What We Do
For as-built documentation, existing condition drawings or reality capture, 3D laser scanning is the fastest, most accurate, most efficient option. 3D laser scanning for project analysis and project risk management delivers tens of thousands of dollars worth of savings if only a single issue is detected. A scanning partner with experience and skill makes 3D scanning a versatile and valuable tool. 3D scanning is quick and accurate, providing project insight and risk management that helps ensure projects are completed on-budget and on-time. Whether it’s new construction, renovation or retrofit projects, 3D scanning provides architects, engineers, BIM managers, general contractors, and construction managers with the information and insight to fix issues and make critical decisions before they cost time or money.
Using a 3D laser scanner to create an accurate representation of an industrial facility is not a new idea. With the rapid advancement of both processing and storage hardware, coupled with decreasing costs, this sort of real-world data can be leveraged by almost any facility for new construction or retrofit engineering. 3D Laser Scanning is still not a ‘one-off’ process though, you must take into account the nature of both the scanner and the output to ensure you get the full picture, in the best detail.
A laser scanner in one position records one angle, or wedge, of the 3D space that makes up your facility. The scanner must record from multiple angles to ‘see’ the whole environment. To visualize this, think about putting together an orange that has been sliced so that it reforms a sphere from individual wedges. Each slice is similar to what a scanner might take for one angle. To get the whole picture the scanner will need to be rotated to record different wedges and, depending on a particular environment’s layout, likely repositioned to record areas obscured by structures or equipment.
When the scanning is complete, these disparate slices (called point-clouds) have to be put back together digitally to form a 3D environment. This used to be an arduous process, increasing the costs in time and labor to use laser scanning as a tool. Even though new software tools make ‘stitching’ scans together to form a full environment much more intuitive, to ensure you get the highest level of detail with the least billed hours, hire 3D scanning experts.
Capture & Register
We collect data at a rate of 900,000 points per second. Imagine pulling a tape measure 2 billion times! Laser scanning makes this happen. We mesh all of these points into a registered point cloud. All these dots make a picture. They are so small and it’s hard to tell it’s not a photograph.
Converting Millions of Points to Solids
As technology advances, the day will come when we will design in the point cloud. Until then, converting xyz points to solids allows us to support any CAD platform for conceptual development & design. The accurate conversion of registered point clouds to CAD solids is critical to the success of subsequent facets of the project. Don’t leave this step to any group that is not familiar with heavy industrial plants and processes.
Capture savings and reduce risk with 3D digital twins for construction
3D Scanning for construction provides a digital environment that forms a digital basis for project planning, approvals and execution. Each phase of construction can be designed in one combined environment.
How Engineering Firms can Leverage 3D
Millimeter-accurate measurements can be made from a desk instead of onsite, detailed renderings can be delivered to all project stakeholders to make sure every party is in alignment and project risks can be identified with 3D scanning of a new project space.
Planning in 3D: Getting it right the first time
For project managers and teams managing complex demolition, installation and construction projects, avoiding risk is crucial. Often projects have large contingency budgets allotted to ensure that they can cover any unforeseen issues or difficulties during the project.
Scan & Model Services
What could you do with a high definition scan of your next project? Our millimeter-accurate scanners capture reality in very high detail. Want to learn more? We’re ready to help. Let’s discuss your project today!