Tech Tuesday - Applications and industries Laser scanning can be used

Applications and industries Laser scanning can be used

Laser scanning has been an evolving technology because of advances in hardware and software. A three dimension Laser Scanning is a technology that captures digitally the shape of an object using a line of sight. It is non-contact and non-destructive technique. It creates point cloud of information from the face of an object. 3D laser scanner captures a physical object’s precise size and figure into the computer as a digital 3D representation. It’s also preferred when measuring and inspecting contoured surfaces and geometries which are complex and requires enormous amount of information for accurate description.

There are different types of scanners and all work on same principle. Laser beam automatically rotates around vertical axis and moves up and down. When the beam hits object some energy bounces back to the scanner where the returned energy signal is strong enough and the scanner detects it and the time to calculate the distance between the object and the scanner. It calculates the 3D (X, Y, Z) distances. It takes 360⁰ rotations.  Scanners can be easily geo-referenced.

The advantages of using 3D laser scanner include:

     a) Accuracy

Because of sheer number of points collected, a best fit is computed to locate features like the size and shape of the object. 3D scanner surveys building features and provide incredible details thus more accurate model for existing conditions.

     b) Versatility 

It can be applied in various fields like architectural, engineering, construction, survey, interior design among others. This enables it to broaden its use and also gains acceptance of technology.

     c) Compatibility

Software developers ensures scanners work with the point cloud (X, Y, Z points) generated by laser scanners.

     d) Worker safety

Safety is paramount in any 3D laser scanning project. The scanner is located in a non-hazardous region and it collects information at varying distances like in entering roadways, or dodging any heavy equipment is eliminated.

     e) Comprehensive

3D laser scanner captures data from the entire surface within the scanner field regardless of the kind of the area. A complete model of visible areas is obtained by moving the scanned locations and data registration from every location. This minimizes the cost of revisiting a site especially for projects that involve travels

Laser scanners are applied in various fields that is; Engineering, Architecture, Construction, interior design, historical preservation, ship building, crime scenes and insurance.

Scan On,

DimTec 3D