Terrestrial laser scanning
High-density point clouds of sites, buildings and structures captured with static laser scanners: 2–6 mm accuracy, georeferenced results.
Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is performed with a static scanner mounted on a tripod. The instrument rotates around its axis and measures the distance and angles to hundreds of thousands of points per second across a full 360° horizontal and wide vertical field, and most models also capture colour panoramas. From a single setup the surroundings are recorded within a radius of tens of metres, sometimes more than a hundred.
The method is ideal where high accuracy and detail are required: measuring buildings and facades, checking the geometry of bridges and overpasses, tunnels, industrial plants, and documenting the existing condition of roads and streets. Architects, designers, contractors and facility operators use the point cloud to produce drawings, sections and 3D models.
On site the scanner is set up at several stations around the object, with scans planned to overlap. Spherical or flat targets are measured with GNSS RTK and a total station so that the point cloud is tied to the national grid, WGS-84 or UTM zone 39N. In the office the scans are registered in Cyclone or Recap and cleaned of noise and moving objects.
Typical accuracy is 2–6 mm depending on range and surface. Registration errors are listed in the report, so the client can see the quality of the result in writing.
When you need it
- When the existing condition of buildings and structures must be measured accurately
- When a reliable base is needed for refurbishment or reconstruction design
- For geometry checks of bridges, tunnels and overpasses
- To compare as-built conditions with the design during construction
- When hard-to-reach or hazardous areas must be measured remotely
What's included
- Site inspection and scan station planning
- Field scanning with a static scanner and panoramic imagery
- Target coordination with GNSS RTK and total station
- Scan registration with accuracy control
- Point cloud cleaning and colourisation
- Drawings and sections on request
How we work
- Agreeing the scope, required accuracy and output format
- Placing and coordinating targets on site
- Scanning from all stations
- Registering and cleaning scans in the office
- Quality check and delivery
Deliverables
- Georeferenced point cloud (E57, LAS, RCP/RCS)
- Registration accuracy report
- Panoramic imagery and web viewer file
- Optional 2D drawings and sections (DWG)
