It’s a calm summer morning, a beautiful day to do some survey work. Arriving onsite, our field crews find some shade and begin to set up their typical data-gathering equipment. However, this day is a little different. Instead of using a total station and prism, they will use target spheres and mount a terrestrial scanner on top of the tripod. With the scanner strategically positioned throughout the site to scan from multiple angles, the team will collect accurate data for a 3D model of the scanned environment.
Capturing three-dimensional data of features, structures, and landscapes using laser scanners, photogrammetry, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and traditional survey methods allows our team of professionals to create accurate representations of real-world objects and spaces. The data collected from the scanning process is represented as a point cloud — a large collection of 3D coordinates that form a virtual representation of the scanned object or environment. These points are densely spaced to accurately capture shape and surface details. Specialized software is then used to process and clean the data, refining the point cloud, and eliminating noise to ensure accuracy. The cleaned point cloud is then converted into various formats for further analysis.
To create a more understandable and usable 3D model, the point cloud is often used as a basis to generate a surface mesh. This mesh consists of interconnected triangles that imitate the shape of scanned objects. The resulting mesh can be textured using color data from the photographs taken during the scanning process, and then used for design.
Our survey team accurately positions the scanned data to common, real-world datums. This process, known as georeferencing, involves aligning the 3D model with known reference points or coordinate systems during the registration process. This step ensures that the scanned data can easily be combined with other existing datasets previously used for design and creates efficiency during construction phases.
Various deliverable options help engineers, architects, and planners analyze the data for design, analysis, and simulations. Additionally, it helps our clients assess infrastructure, land usage, quantities, and development potential. Visualization tools allow stakeholders to explore and interact with the 3D model for better decision-making.
Common deliverables Include:
- Full Point Cloud Data (Raw Data)
- 2D CAD Drawings
- ReCap and IFC formats—Autodesk Revit to generate BIM (Building Information Modeling)
- DWG, DXF, ReCap—Autodesk Civil3D to generate site surfaces
- SketchUp compatible file formats
- Several other industry standard file formats available.
Not just a talented survey team, we’re experts in 3D scanning processes. Our professionals would love to hear about your project and share how this technology can quickly bring your ideas to life!
Contact our 3D Practice Lead