HIGH-ACCURACY REALITY CAPTURE
3D Laser Scanning Surveys
High-density 3D reality capture for construction, engineering, refurbishment and as-built projects. Detailed existing conditions can be recorded efficiently and transformed into digital survey information for design, verification and project documentation.
CAPTURE REALITY IN 3D
What is a 3D laser scanning survey?
3D laser scanning is a non-contact surveying method used to measure the position of surfaces and objects around the scanner. Large numbers of individual measurements are collected rapidly and combined to form a three-dimensional dataset known as a point cloud.
A point cloud provides a detailed digital record of the surveyed environment. It can be used to examine geometry, dimensions and spatial relationships between existing features.
This is particularly useful on construction and engineering projects where existing conditions are complex, irregular or contain considerably more detail than would normally be captured using a limited number of manually selected survey points.
Existing Buildings
Record existing geometry before refurbishment, alteration, extension or design work.
Construction & As-Built
Capture constructed conditions for verification, coordination and project records.
Structural Surveys
Record structural geometry and spatial relationships for engineering review and dimensional assessment.
Industrial Environments
Capture complex areas containing structures, equipment, pipework and other existing features.
Scan-to-CAD
Use measured point-cloud information as a reference for plans, elevations, sections and other CAD deliverables.
Design & BIM Workflows
Supply reality-capture information to support digital design, coordination and BIM-related project workflows.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE SURVEY TECHNOLOGY
Trimble X12 3D laser scanning
The Trimble X12 terrestrial laser scanning system combines high-speed three-dimensional measurement with high-resolution imaging for professional surveying and reality-capture applications.
TYPICAL SURVEY CONTENT
What can be captured?
- Buildings and architectural geometry
- Structural elements and complex geometry
- Floors, walls, ceilings and roof geometry
- Construction and as-built conditions
- Industrial spaces and equipment environments
- External structures and visible site features
- Existing conditions for refurbishment projects
- Spatial relationships between surveyed features
DIGITAL SURVEY DATA
Deliverables
Deliverables are agreed according to the purpose of the survey and the requirements of the project team.
- Registered point-cloud datasets
- Point-cloud data for CAD and design workflows
- 2D CAD plans where included in the agreed scope
- Elevations and sections where included
- As-built survey information
- Digital survey information for engineering review
*CAD and drawing formats apply where drawing production is included in the agreed project scope.
FROM REALITY TO DIGITAL INFORMATION
Point cloud, CAD and design workflows
Capturing the site is only the first stage. Registered point-cloud data provides a measurable three-dimensional reference that can be used throughout the project workflow.
Depending on the agreed scope, point-cloud information can be used directly by project teams or as the measured basis for producing CAD drawings and other project deliverables.
Registered Point Cloud
Individual scan positions are registered together to create a coordinated three-dimensional representation of the surveyed environment.
Scan-to-CAD
Point-cloud data can provide the measured reference for producing plans, elevations, sections and other CAD information where required.
Design & BIM Use
Reality-capture data can be supplied for use within compatible design and BIM workflows, allowing project teams to work from measured existing-condition information.
SURVEYING + REALITY CAPTURE
3D scanning with survey control
Laser scanning records a very large quantity of spatial information, while conventional surveying provides project control, coordinates and levels where these are required.
Where appropriate to the project, 3D scanning can therefore be integrated with survey control so that the resulting data relates to an agreed project coordinate system or datum.
The required methodology is determined by the purpose of the survey, the site conditions and the accuracy requirements agreed before work begins.
PRACTICAL BENEFITS
Why combine the methods?
- Dense capture of complex existing geometry
- Project coordinates and levels where required
- Improved context for engineering and design teams
- Consistent reference between site and digital information
- Useful data for construction and as-built documentation
- Reduced reliance on isolated manual measurements
STRAIGHTFORWARD DELIVERY
How a 3D laser scanning survey works
Every project begins with an agreed brief. The scanning strategy, survey control and final deliverables are then selected according to the intended use of the data.
Define the brief
Confirm the site, areas to be captured, intended use, coordinate requirements and required deliverables.
Capture the site
Scan the required environment from suitable positions to obtain the necessary coverage and level of detail.
Register & check
Combine the scan positions, review the resulting point cloud and carry out appropriate quality checks.
Issue deliverables
Prepare the agreed point-cloud data, drawings or other survey information for the project team.
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
When is 3D laser scanning useful?
3D laser scanning is particularly valuable when a project requires detailed information about existing conditions or where conventional point-by-point measurement would not efficiently capture the required geometry.
Refurbishment Projects
Capture existing buildings before alterations so designers can work from measured site information.
As-Built Documentation
Record completed or partially completed construction as a detailed digital reference of site conditions.
Construction Verification
Capture installed geometry for subsequent dimensional review against project requirements where included in the scope.
Structural Investigation
Provide detailed measured geometry to support engineers investigating existing structures.
Industrial & Plant Areas
Record complex environments where numerous physical features need to be understood in their correct spatial relationship.
Complex Existing Geometry
Capture irregular structures and environments that would require many individual observations using conventional survey methods alone.
SERVICE COVERAGE
3D laser scanning survey coverage
Site-Survey BC Ltd supports surveying projects across Lincolnshire and neighbouring regions, with UK-wide coverage available for larger and specialist projects.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
3D laser scanning FAQs
What is a 3D laser scanning survey?
A 3D laser scanning survey uses laser measurements to record large numbers of three-dimensional points from the surfaces around the scanner. These measurements form a point cloud representing the surveyed environment.
What is a point cloud?
A point cloud is a digital dataset containing large numbers of measured 3D points. Together, these points represent the shape and spatial position of visible surfaces and objects captured during the survey.
How accurate is the Trimble X12?
Trimble specifies a 3D point accuracy of 2.2 mm at 20 metres for the X12. Actual project results also depend on survey methodology, site conditions, scan geometry, control and the requirements of the individual project.
How fast does the Trimble X12 scan?
The Trimble X12 has a specified maximum scan speed of up to 2.187 million points per second. The settings selected for an individual survey depend on the required coverage, density and project purpose.
What range can the Trimble X12 measure?
The specified scanning range is approximately 0.3 metres to 250 metres. Effective capture on a particular project can depend on the target surface, environmental conditions and survey configuration.
Can point-cloud data be used with AutoCAD?
Yes. Point-cloud data can be prepared in formats suitable for compatible Autodesk workflows, including RCP, and can be used as a measured reference when producing CAD information.
Can you provide E57 point-cloud files?
E57 is one of the industry-standard formats that can be used for exchanging point-cloud data. The required export format should be agreed before the project is delivered.
Can drawings be produced from the scan?
Where included within the agreed scope, registered point-cloud data can be used as the measured basis for producing items such as plans, elevations and sections.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide the site location, approximate size or drawings if available, the areas that need to be captured, the purpose of the survey, required deliverables and any programme or access restrictions.
PLAN YOUR SURVEY
Need an accurate 3D record of your site?
Send the site location and a short description of the project. Site-Survey BC Ltd can review the requirements and confirm the appropriate survey scope and deliverables.