Laser Scanning. What Is It And What Are Its Applications?

What is laser scanning?

Laser scanning is a non-contact 3D measurement technology that uses laser beams to capture millions of points from physical objects and environments. The collected data creates a point cloud that can be transformed into CAD models, BIM models, and technical documentation. Laser scanners measure the distance from the objects or areas surrounding the scanner and at the same time collect the angular information from the servomotors responsible for rotating the scanner in the horizontal and vertical planes. As a result of such measurements, we obtain a single scan that contains millions of points. Depending on the object or area being surveyed, a necessary number of scans needs to be made to achieve complete coverage of the object. Then, through a process called registration, the individual scans are combined into a whole—a point cloud that is a digital representation of the object. This point cloud can either be used directly in CAD applications for measurements and visualization or it can serve as a basis for further processing by diverse applications, such as programs for creating 3D models.

Types Of Laser Scanners Used In Professional Applications

Here are the main types of terrestrial laser scanners:

• Time of Flight (ToF) Laser Scanners: These scanners calculate distances by measuring the time it takes for a laser pulse to travel back from an object.
• Phase-Based Laser Scanners: Light emitted by the laser scanner with varying lengths are compared, and the displacement is determined based on the phase shift.
• Laser Triangulation Scanners: The scanner measures the distortion of the laser line caused by the object’s shape, allowing it to calculate distances.

Laser scanning - Pros and cons

Laser scanning offers the following advantages:

• extremely fast and efficient collection of large volumes of data
• high accuracy
• ability to cover complex objects
• possibility to re-use the same data in various projects and by various business partners
• possibility to present the data in a few ways, such as point clouds, web-based data browsers
• point clouds can be used in all reputable CAD software and systems of such industrial software leaders as AVEVA, Intergraph, Bentley, or Autodesk, to mention but a few
• limited time spent on surveying on site
• non-contact technology reducing the need for surveyors to physically access hazardous or hard-to-reach areas and enhancing safety

The disadvantages of laser scanning are:

• sensitivity of scanners to some conditions such as low or high temperature
• limited coverage of reflective surfaces
• expensive equipment and software, which may result in the cost inefficiency of purchasing a scanner for small-scale projects

In summary, laser scanning offers remarkable efficiency, precision, and coverage, but the upfront investment can be a challenge for smaller-scale endeavors.

Laser scanning - applications

3D laser scanning technology has a wide range of applications across various fields:

1. Industrial Applications:

• New Investments: Laser scanning is used where a newly built facility needs to be fit in the existing environment or infrastructure.
• Reverse Engineering: It helps recreate physical objects in digital form, useful for redesigning or improving existing facilities.
• Assembly: Laser scanning assists in aligning components during assembly processes.
• As-built Documentation: The technology is used where a plant lacks as-built documentation and the existing shape of the facility has to be captured for further activities such as design engineering, modernizations, etc.

2. Architectural and Civil Surveying:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Laser scanning captures detailed data for creating accurate 3D models of buildings and infrastructure.
• Heritage Preservation: It aids in documenting historical structures and archaeological sites.
• Urban Topography: Laser scanning provides precise elevation data for urban planning and development.

3. Mining and Geology:

• Volumetric Calculations: Laser scanning helps estimate stockpile volumes and monitor mining operations.
• Slope Stability Analysis: It assesses the stability of rock faces and slopes in mining areas.

4. Forensics and Crime Scene Investigation:

• Laser scanners assist in documenting crime scenes, capturing accurate spatial data for investigations.

5. Dentistry and Medical Applications:

• Orthodontics: Laser scanning is used for creating digital dental impressions.
• Prosthetics and Implants: Precise measurements aid in designing custom dental implants.

6. Mechanical Dimensional Inspection:

• Laser scanning verifies the dimensions and tolerances of mechanical parts.

7. Architecture and Construction:

• As-Built Documentation: Laser scanning records existing structures for renovation or remodeling projects.
• Construction Progress Monitoring: It tracks construction progress by comparing scans over time.

8. Entertainment and Virtual Reality:

• Laser scanning captures real-world environments for video games, movies, and virtual reality experiences.

9. Environmental Monitoring:

• Forest Management: Laser scanning assesses tree heights, canopy density, and forest health.
• Coastal Erosion Studies: It measures changes in coastal landscapes over time.
• Slope Security: Laser scanning supports the process of monitoring the shape of the terrain to protect from falling rocks or avalanches.

10. Transportation and Infrastructure:

• Railway and Highway Surveys: Laser scanning provides accurate data for track alignment and road design.
• Bridge Inspection: It helps assess the condition of bridges and detect their structural defects.

Capnor Laser Scanning Services

Capnor specializes in laser scanning for the oil & gas, chemical, shipbuilding, power generation, pulp & paper and construction industries.

Our main clients of 3D laser scanning services are:

• refineries
• offshore platforms
• chemical plants
• shipowners
• power plants
• engineering companies
• workshops and shipyards

We employ highly qualified personnel with years of experience backed by regular industry trainings such as BOSIET, EBS, HUET & CA-EBS, Fall Protection, and more. We also have a state-of-the-art equipment and software base. We have been ISO 9001:2015 certified for years, which attests to our attention to the quality of our projects. We carry out diverse projects all over the world.

Who needs laser scanning?

Laser scanning is useful for companies that need accurate information about existing buildings, industrial facilities, machinery or infrastructure.

It is commonly used by:

• engineering and design companies,
• industrial plant owners,
• oil and gas operators,
• shipyards and offshore companies,
• construction contractors,
• architects and BIM specialists,
• manufacturing companies,
• power plants and energy providers,
• infrastructure managers,
• companies planning retrofits or equipment replacement.

Laser scanning is particularly valuable when technical documentation is missing, outdated or does not reflect actual site conditions.

Key terms in laser scanning

• Point cloud – a digital dataset consisting of millions of measured points that represent the shape and position of physical objects.
• Scan registration – the process of combining scans captured from different positions into one coordinated point cloud.
• LiDAR – a measurement technology that uses laser pulses to determine distances and create spatial data.
• Scan to BIM – the process of converting laser scanning data into an intelligent BIM model.
• Scan to CAD – the conversion of point clouds into 2D drawings or editable 3D CAD models.
• As-built documentation – technical documentation showing the actual condition and geometry of an existing facility.
• Georeferencing – assigning collected scanning data to a defined coordinate system.
• Clash detection – identifying conflicts between existing objects and planned installations or structures.
• Field of view – the area that can be captured by the scanner from a single position.
• Scanning accuracy – the level of precision with which the scanner records distances and object positions.

Laser scanning vs traditional measurement

Laser scanning and traditional surveying can both be used to collect dimensional information. However, they differ in speed, data volume and the way measurements are recorded.

Feature	Laser scanning	Traditional measurement
Data collection	Captures millions of points automatically	Records selected points individually
Survey speed	Fast for large and complex areas	Slower when many measurements are required
Level of detail	Creates a complete spatial representation	Provides only predefined measurements
Complex geometry	Efficiently captures irregular surfaces and installations	May require many separate measurements
Site access	Can measure many objects remotely	Often requires direct access
Safety	Reduces time spent in hazardous areas	May require personnel to approach the measured object
Deliverables	Point clouds, 3D models, BIM models and drawings	Measurement reports and selected coordinates
Data reuse	The same dataset can support multiple projects	Additional visits may be required for missing dimensions
Best application	Industrial facilities, buildings and complex structures	Simple objects and individual control measurements

Traditional measurement remains effective for small tasks and selected control points. Laser scanning is generally more efficient when the project requires complete documentation of complex or extensive existing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Scanning

What is laser scanning used for?

Laser scanning is used to capture the dimensions, geometry and position of buildings, industrial facilities, machinery and infrastructure. The collected point cloud can support 3D modeling, BIM, reverse engineering, dimensional control, renovation planning and as-built documentation.

How accurate is 3D laser scanning?

The accuracy of 3D laser scanning depends on the scanner, measurement distance, environmental conditions and survey method. Professional systems can provide highly accurate data suitable for industrial design, construction coordination and dimensional verification.

The required accuracy should always be defined before the survey so that the appropriate equipment and scanning method can be selected.

What is the difference between LiDAR and laser scanning?

LiDAR is a technology that measures distances using laser light. Laser scanning is the broader process of using this technology to capture objects, buildings or environments and create point clouds.

In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably. LiDAR may also refer to systems installed on drones, vehicles or aircraft, while terrestrial laser scanning usually describes stationary scanners used from ground level.

How much does laser scanning cost?

The cost of laser scanning depends on the size and complexity of the facility, required accuracy, site location, accessibility and expected deliverables.

A project involving only point cloud collection will usually have a different cost than a complete service including registration, CAD modeling, BIM modeling or technical documentation. An individual quotation is therefore prepared after reviewing the project scope.

Is laser scanning better than traditional surveying?

Laser scanning is usually more efficient for large, complex or highly detailed objects because it captures millions of measurements in a short time.

Traditional surveying may be more suitable for individual points, simple geometry or small measurement tasks. In many industrial projects, both methods are combined to provide complete and verified data.

Can laser scanning create BIM models?

Yes. Laser scanning data can be used as the basis for creating accurate BIM models of existing buildings and industrial facilities.

This process is known as Scan to BIM. Engineers use the point cloud to model architecture, structural elements, piping, equipment and technical installations at the required level of detail.

What industries benefit most from laser scanning?

Laser scanning is particularly valuable in:

• oil and gas,
• chemical processing,
• power generation,
• shipbuilding and offshore,
• construction and architecture,
• manufacturing,
• pulp and paper,
• mining,
• transport infrastructure,
• heritage preservation.

These sectors frequently require accurate documentation of complex assets, installations and existing site conditions.

How long does a laser scanning project take?

The project duration depends on the facility size, number of scanner positions, site accessibility and required deliverables.

Data collection for a limited area may be completed during one site visit, while scanning and processing a large industrial facility may require several stages. Creating detailed CAD or BIM models usually takes longer than delivering a registered point cloud.