Registered Point Clouds

3D laser scanning is an efficient and accurate method of collecting spatial data that surpasses what traditional survey techniques can achieve. A 3D laser scanner can capture up to two million individual colored points per second, with each data point containing its own X, Y, and Z coordinate. These millions to billions of individual points form a data format known as a point cloud, which is the least processed type of data produced by 3D laser scanning.

From a point cloud, it is possible to create 3D mesh models, 2D and 3D CAD models, BIM models, plant design models, and models for VR/AR and other 3D digital content. Additionally, a point cloud can be used for processes such as machinery alignment and inspection, storage tank inspection and calibration, volume surveys, construction verification, deformation and wear analysis, topographic mapping, and propeller inspections. However, as many of our clients prefer to generate their own products from point clouds, we can provide cleaned, colored, or black-and-white registered point clouds in any point cloud file format, particularly for digital twin applications.

For larger terrestrial 3D laser scanning projects, we employ a total station to establish survey control points using checkered and sphere targets, ensuring the greatest possible accuracy. By using a total station, we can register large scan datasets more accurately, thanks to the total station’s significantly higher angular and range accuracy compared to that of a terrestrial 3D laser scanner. In turn, this approach helps correct any measurement drift that may occur in large-scale laser scanning projects and allows for more thorough quality control analyses.