Laser Scanning

History of 3D Laser Scanning Technology

May 9, 2024

Although laser scanning first appeared in the 1960s, it was in the late 1990s that it became popular in engineering, thanks mainly to the ground breaking scanner developed by Cyra Technologies. Taking the lead in laser scanning technology, Leica Geosystems purchased Cyra in 2001. Only once bandwidth and storage became more reasonably priced did the technology start to stall. Enormous scan data sets are still so massive that they must be sent physically.

Laser scanning is now widely used by surveyors, engineers, and architects, much like GPS, which was first used in specialised sectors before spreading widely. Technologies such as Xbox Kinect, which creates virtual realities from real-time player scans using laser scanning, demonstrate how its applications are becoming more widespread and are not limited to traditional fields.

The History and Evolution of 3D Laser Scanning

Many technological advancements have occurred, but few have had the same revolutionary impact as 3D laser scanning. This technology has transformed many professions, from construction to archaeology, with finely detailed images of the real world. This blog explores the development of 3D laser scanning, its history, and its roots, emphasising its significant influence on contemporary society.

The Genesis of 3D Laser Scanning

Early Beginnings

Over several decades, the idea of capturing three-dimensional characteristics of objects and situations has been fascinating. Nonetheless, the late 20th century saw the beginning of this concept’s actual implementation. The path from crude 3D data capture technologies to today’s advanced laser scanning capabilities demonstrates human inventiveness and the unwavering quest for technical improvement.

LiDAR: The Core Technology

The technique referred to as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is essential to advancing 3D laser scanning. LiDAR measures an object’s distance using laser beams, forming a dense “point cloud” that depicts the object’s surface. This ground breaking breakthrough cleared the path to creating sophisticated 3D laser scanners that captured minute details precisely.

Learn: Is LiDAR the same as 3D Laser Scanning?

Technological Milestones in 3D Scanning

First-Age Scanning Devices

The first 3D scanners were large, pricey, and had few features. These gadgets, primarily employed in specialised businesses, captured 3D data using crude techniques. Still, they paved the way for later technical advances.

Software Integration

The software used to process the data collected by 3D scanners changed with their hardware. Sophisticated algorithms were created to convert unprocessed point cloud data into functional 3D models. Integrating hardware and software was a significant turning point in the development of 3D Scanning, increasing its usability and accessibility.

Mobility and Portability

As technology progressed, 3D scanners became more compact. Scanners evolved from large, room-sized sets to lightweight, portable tools that could be employed in various field settings. Because of its portability, 3D Scanning is now a feasible tool for many sectors.

Applications and Broader Impacts

1. Archaeology and Heritage Preservation

Historians and archaeologists preserved ancient sites and artefacts for future generations by capturing detailed depictions using 3D Laser scanning.

2. Agriculture

Farmers can also use LiDAR to help them choose which parts of their farms need expensive fertiliser. LiDAR can map the fields topologically and provide information about the farmland’s exposure to sunlight and slopes.

Researchers at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) blended this topological information with the farmland’s yield results from previous years. Thanks to this knowledge, researchers could classify the farmland into zones with high, medium, or poor yields. Farmers can utilise this technology to maximise crop yields by knowing exactly where to apply costly fertilisers.

3. Transportation

LiDAR technology has been integrated into automobile Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems. Brands like Siemens and Hella utilise LiDAR devices positioned at the vehicle’s front, typically on the bumper, to monitor the distance between the car and preceding vehicles. In instances of deceleration or insufficient distance, the ACC automatically applies brakes to decelerate the car. Once the path ahead is clear, the ACC allows the vehicle to accelerate to a pace predetermined by the driver.

4. Construction and Engineering

The engineering and construction industries changed paradigm because of 3D laser scanning. Engineers could improve quality control, monitoring, and planning by gathering comprehensive data on building sites. Technology also played a crucial role in retrofitting and rehabilitation projects, where precise data on existing structures was essential.

5. 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.

6. Entertainment and Media

The entertainment industry has employed 3D Scanning to create lifelike digital assets, especially in gaming and film. By using 3D Scanning to capture actor likenesses and replicate real-world locales, digital video was given an extra degree of reality.

7. Prospects and Limitations

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology can be integrated with 3D Scanning to provide immersive experiences and training simulations. Notwithstanding, the sector persists in tackling certain obstacles, like enhancing data precision, diminishing scanning durations, and resolving data privacy issues utilising continuous investigation and advancement.

For more explore our blog on: Applications of 3D Laser Scanning

Conclusion

The future of 3D laser scanning is full of intriguing possibilities as technology advances. Developments in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are anticipated to improve data processing and analysis, further optimising the scanning procedure. The combination of 3D Scanning with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies enables the creation of immersive experiences and training simulations. Notwithstanding, the sector persists in tackling certain obstacles, like enhancing data precision, diminishing scanning durations, and resolving data privacy issues using continuous investigation and advancement.