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The way we design, build, and manage spaces is changing fast. Technologies like 3D laser scanning, digital twins, and virtual tours are no longer just buzzwords. They’re critical tools for the project lifecycle. These solutions help capture real-world conditions with precision, reduce risk, and improve decision-making.
As Matt Mikolajczyk, GPRS Director of Reality Capture Services, explains, “Laser scanning should go beyond line of sight by adding context, like rebar thickness, concrete depth, and conduit placement under the slab, the thickness of walls, adding an extra layer of attribute data.”
This means capturing details from both above and below-ground, which helps create a complete picture for every stage of a project. The future of reality capture goes beyond what you can see.
How Does 3D Laser Scanning Work?
A 3D laser scanner is a powerful tool. It measures and maps spaces with construction-grade accuracy. The laser pulses off surfaces and return to the scanner’s sensor, a process known as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). The scanner measures the time between each outgoing and incoming pulse to calculate the exact distance to the object. Each pulse produces a data point with a known X, Y, and Z coordinate.
To capture a complete view of a site, the scanner records data from different viewpoints. The scanner collects millions of individual points, which form a point cloud to create a precise 3D as-built data set of the site.
LiDAR-based scanners get speeds of up to two million points per second and maintain accuracy within 2-4 millimeters. This level of performance allows the Project Manager to document complex environments quickly.
What is the Current Market Landscape?
Future Market Insights, Inc. states, “From 2020 to 2024, the 3D scanning market grew from USD 3.3 billion to USD 5.1 billion, driven by hardware-centric adoption.” During this time, equipment manufacturers drove about 70% of revenue, including Hexagon AB, FARO, and Creaform.
Accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness were competitive attributes. Demand for 3D laser scanning will continue to increase this year and will expand to $16.66 billion by 2030. Laser scanning technology has made big strides, enhancing resolution and real-time processing power.
Here is how the architectural, engineering, and construction industries leverage 3D laser scanning:
- Architects utilize 3D laser scanning services to save valuable time and money and make informed decisions. An inaccurate set of as-builts leads to major cost overruns and delays. 3D laser scanning streamlines their workflows. This helps them skip time-consuming manual measurements and focus on their designs.
- Engineers need reliable existing conditions documentation to design upgrades or modifications with confidence. Inaccurate as-built documentation introduces errors that disrupt engineering workflows and cause costly delays. Engineers use 3D laser scanning its fast and precise measurements.
- Builders and general contractors need accurate as-built documentation because it helps them meet design specs, fix on-site problems, and keep projects on track. Accurate as-built drawings and BIM models are then created from 3D point clouds. These deliverables help with renovation planning and construction sequencing. They support important project decisions.
The AEC industries use 3D laser scanning the most. Yet, many other industries also use this technology. The entertainment industry uses scan data to create lifelike virtual worlds. Police departments use it to recreate crime scenes and improve investigations. Scientists use scan data to better comprehend the world and track environmental changes. Archaeologists use it to analyze and learn about artifacts. It reveals details that older tools couldn’t show.
How is 3D Laser Scanning Evolving?
History of 3D Laser Scanning
Before the introduction of 3D laser scanning, building industry professionals relied on manual methods to create building drawings. Surveyors and draftsmen used tape measures and levels to measure sites by hand. They sketched layouts in field notebooks. Then, they used graph paper and drafting tools to produce scaled drawings.
Blueprint machines made the final versions. The blueprints were kept in physical archives and shared with architects, engineers, and contractors. This process often caused errors, especially in hard-to-reach areas. It also took a lot of time and effort to finish.
RELATED ARTICLE: Read more about The History of 3D Laser Scanning
The Use of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) Technology
3D laser scanning is changing fast. One big change is the use of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology.
According to FARO, "It is the process of mapping an area while keeping track of the location of the device within that area. This is what makes mobile mapping possible, allowing the digitization of large areas in much shorter spaces of time."
This dual capability is very helpful in changing situations or places without GPS. Examples of these spaces and projects include underground tunnels, crowded cities, or disaster areas.
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GPS signals can’t reach underground mines. So, SLAM-equipped robots navigate tunnels on their own, and also create high-resolution maps.
In construction, handheld SLAM devices collect spatial data in hard-to-access areas without compromising data quality. SLAM plays a key role in today's reality capture workflows because it is crucial for working in complex areas without GPS.
LiDAR in Combination with SLAM Technology
Using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) with SLAM-based mobile mapping improves accuracy and eliminates drift. TLS sets fixed control points that lock the scan data in place. SLAM scanners then cover areas that are hard to reach or lack GPS signals. Together, they create a complete and accurate map of the site. SLAM uses control points and loop closures to correct drift and reach high-precision results.
What is Above and Below-Ground 3D Capture?
As scanning technologies advance, so does the expectation for complete site visualization. Today's reality capture deliverables reveal what’s hidden beneath the surface. By combining 3D laser scanning with subsurface locating technologies, project teams can gain a holistic view of both structural and underground conditions. This dual-layered approach reduces risk, improves planning accuracy, and supports informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
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GPRS provides a variety of services to give you complete site and facility visualization, both above and below-ground.
We are a national service provider for 3D laser scanning, utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, and leak detection. The combination of these services can provide your company with accurate data of existing as-built conditions and subsurface information.
You can receive clear and understandable findings of structural, MEP, and field markings in custom deliverables such as point clouds, 2D as-builts, and 3D models. Accurate data allows our clients to expedite design planning, extract 3D coordinates and measure distances, along with the ability to mark up and share this across project teams. Receiving critical site information can reduce your project risks and expand project efficiency.
What is the Role of AI and Machine Learning Reality Capture?
AI is growing in many industries. It improves 3D laser scanning systems' capabilities. These technologies support greater accuracy, faster decision-making, and streamlined workflows.
Artificial Intelligence
According to AVEVA, artificial intelligence is beginning to play an important role in optimizing point cloud processing. Point cloud datasets are very large, making manual processing time intensive. Point cloud processing involves several technical steps:
- Segmentation
- Object Detection
- Classification
- Feature Extraction
- Error Filtering
AI is starting to make this process easier by automating some of these steps, which can save time and provide a scalable solution. Some experts believe AI could enhance laser scanning even further as the technology improves.
AI is starting to play a bigger role in many industries. It can help with simple tasks, like sorting parts, and more complex ones, like identifying machines in a factory. Some experts say this can automate work and help answer questions like “How many machines do we have?” or “How can we improve this process?” These tools are growing quickly because of cloud computing and deep learning.
However, others are more cautious. If something goes wrong, it’s hard to review the AI’s work. Without a trained Project Manager reviewing the scan data, mistakes could go unnoticed. AI is still unproven in some areas, and removing the human factor can a risk factor. Project Managers still need to understand how the equipment works and what the client needs. Relying on AI alone could lead to errors that are hard to explain to the client.
Some software has AI features like recognition tools and automatic line extraction. But these tools are not perfect yet. Industry experts like Michael Harvey, Reality Capture Product Manager at Leica Geosystems, believe AI will continue to evolve and impact workflows.
“AI is going to allow sensors to think a lot faster and provide answers to complex problems quicker. AI is not just the point cloud, but it is going to be applied to imagery,” said Harvey on the Reality Capture Network Podcast.
He also noted that this means we’ll need tools to clean up faces and license plates in images.
Machine Learning
Recent advances in machine learning show strong potential for automating the processing of point clouds to create accurate as-built models. These models are key for tasks in construction and infrastructure. It will help with progress tracking and quality checks.
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Computer vision is a part of artificial intelligence (AI) that helps computers “see” and understand pictures, videos, and other visual information. This technology works with machine learning. It helps systems spot patterns and features in data. It has already proven in areas like image recognition and voice processing. But using it for point clouds in construction is much more complex.
Point clouds are irregular, unordered, and unstructured, which makes it tough for algorithms to learn. On top of that, construction sites add a lot of noise, reducing accuracy and reliability. Even so, new machine learning tools are improving.
Visualizing the Built World®: Above and Below-Ground
The future of 3D laser scanning is clear: smarter, faster, and more connected. Combined with advanced LiDAR, SLAM technology, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, and more, these tools deliver context-rich models that show what’s visible above ground and what’s hidden below.
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Every project is unique, so we select the right tools and partner with you every step of the way. This isn’t just innovation, it’s the new standard to keep your projects running on time, on budget, and safe.
GPRS 3D Reality Capture Services
GPRS is a leading 3D laser scanning company in the United States, helping clients to successfully complete their most complex architecture, engineering, and construction projects. We've been providing reality capture services and excellent customer service for over two decades.
GPRS’ elite team of Project Managers efficiently 3D laser scans the exterior and interior of each site with professional-grade laser scanners, capturing the exact layout, dimensions, and locations of your specific project requirements, such as architectural, structural, and MEP features, walls, windows, doors, stairs, roof, railings, exposed columns, beams, equipment, piping, ducts, and more.
Our Mapping & Modeling Team registers and processes the point cloud, removing noise and setting the coordinate system to provide the most precise measurements. Data is then compiled into custom 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models and delivered via SiteMap®. SiteMap is GPRS’ secure GIS platform that delivers point cloud data, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models, giving clients 24/7 access to verified as-built documentation to help start accurate and stay accurate.
What can we help you visualize?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How will 3D laser scanning evolve beyond what we see today?
Point clouds, which are currently massive collections of X, Y, and Z coordinates, will become smart datasets that AI can interpret automatically. Future workflows will leverage AI to classify doors, windows, and exact machines in manufacturing. Cloud computing and deep learning make these capabilities possible, and they’re improving every day.
Why is 3D laser scanning important in modern construction?
It delivers precise, real-world data that supports design, renovation, and facility management, minimizing errors, saving time, and enhancing collaboration across trades through tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM).
What are the benefits of 3D laser scanning?
- Fast, Accurate Data Collection: A single laser scan captures millions of 3D data points per second, delivering highly detailed and precise representations of buildings. These dimensionally accurate, measurable, and shareable datasets streamline project collaboration.
- Eliminates Revisits and Minimizes Disruption: Comprehensive site capture on the first visit eliminates the need for return trips. High-speed data collection ensures projects move forward quickly with minimal disruption.
- Reduces Costs and Change Orders: Accurate design plans from the start streamline fieldwork, reducing costly change orders, delays, and unexpected expenses.
- Safe and Non-Contact: 3D laser scanners operate from a distance, even in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas, keeping workers safe. Its non-intrusive nature helps to preserve historic sites and delicate artifacts.
- Enhances Communication: With access to the same detailed information, project teams can collaborate more effectively, creating a dynamic working environment.
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