3D Laser Scanning Technology Advances in the Field

3D laser scanning has transformed how precise dimensional data is captured for engineering projects, facility documentation, construction progress monitoring and more. The technology utilizes rapid, non-contact laser pulses to take highly detailed digital measurements of physical environments. Over the last decade especially, significant advances continue pushing the capabilities of this innovative surveying method.  

New Generation Scanners

Today's laser scanners deploy many times more laser beams per second than earlier models, generating exponentially denser point clouds with better resolution. Some high-end devices can capture over 1 million points per second, enabling surveys of massive structures to finish in hours instead of days or weeks. Improved ranging accuracy also means capturing fine surface details as small as 1-2 mm from further distances.  

Expanded Range and Mobility

Portable scanners initially had limited indoor range or required tripods, while stationary machines only rotated 360 degrees. Nowadays, modern laser scanners offer superior mobility with field-of-view ranges extending 300-500+ meters. Handheld and backpack-mounted options further improve access within confined areas. Automated multi-axis mounts give full-dome scanners the ability to survey hard-to-reach features like building interiors from a single setup.  

Data Processing Power

Early laser scanning data Sets required intensive manual cleaning and registration on workstations. Today's software is tremendously optimized to automatically process billions of points into consistent, georeferenced point clouds within hours. Complex algorithms rapidly filter noise and merge partial scans into cohesive as-built models ready for viewing, analysis and CAD deliverables with minimal human intervention required.  

Analytics and Modeling Capabilities

Going beyond simple point clouds, laser scanning programs now enable robust dimensional analysis, quantity take-offs, construction progress tracking and engineering change detection from scan data. Robust modeling tools also allow precision CAD model extraction directly from point clouds, reconstructing hard surfaces, piping, HVAC ductwork and other building components matching physical as-built conditions.  

Application Integration

Major advances involve scanning data integration within mainstream modeling, GIS, analytics and documentation programs. Popular platforms like Revit, AutoCAD, InfraWorks, ArcGIS and others directly support laser scan files, increasing usability across multiple disciplines. This prevents tedious data conversions while empowering new visualization and analysis use cases.  

Matterport Camera Integration

Some laser scanning systems now bundle automated image capturing hardware and software to record high-quality visual context registered precisely with 3D datasets. Platforms like Matterport digitally reconstruct survey areas as easy-to-navigate virtual models combining photographic textures with dimensional point cloud data, providing unprecedented visualization for projects, facilities, heritage sites and more.   Field robotics are also being explored to potentially automate laser scanning workflows with climbing, flying and ground-based unmanned vehicles. Overall we can expect continued advancements enabling even more robust data capture, interfacing and analysis applications across industries touching engineering, construction, asset management and beyond. 3D laser scanning clearly remains a driving technology moving the surveying field into new realms of possibilities.