Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning in Construction

Posted by Parshvanath Kale on August 3rd, 2022

What is 3D Laser Scanning?

3D laser scanning has made an impact not only in the AEC business, but also in other industries such as film and media, gaming and technology, medical, manufacturing, automotive, and many more. Even though it has taken a little longer for technology to reach the construction industry, it is increasingly becoming a standard on construction sites around the world. 

3D laser scanning, also known as high-definition surveying or reality capture is a method of collecting extremely fine and accurate data about a construction site using laser rays. A laser beam assesses the structure’s numerous dimensions, including the length, width, and height of the building components, as well as their connections to one another. Terrestrial and mobile 3D scanning are approaches for swiftly and accurately collecting high-density spatial images with millions of coordinates.

Laser Scanning is a technique for scanning objects on a construction site that employs a specific technology. LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) is the name of the technology. The point cloud image created by the 3D laser scanner accurately copies the scanned items. Depending on the manufacturer and type of the 3D scanner, it can be used up to a distance of several meters. The data obtained can subsequently be utilized to build 2D CAD drawings or 3D Revit BIM models using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD) tools.

Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning in the AEC Industry

There are numerous advantages to using laser scanning for your next project. Here are some of the most compelling reasons why laser scanning could be beneficial to your projects:

• In comparison to conventional surveying, the current technique is far more accurate and precise. This is due to the fact that laser scanning eliminates human mistakes. The 3D scanning point cloud data is so detailed that it catches almost every feature of the object being scanned. The chances of missing something during the scan are slim, and the chances of making an error are also slim.
• 3D laser scanners eliminate the use of unused resources and labor, resulting in cost and time savings.
• Workers and other staff on construction sites are concerned about their safety. Portable surveying 3D laser scanners can collect precise measurements from up to several hundred feet away.
• Building scans can be completed in a matter of minutes, much faster than traditional surveying.
• Get a detailed list of the current as-built conditions. Obtain lasting records for usage now or in the future.
• Examine the architecture of floors, walls, and buildings, among other things. The SCAN-to-BIM method is used to upload data from laser scans into BIM schematics. With BIM, you can compare the stages of a construction project using scan data. It’s also possible to see the stages of execution. This allows you to quickly detect problems and prefabricate materials using manufacturing procedures.
• 3D Laser scanning also facilitates coordination and collaboration among stakeholders.
• The use of 3D laser scanning decreases the number of site visits required. This technology takes advantage of cloud integration to provide remote access to the cloud.

Some Disadvantages associated with 3D Laser Scanning:

• High Initial Cost
• Lack of Technology Knowledge
• Shortage of Trained Experts in the Industry

Construction teams around the world are beginning to recognize the speed and precision of laser scanning over traditional surveys, and when the results are incorporated into BIM, the possibilities are nearly limitless.

Investing in any technology, let alone laser scanning is expensive & demands expertise. A laser scanning project can grow in complexity, given the amount of data collected over time. As a result, it may make more sense for you to outsource the CAD design and drafting requirements. The ROI is evident and you can see how helpful it can be on your projects, it may make sense to invest in the technology.

More than 45% of the AEC industry is moving toward the precise and agile technology of Point Cloud to BIM or SCAN to BIM modeling. Point cloud models can accurately illustrate relatively complex landscapes and objects with a large number of data or focus points to generate precise 3D models.

INDOVANCE Inc supports our clients with complete range of Point cloud conversion services. We deliver a full range of BIM modeling projects. We work on parametric family creation, model creation for all LOD (Level of Detail), 4D and 5D support and model phasing, as well. We also provide complete support for CAD to BIM, point cloud to BIM, SCAN to BIM and PDF to BIM conversions.