APPLICATION OF THE SCANNED DATA

• Documenting and restoration of the already mentioned culture monuments.
• Architecture and design.
• Designing, construction, management.
• Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is gradually becoming an industry standard.
• Construction of ships, boats and other vehicles.
• Surveying tasks.
• Archaeology.
• Military and rescue services.
• Other non-traditional industries like cinema, forensics.

QUALITY OF THE SCANNED DATA

Scanner accuracy is not the only criteria, which provides the accuracy of a point cloud. It is formed of 5 parameters – scanner laser type, instrument accuracy, number and location of stations, as well as the reflection rate of the object surface. Thus, if the surveying accuracy of the equipment is 1 mm, with few exceptions the total cloud accuracy will be larger – 3 to 7 mm.

Another parameter of the scanned data is resolution or point cloud density. This is the distance till every next measurement point. At objects, where especially high detailing is necessary, this density may reach even 0.1 mm between the points. In architecture applications this distance is usually 3 to 5 mm. To obtain general geometry in archaeology, the control of planes can be achieved with low detailing, where the point density may be from 1 cm to 10 cm or more.

Resolution choice depends on object character and the goal for which laser scanning is implemented.

DEMO DATA SAMPLES

Here you can download 3D point cloud in various formats. Thus you have the opportunity to see yourself what the point cloud is like and to evaluate, if you can use such type of data in your work.

3D point cloud can be downloaded in various formats, depending on the application you are working with.

3D point cloud in PTS format (data volume 14.5Gb)

3D point cloud in XYZ format (data volume 14Gb)

3D point cloud in POD format (data volume 12.3Gb)

3D point cloud in DXF format (data volume 4.07Gb)

3D point cloud in E57 format (data volume 15.6 Gb)

3D point cloud in RCS format (for importing to AutoDesk applications) (data volume 2.41Gb)

3D point cloud in E57 reduced size (data volume 1.60Gb) (for importing to ArchiCad application)

All files that can be downloaded are zipped using 7Zip application. If you do not have this application to unzip these files, download the application free of charge here: http://www.7-zip.org/

If you are unable to download any of the files, or if you have any other inquiries regarding the import of point cloud to various applications, do not hesitate to contact us – Kristaps Kļava, +371 22006970, kristaps.klava@merko.lv