Article
Exploring Scanning Systems: Laser Scanning, LiDAR, and Terrestrial Scanning
In today’s society, advanced scanning systems have become essential tools for various industries, enabling them to capture accurate and detailed 3D models of objects, environments, and structures.
3D Models / Point Cloud Mapping in Modern Industrial Inspections
Three popular scanning technologies used by industries are laser scanning, terrestrial scanning, and LiDAR scanning systems.
While all three technologies use laser light to capture 3D data, their scanning process, range, and application differ. Industries, ranging from construction to agriculture, are using these scanning systems to increase efficiency, improve accuracy, and reduce costs.
This article explores the differences between laser scanning, terrestrial scanning, and LiDAR scanning systems, and their significance in industries today.
Terrestrial Scanning Systems: High-Resolution 3D Models of Environments & Large Objects
Terrestrial scanning systems are ideal for capturing precise 3D models of large objects or environments, such as the inside of large assets, buildings, or even landscapes.
They can capture high-resolution data from a wide range of angles and produce highly accurate models.
However, terrestrial scanning systems typically take longer to acquire data than a LiDAR scanning system and have a limited range; most scanners can only capture data from 80 – 150 meters away.
Terrestrial scanning systems use a laser beam and a rotating mirror to capture data from a scene. The laser emits a beam of light that is reflected off the surface of an object or scene and returned to the scanner.
The rotating mirror directs the beam to different angles, allowing the scanner to capture data from all sides of an object or scene within line-of-sight to combine the data and create a high-definition 3D model.
Applications:
- Monitor construction progress
- Structural analysis
- Engineering
- Forensic Investigations
LiDAR Scanning Systems: Autonomous Navigation and Highly Accurate 3D Models of Large-Scale Operations
LiDAR scanning systems are a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances to objects and generate 3D models of environments.
The system works by emitting a pulsed laser beam and measuring the time it takes for the light to bounce back after hitting a surface. By calculating the time and distance, LiDAR can create highly accurate 3D point clouds of the scanned area, which are used in applications such as infrastructure digital twins, surveying, and mapping.
SLAM, or simultaneous localization and mapping, is a common technology used in LiDAR systems for autonomous unmanned vehicles & 3D mapping. SLAM-based LiDAR systems can simultaneously map and localize the surrounding environment while the vehicle is in motion.
This allows the vehicle to navigate in unknown or changing environments with high accuracy and precision.
Applications
- Autonomous Navigation
- La construction
- Sylviculture
- Exploitation minière
- Agriculture
- Digital Twins of Infrastructure
SLAM-based LiDAR systems are widely used in various industries. They can be a solution for high-volume mapping exceeding the limitations of a terrestrial laser scanning system but with slightly less detail and accuracy.
The SLAM-based LiDAR systems that MFE offers are all-encompassing solutions for large-scale ground or aerial mapping operations that often include autonomous capabilities to navigate the remote-operated vehicles that they’re attached to or can even be used as a real-time navigation system in areas where a GPS signal cannot be obtained.
Laser Scanning Systems: Creating Detailed 3D Models of Small to Medium-Sized Objects or Scenes
Laser scanning systems use a continuous wave single laser beam that is directed towards an object or scene, and the laser beam is then reflected back to the scanner’s sensor.
The scanner detects the time it takes for the laser to return, which provides a measurement of the distance to the object. By repeating this process from different angles, the scanner can create a point cloud of the object or scene.
Typically, laser scanning systems are used to capture detailed models of smaller objects or scenes, while LiDAR systems are more suitable for larger applications.
Applications
- Quality Control
- Reverse Engineering
- Aérospatiale
- Asset Management
Get in touch with MFE Inspection Solutions today
If you are interested in leveraging the benefits of 3D models and pointcloud mapping in your industry, don’t hesitate to contact MFE Inspection Solutions today. With our expertise and cutting-edge scanning technologies, we can help you improve efficiency, accuracy, and reduce costs. Contact us now to learn more about how we can assist you with your specific application.
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