GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Process
GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Process
GPRS is a leading provider of 3D laser scanning services, helping clients to successfully complete their most complex architecture, engineering, and construction projects with accurate as-built documentation and custom 2D CAD and 3D BIM deliverables. The 3D laser scanning process at GPRS involves the following steps:
Plan
Our experienced team works with each client to understand their project scope and provide optimal solutions.
Scan
Highly-trained Project Managers efficiently scan each site with Leica laser scanners, capturing millions of 2-4mm accurate data points.
Register
The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team registers and processes the point cloud, removing noise, and setting the coordinate system to provide the most precise measurements possible.
Process
Point cloud, 2D, and 3D deliverables are created in-house, giving clients the ability to effectively plan, design, construct, and manage projects.
QA|QC
The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team has a rigorous quality control process, inspecting all deliverables to provide the most accurate data for clients.
Deliver
We are dedicated to serving and satisfying clients, delivering the highest quality data, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models on time and on budget.
What is 3D Laser Scanning?
3D laser scanning utilizes LiDAR technology to precisely capture the three-dimensional data of a structure or site. LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, operates by emitting light as a pulsed laser to measure distances to a target. When these laser pulses bounce back to the scanner, the distances are recorded, mapping the spatial geometry of the area. This process collects millions of measurement points, each with x, y, and z coordinates, forming what is known as a point cloud.
The intricacy of these data points allows for exact measurements between any two points within the point cloud. This data can then be converted into 2D CAD drawings or 3D BIM models, which are invaluable for construction and engineering projects. To explore more about 3D laser scanning, click here.
What Scanners are Used for Data Collection?
Terrestrial laser scanners are used for data collection, as they can easily document vertical structures, such as buildings and facilities. These scanners sit on a tripod and can take 1-3 minutes to complete each scan, depending on the project requirements. Terrestrial laser scanners are known to produce the most accurate point clouds because they are stationary. Note that a laser scanner can only capture what is in its field of view. Scanners are positioned around a site and take individual scans from varying viewpoints to capture complete site data. The captured points record everything from surface detail and texture, to color, creating a direct representation of the scanned project site. Click here to read more about the equipment used for data collection.
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What are the Steps of the 3D Laser Scanning Process?
3D laser scanning captures as-built documentation of buildings and sites with 2-4mm precision in most cases. Project Managers need extensive knowledge and experience to understand the 3D laser scanning process and use it successfully. GPRS’ SIM-Certified Project Managers follow these steps when conducting 3D laser scans:
- Define Project Scope: The Project Manager meets with each client to understand their project scope and provide optimal solutions based on the project requirements.
- Conduct Site Walk: The Project Manager walks the project site to familiarize themselves with the scope and create a plan for complete data capture. The Project Manager will ensure coverage of the scan area from all angles and work around obstructions. This process includes determining the scanner set-up locations, planning the workflow, documenting obstacles and intricate MEP, and estimating the time needed on site.
- Capture Data: The Project Manager positions the scanner around the site, taking individual scans from varying viewpoints to capture complete site data.
- Registration: The individual scans are aligned and fitted together. GPRS’ in-house Mapping and Modeling Team registers and processes the point cloud, removing noise and setting the coordinate system to provide the most precise measurements.
- Quality Checks: A registration QA/QC check is performed to ensure all the scans fit together, so the point cloud and models have tight lines and accurate measurements.
- CAD/BIM Development: Point cloud, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models are created in-house, and QA/QC checked to ensure precision. Construction drawings and models can be provided at any level of detail in a variety of formats, including Revit, AutoCAD, ReCap, Navisworks, Civil 3D, BIM 360, A360, and JetStream Viewer.
- Transfer Data: Data is efficiently transferred to clients via SiteMap®, GPRS’ digital storage software and app, Sharefile, Cloud platforms, or mailed on a hard drive.
For More Information on 3D Laser Scan Technology
GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services offer an accurate solution to obtaining on-site measurement data for construction, engineering, and design projects. Terrestrial laser scanners are known to produce the most accurate point clouds. Our Project Managers ensure successful data capture, registration, and CAD/BIM deliverable creation.
For questions on 3D laser scanning, terrestrial laser scanners, and the steps of the laser scanning process, contact GPRS today at 419-843-7226 or email Laser@gprsinc.com.
From office buildings and manufacturing facilities, to stadiums and schools and more, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.
"[The Technician] did a good job of getting up to speed and working with little or no direction, which helped us concentrate on our other needs on site."
Steve H.
Project Manager
"The scan helped tremendously and has saved us quite a bit of time and trouble."
Gene A.
Mechanical Integrity Engineer
"Thanks for jumping into this assignment so quickly. What a great and productive trip. You guys work tirelessly, non-stop with all aspects of the set-up and execution. Your ability to master the technology is a game changer for us."
Don A.
Executive Vice President, Director of Architecture, Engineering & Technology
"We have been very pleased with the results of the scanning process. The product has been very useful. And has certainly helped in the development of the project. I would certainly use GPRS again on future projects."
John G.
President & Principal Architect
"Our disciplines have been utilizing the Point Cloud and TruView information and it has been of value. We have discovered a few clashes with our structural steel, which may not have ever been caught, so I feel the service has already paid for itself."
Joseph G.
P.E., Project Manager
Scan-to-BIM technology helps you take any project from inception to completion with accurate and easy to understand data integration to ensure smooth communication and avoid cost overruns and delays. What project can GPRS help you visualize?
Laser scanning is an unmatched facility documentation and management tool with benefits that span the life of any facility. Our Project Managers, model designers, and CAD designers work together to help you Intelligently Visualize The Built World™ to help you reduce downtime and costs so that your projects come in on time and on budget.
USIBD is an organization dedicated to creating standards for building documentation. GPRS 3D Laser Scanning strongly believes in the importance of creating specifications and guidelines for the US construction industry. These established criteria drive quality excellence, improve efficiencies, establish expectations and build credibility. For these reasons, GPRS is proud to be a member of US Institute of Building Documentation.
GPRS 3D Laser Scanning is an unmatched facility documentation and management tool with benefits that span the life of any facility. Our Project Managers, model designers, and CAD designers work together to help you Intelligently Visualize The Built World™ to help you reduce downtime and costs so that your projects come in on time and on budget.