3D Laser Scanning Techniques
Types of 3D Scanning
Three specific types are prevalent in the AEC industry:
- 1. LIDAR
- 2. Digital photogrammetry
- 3. White-light structured scanning
Due to the unlikelihood of having an unlimited budget set aside for 3D scanning, this article will explore a few different technologies and compare both their performance and their costs – the budget may not capture reality data down to the nanometer, but that does not mean no tool is available to achieve the goal.
1. LIDAR:
LIDAR was originally a combination of the words LIght And Radar, (and later on an acronym for “Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging”.) and was first used to accurately model clouds following the invention of the laser in the 1960s.
Just as radar uses radio waves to measure the distance between the radio tower and an object, LIDAR uses lasers to create points between the laser and an object, structure or landscape. LIDAR proved itself particularly useful in surveying land and creating accurate topological maps, replacing photogrammetry due to LIDAR’s accuracy in sifting through objects that would obscure elevation and other details.
2. Digital Photogrammetry:
- Close range
- Satellite
- Unmanned Aircraft System(UAS).
3. Infrared or Structured Light 3D Scanning:
| 3D Scanning | Infrared | Photogrammetry | LIDAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| + | Inexpensive | Balanced between cost and resolution of scans | Highest quality |
| - | Not as high quality | For a higher resolution, you need a more expensive camera |
Most expensive option by far, also requires specialized knowledge and software and a relatively high-end workstation. |
A Word About the Uses of 3D Scanning
There is a misconception of “objects” translating “inanimate”, but of course, 3D scanning knows no such distinction – even a living being can be digitized and rendered inanimate with 3D scanning. An abundance of cameras and the decreasing costs of laser technology are allowing 3D scanning to find new uses in diverse sets of hands
Other fields that use 3D scanning include:
- Reverse engineering
- Prototyping
- Cultural preservation
- Historical restoration
- Quality control
- Geomatics
- Surveying
- Forensic science
- Entertainment
- Real estate
- Dentistry
- Industrial metrology
- Site metrology
- As-built design services
- Uav surveying
- Business information modeling
- Factory planning
A curious novice or an inquisitive expert, now have the information they need to take their next step.
