What is the Future of 3D Laser Scanning?
The way we design, build, and manage spaces is changing quickly. Technologies like 3D laser scanning, digital twins, and virtual tours are no longer just buzzwords. They’re important tools to utilize in the project lifecycle. These solutions capture real-world conditions with precision. They reduce risk and support reliable decisions.
As Matt Mikolajczyk, Existing Conditions’ Director of Reality Capture Services, explains, “Laser scanning should go beyond line of sight by adding context, like rebar thickness, concrete depth, and conduit placement under the slab, the thickness of walls, adding an extra layer of attribute data.”
This means capturing details from both above and subsurface, which helps provide a complete picture for every project stage. The future of reality capture goes further than line of sight.
How Does 3D Laser Scanning Work?
A 3D laser scanner is a powerful tool. It measures and maps spaces with millimeter accuracy. The laser pulses off surfaces and return to the scanner’s sensor, a process known as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). The scanner measures the time between each outgoing and incoming pulse to calculate the exact distance to the object. Each pulse produces data points with known X, Y, and Z coordinates.
To capture a complete site view, the scanner records data from different viewpoints. The scanner gathers millions of points. These points create a point cloud, forming a detailed 3D dataset of the site.
LiDAR-based scanners get speeds of up to two million points per second and maintain accuracy within 2-4 millimeters. This level of performance allows the Project Manager to document complex environments quickly.
What is the Current Market Landscape?
Future Market Insights, Inc. states, “From 2020 to 2024, the 3D scanning market grew from USD 3.3 billion to USD 5.1 billion, driven by hardware-centric adoption.” During this time, equipment manufacturers drove about 70% of revenue, including Hexagon AB, FARO, and Creaform.
Accuracy, speed, and cost savings were competitive attributes. Demand for 3D laser scanning is growing and is expected to reach $16.66 billion by 2030. Laser scanning technology has made big strides. It now offers better resolution and faster real-time processing.
Here is how the architectural, engineering, and construction industries leverage 3D laser scanning:
- Architects use 3D laser scanning services to save time, reduce costs, and make informed design decisions. An inaccurate set of as-builts leads to major cost overruns and delays. 3D laser scanning streamlines their workflows. This helps them skip time-consuming manual measurements and focus on their designs.
- Engineers rely on existing conditions documentation to confidently plan design upgrades or modifications. Errors in as-built documentation can disrupt workflow and cause costly delays. Engineers use 3D laser scanning for its fast and precise measurements.
- Builders and general contractors need accurate as-built documentation because it helps them meet design specifications, resolve on-site issues, and keep projects on schedule. Accurate as-built drawings and BIM models are then created from 3D point clouds. These deliverables help with renovation planning and construction sequencing. They support important project decisions.
The AEC industries use 3D laser scanning the most. Yet, many other industries also use this technology. The entertainment industry uses scan data to create lifelike virtual worlds. Police departments use it to recreate crime scenes and enhance investigations. Scientists use scan data to better comprehend the world and track environmental changes. Archaeologists use it to analyze and learn about artifacts. It reveals information that past tools couldn’t show.
How is 3D Laser Scanning Evolving?
History of 3D Laser Scanning
Before 3D laser scanning, building industry professionals relied on manual methods to create building drawings. Surveyors and draftsmen used tape measures and levels to hand-measure sites. They sketched layouts in field notebooks. Then, they used graph paper and drafting tools to produce scaled drawings.
Blueprint machines made the final versions. They were stored in physical archives and shared with architects, engineers, and contractors. This process was time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
RELATED ARTICLE: Read more about The History of 3D Laser Scanning
The Use of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) Technology
3D laser scanning is changing fast. One big change is the use of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology.
According to FARO, "It is the process of mapping an area while keeping track of the location of the device within that area. This is what makes mobile mapping possible, allowing the digitization of large areas in much shorter spans of time."
This dual capability is very helpful in environments where GPS is unavailable. Examples of these spaces include underground tunnels, crowded city areas, or disaster zones.
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Want to see how far 3D laser scanning has come, and where it’s headed next? Read the full article here.
FAQs
What is 3D Laser Scanning?
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3D laser scanning captures the as-built documentation of existing buildings or sites. Data is acquired with a 3D laser scanner equipped with LiDAR technology in the form of a point cloud and is used to develop 2D CAD drawings or 3D BIM models, expediting the design, planning, and development of architecture, engineering, and construction projects.
How Does Laser Scanning Work?
One primary method is that a laser scanner sends light pulses at high speeds which reflect off objects and return to the scanners’ sensor. For each pulse, the distance between the scanner and object is measured by determining the elapsed time between the sent and received pulses. Each point of the scan will be converted to a pixel with a known x-, y-, and z- coordinate. Laser scans or LiDAR scans are taken in multiple positions around a site from varying viewpoints. Millions of data points are captured and processed into a point cloud, creating an accurate data set of the structure or site.
How does Existing Conditions stay at the forefront of technological innovation in delivering its as-built drawings service?
Existing Conditions stay at the forefront of technological innovation in delivering our as-built drawings service because we pride ourselves on our integration of technology by employing the highest possible quality of tools available. This includes high-definition laser scanning and advanced drone surveys, as well as advanced 3D digital modeling techniques. By continuously investing in the latest tools and technologies, Existing Conditions aims to make our clients’ projects successful in today's competitive market.
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