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The concept of 3D laser scanning is pretty straightforward: you scan a physical object and collect relevant data about its appearance, shape, colour and other elements to use in creating a 3D model. But while the idea is simple, the process and technology involved in 3D laser scanning is quite complex.
So if you’re looking to work with a 3D laser scanning London company, it’s best to start by understanding what 3D laser scanning service really is, what its benefits are and why it’s best to work with the right company for your needs.
Defining 3D laser scanning
You may be one of those thinking about how 3D laser scanning London practices could be beneficial to your needs. In its essence, 3D scanning uses non-contact, non-destructive phase-based or LIDAR technology to scan a physical object using laser light. Using a 3D scanner, 3D “point cloud” data is captured from the object in a range of settings to determine its exact size, shape and form to be rendered into a 3D representation.A 3D laser scan can create precise measurements and capture fine details in free-form shapes turning them into accurate “point clouds.” Each coordinate in a point cloud is represented as x (easting), y (northing) and z (elevation). With 3D laser scanning, exact measurements can be taken from one point to any other point within the point cloud.
How Else is a Point Cloud Survey Beneficial?
Point cloud survey data is quick to achieve and to export. Whether you are working with a London 3D laser scanning company or otherwise, a scanner can easily map out points and create adaptable data in a matter of minutes. Consider the amount of time it would normally take to measure the whole of a room or a space! The very fact that you can now scan a space in minutes and expect a point cloud is nothing short of tremendous.There is also unrivalled accuracy in point cloud data. By using millions of points, 3D laser scanners are able to produce visualisations and plans which would otherwise be rough estimates on paper. Point cloud data through leading scanner hardware is, on the whole, accurate within 1mm. This means even if you are scanning a large or complex space, you can always expect to receive true depictions of the area you are working with.
The common uses of 3D laser scanning
With its ability to capture precise digital information, 3D laser scanning can be used in a wide variety of applications. But it’s mostly used in:- Architectural documentation and historical preservation
- Virtual design and construction
- As-built AutoCAD drawings (or plans)
- Pre-fabrication and clash detection
- Design engineering
- Construction verification
- Geospatial data collection
- As built 3D BIM model
- Deformation analysis, volume and overhead clearance calculations
The process of 3D laser scanning
Although the process of 3D laser scanning may vary depending on its application, these are the common steps used to capture precise point cloud data of an object in a point cloud survey:- Data acquisition The object to be scanned is placed on the bed of a 3D scanner or digitiser where specialised software then drives a laser probe above its surface to scan the object. This probe projects two lines of laser light onto the object while two sensor cameras take measurements based on the distance and shape of those lines in XYZ points.
- Data analysis Once the scan is complete, the data captured will be transferred to a computer where the object will look like millions of points or the point cloud. 3D scanners gather data so quickly that it can capture 750,000 points per second.
Once the point data file is created, all the information gathered from the scan is merged to create a 3D representation of the object and processed using various software depending on their applications. For instance, a designer could compare the point cloud data against his CAD nominal data through a colour map deviation report. This will make it easier to present data in 3D representation.
The benefits of 3D laser scanning
Working with a 3D laser scanning company means you get to enjoy these benefits:- Accuracy: 3D laser scanning is considered the most accurate method of taking measurements available today. Handheld devices and tape measurements are still prone to errors, but 3D scanning can take precise measurements even in free-form objects.
- Speed: Unlike taking measurements by hand that takes time, a single 3D laser scanner an produce up to one million 3D data points per second offering incredibly accurate measurements of every aspect of an object.
- Safety: While there are a lot of hazards in taking measurements in hard to reach or dangerous locations, 3D scanning allows for safe data collection without the need for lifts, cranes or harnesses.
3D laser scanning to point cloud 3D scanning services are definitely some of the best technologies to use for a wide range of applications because of its many benefits. And the best part is, you don’t need to invest in a 3D laser scanner yourself because you can always work with a 3D laser scanning company to get the job done for you. Book a free quote with us to know more about our 3D scanning services in London.
