There’s no denying that 3D laser scanning has advanced significantly since its initial release. The 3D laser scan market is set to soar from its initial stages to reach £1.2 billion by 2025, propelled by a surge in the need for the technology. This growth underscores the expanding adoption of 3D laser scanning across multiple industries, highlighting its significant impact and utility.
But what precisely is 3D laser scanning, and why is it regarded as one of the most cutting-edge technologies available in engineering and construction today?
3D Laser Scanning
You could ask yourself, what a Survey2Plan does, that makes data collection and processing simple. Beneath all that magic is a 3D laser scan, a technology that uses 3D point cloud data from an object’s surface to build an exact depiction of a structure.
In contrast to conventional surveying techniques, 3D laser scanning can capture even the most minor features of a structure. This data is then produced using a 3D point cloud survey to create as built 2D drawings and 3D BIM models that can be utilized for various purposes.
Applications of 3D Laser Scanning
1. Reverse Engineering
As its name suggests, the method disassembles an existing product to ascertain its operation. It carefully examines the materials, construction, geometry, mechanism, power delivery, and overall engineering design.
Reverse engineering shows the designer’s intent and is used to duplicate the product or create an enhanced version. Creating something based on an existing product is more accessible than starting from scratch.
When a product or design’s original CAD drawing is not available or inaccessible, 3D scanning provides a comprehensive overview of the item in issue. You can turn the scan data into a CAD file for engineering and construction analysis, seizing surface details such as measurements and primary specifications.
2. Forensics
Investigators can use a 3D scanner affixed to a drone in conjunction with traditional cameras to obtain an advantageous perspective on comprehending and documenting evidence from crime scenes.
Using the scanned image, investigators can better understand the chain of occurrences that led to the circumstance. They can also virtually recreate potential scenarios to test theories and completely rebuild the crime in a digital setting.
3. Films and Games
Film and gaming companies can use 3D scanners to generate digital replicas of all living things. Once again, developing 3D scanning assets by scanning is more efficient and faster than creating them through drawing.
3D artists can scan landscapes and alter the visuals for video games and films. They can also manipulate digital items using computer-generated imagery (CGI) to change them into any shape or colour possible.
4. Archaeology
5. Architectural Heritage Preservation
Large-scale building CAD models are required for documentation, restoration, or remodelling projects. Drawing the CAD plan is made simple when a historic building’s architectural details, style, and designs need to be restored to their original standards thanks to 3D scanning.
Scanning the entire structure rather than measuring each window, façade, beam, and ornament is easier.
Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning in Construction
- Cost-efficient
- Obtain accurate point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models
- Manual Labour Reduction
- Real-Time Data Verification
- Reflector less Technology
What is 3D Laser Scanning Used For?
Generating three-dimensional models of people or objects for educational or construction projects is one of the most widely used applications of 3D scanning technology. However, using all three scanning techniques, 3D scanning can be used for anything.
Architects, engineers, and construction workers can find it helpful to create 3D models since they aid in the planning and developing building projects.
How can Geologists use 3D Laser Scanning?
Environmentalists
Envionmentalists use 3D laser scanning to map flood hazards and track erosion, which is helpful in our effort to protect the environment.
Construction and Education
In addition to being advantageous for construction and pedagogy, 3D scanning may help conserve and safeguard delicate items like fossils. This scanning and printing is beneficial in archaeology, where digital copies of fragile and precious historical artifacts are preserved.
3D scanning and printing can allow us to examine anything, from minor artifacts like coins, tools, and ornaments to more enormous discoveries like dinosaur bones, without harming or changing the original object. In this manner, we may preserve historical findings while preserving our ability to learn as much as possible about anything we encounter.
Museums also use this and stand to gain the most from having digital copies of their exhibitions to preserve the originals.
3D scanning technology can identify patterns in damaged objects and assist in digital restoration. It allows archaeologists to view the object as it initially appeared.
3D Laser Scanning in Palaeontology
Palaeontologists can also analyse fossils and bones using 3D scanners to learn more about animals’ appearance and lifestyle. This technology can teach us more, which will help us progress in the future.