What is laser scanning?

Laser scanning can be divided into two main activities - field work and data post processing.

Field work - scanning

The principle of laser scanning is not that difficult to understand. The technology making it possible, however, is very advanced.

Laser light is reflected off physical objects, and the distance to the scanner is determined to within a few milimetres. Also, the direction of the light emitted is registered. This calculates to a point position x, y, z in a local Cartesian coordinate system.

The scanner collects thousands of Cartesian coordinate point positions per second, which together make a large point collection, known as a "point cloud". Putting several point clouds together we can create a point cloud representation of the scanned object's geometry. This point cloud model is very accurate, with a single point accuracy within a few milimetres. It is the raw material for creation of a corresponding accurate 2D or 3D CAD model, or it can be a deliverable itself.

Why laser scanning?

• to avoid rework and clashes
• to shorten schedules and deadlines
• to save design and installation hours
• to reduce costs
• to increase safety