Three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning uses light detection and ranging (LIDAR) measurement techniques to quickly and accurately collect data on the size and shape of an object or environment. Through the years, the cost to purchase and operate stationary and mobile scanning has decreased and is now changing the way 3D data is captured and interpreted.

1. oncepts
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Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc.
Fall 2013
Laser Scanning: The Future Trend
APPLICATIONS
The scanner can be used in nearly any
application. Some of the best uses include:
ndustrial Facilities – A new line needs to
I
be installed in a 50-year-old manufacturing
plant. The old, hand-drawn building plans
were put into CADD, but do you have all of
the changes made over the last 50 years?
Typical methods would dictate using a total
station or tape measure to measure and
record all the changes. This operation is time
consuming, interrupts production, and may
lead to disruptions.
A 3D laser scan of the area can document
existing conditions. Best of all, the scanner
does not interrupt production as it can be
set up out of the way of moving equipment
and personnel. The scanner can collect up
to 1,000,000 points per second and take
photographs. A plan can be extracted from all
of the collected data to ensure the equipment
being built offsite will fit in the designed
area. By using 3D laser scanning technology
to model and ensure constructability, costly
overruns due to design changes can be largely
reduced or eliminated.
Civil/Transportation – The ability to measure
items such as bridge clearances, ADA ramps,
streetlight locations, road surface conditions,
and drainage is made easier, safer, and more
complete. The scanner can be operated out
of the heavy traffic area of a busy street or
intersection and still collect all of the 3D
scanning points. By planning and placing scan
targets, the scanner can be moved rapidly
to multiple set ups removing shadowing and
creating a true 3D cloud of points in the area.
After registering the data, it can be prepared
for import into any number of CADD systems
such as AutoCAD® Civil 3D or Bentley’s
MicroStation, which can be used to create a
map or model of the data to use for design
purposes. Unlike typical survey maps, millions
of points can be spaced less than an inch
apart to give a more accurate representation
of existing conditions than the traditional 50foot cross section or four shots on the outside
of each square of sidewalk.
BIM/Asset Management – 3D scanning can
be used to capture the layout of an existing
facility. New scanning methods allow the
scanner to be moved through a facility, along
a predefined path to measure and document
all that can be seen. New facility management
tools are used to generate the graphical
documentation used in the programs from
these scans.
Historic Preservation – 3D laser scanning
is now being used as older buildings are
being retrofit, with the importance of
historical items needing to be documented or
preserved. Projects have included scanning
components of a building that may be
disassembled and reinstalled into another
building, as well as the scanning of a unique
architectural feature of a building slated
for demolition. The scan can be used to
create models of the ornate details. Many
historical items from around the world have
been scanned in recent years for research
purposes such as the statues on Easter Island,
Stonehenge, and Mt. Rushmore. The scans
of Mt. Rushmore were used to create a 3D
model and plan for future maintenance to
help preserve this national treasure.
Point Cloud
Three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning
uses light detection and ranging (LIDAR)
measurement techniques to quickly and
accurately collect data on the size and shape
of an object or environment. Through the
years, the cost to purchase and operate
stationary and mobile scanning has decreased
and is now changing the way 3D data is
captured and interpreted.

2. Progress without Interruption
You are a large manufacturer and, because
of your great success, you need to expand
your facilities. You have already expanded
several times in the past. You have structural
plans from each of these additions, but they
do not seem to fit together as you thought.
Production continues at a very fast pace, and
you cannot afford interruptions to the facility
or production.
This was the situation faced by Bradford
White, the largest American manufacturer
of hot water systems. In the spring of 2013,
Bradford White completed a new shipping
and receiving facility on the north end of
their property in Middleville, Michigan. They
are now looking to remove and replace
the vacated areas. The major problem was
accurately locating the columns and truss
systems from two separate additions divided
by a large courtyard. The civil engineer
needed a survey of the columns completed.
Instead of a conventional survey, FTCH used
3D laser scanning. This was a better option
because the volume of survey data could
be safely collected without interrupting
the plant’s normal operation. During the
next two weeks, FTCH survey crews began
setting control and scanning the facility. A
model of all of the information gathered
was put together in an AutoCAD drawing
along with a point cloud consisting of more
than a billion scan points and supplied to
the structural engineers. The structural
engineers were able to use the point cloud
to extract information not included in their
current resource information by making use
of the collected data. The project was then
able to move forward.
ADVANTAGES
There are many advantages to 3D laser
scanning, and the applications are only limited
by your imagination.
Worker Safety – Since safety should always
be the most important aspect of any project,
3D laser scanning is a perfect option for many
applications. The scanner can be located in
a non-hazardous area and is able to collect
data at varying distances. Entering roadways,
climbing ladders, or dodging heavy equipment
can be largely eliminated. Pipes with asbestos
insulation can be measured, and the location
documented, without coming into physical
contact with the pipes.
Versatility – Scanning is being used in
surveying, 3D modeling, facility and building
information systems, industrial and mechanical
applications, architectural and structural
applications, and civil and transportation
applications. New uses include as-built
documentation, historical preservation,
forensic investigation, and asset management.
These all help to broaden the use and
acceptance of the technology.
Compatibility – All major drafting software
developers are including the ability to work
with the point cloud (the collection of x,
y, and z points) generated by 3D laser scanners.
Nonintrusive – As with worker safety, the
scanner can be set up in an out-of-the-way
area while collecting data. The process is very
fast. Normal operations can be maintained
while the scan occurs. There will be no return
trips necessary since the scanner collects every
visible surface with in-depth detail.
CONCLUSION
3D laser scanning offers many advantages
when compared to traditional data collection
methods. Improved worker safety, greater
accuracy, and compatibility are compelling
reasons to use this versatile technology for
comprehensive data capture. FTCH continually
searches for innovative ways to help our clients
achieve success – 3D laser scanning is an
important tool we use to make their project
visions reality.
For more information regarding laser scanning,
please contact Tim Platz, P.S.,
taplatz@ftch.com.
Scan of Room
Photo of Room
Accuracy – Due to the sheer number of points
typically collected, a true best fit can be
computed to locate features such as the size
and shape of an object. Instead of designs
relying on information interpolated from cross
sections surveyed every 50 feet or a digital
terrain model created on a 50-feet grid, data
can be quickly and easily collected at one-foot
intervals creating a more accurate model of
existing conditions.
Comprehensive – Data is captured from all of
the surfaces within the scanner field of view,
including poorly lit areas. By moving the scan
locations and registering the scan data from
each location together, a complete model of
all visible areas can be obtained. This model
can then be used or reused at a later date to
extract information. This is very important
because costly revisits to a site can be
eliminated for projects requiring travel.
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