3 Dimensional Laser Scanning
Bolton & Menk, Inc. has the capabilities to provide to our clients full three dimensional models of existing infrastructure. This exciting new technology allows us collect information without actually touching the object being mapped. In an industrial situation this means that processes may not have to be interrupted to perform the survey. In the case of highway mapping, traffic flow is not interrupted and field crew safety is enhanced.
The Process
By emitting thousands of laser beam pulses per second, a laser scanner three dimensionally maps an area of interest. The instrument rotates 360 degrees around a fixed axis, firing laser beam pulses and calculating the return time once the beam has bounced off the surface of the object being tested. Measured points create a “cloud of points” in an X, Y and Z coordinate system relative to the instrument.
Using laser scanning software, highly accurate topographic maps, surfaces, cross sections, cut-aways, quantities, models, reports, images and animations can be created from massive amounts of “point cloud” data.
The Results
- Generate maps and reports identifying volumes, measurements and component sizes.
- Generate images of the “point cloud” or modeled components in standard formats.
- Generate animations of the “point cloud” or modeled components as an AVI file.
- Export the raw data or “point cloud” as an ASCII file for importing into most CAD systems.
- Export 2-D lines or 3-D modeled objects that have been generated in the scanning software for importing into most CAD systems.
- Export the size and type of piping and steel modeled objects when a standard parts table is used.
- Export surfaces and contours for use in most CAD systems.
The Benefits
- Faster. Laser scanning is faster than conventional methods of data collection, measuring thousands of points per second compared to one point at a time.
- More Data Collected. Laser scanning allows more data to be collected than conventional methods which provides greater detail on complex objects.
- Safety. Laser scanning allows data in unsafe work environments to be collected.
- Less Re-Work. Information is gathered in 3D and can be reviewed visually in the office at any time. The risk of missing information in the field is greatly reduced.
- Reduced Shutdown Time. There is less of a need to shut down roads or processing plants when using laser scanning.
- Visualize Reality. Laser scanning provides a better understanding of the environment in and around the area of interest; the laser scanning software can provide a pre-installation assessment of clearances and possible clashes between the existing conditions and a design model.
Browse to our other Surveying services:
Engineering and Architectural Design Surveys
Boundary Surveys, Both Rural and Urban
Section Corner Remonumentation
Right-of–Way and Easement Acquisition Surveys