For the best part of a decade now, Point Cloud Scanning has been touted as “the next big thing” in the architectural, engineering and construction industries. Being able to accurately map, measure and visualise complex 3D environments using Light Detection and Ranging technology (LIDAR) could potentially change the way we survey buildings and sites, rendering traditional methods obsolete. So after years of research and development, what are the advantages of point cloud scanning and what can we expect in the future?

What is Point Cloud Scanning?

First things first, a little overview of what point cloud scanning is might be helpful. Point clouds are the data collected by 3D laser scanning equipment. Applying the principles of LIDAR, the scanners feedback a single data point for wherever the light beams touch a surface. This will ultimately result in thousands or even millions of data points, which can then be processed using software to create a digital 3D model of your scan. The range and accuracy of this hardware is nothing to scoff at. The FARO Focus^M 70, one of the most affordable laser scanners on the market at the moment, has a scan range of up to 70 metres, with an accuracy of +/- 3 mm.

What are the advantages?

The advantages of this method are pretty clear. Let’s say you need to survey a busy plant room. A laser scan would allow you to pick up all of the existing pipe and ductwork within the building, which could then be processed digitally to produce a 3D BIM model in Revit. Scanning more complicated structures would require multiple scans, as the scanner’s beams cannot pass through walls, but ultimately this method would reduce the need for a labour-intensive and time-consuming survey on foot. Furthermore, the scan would provide greater coverage for poorly-lit, hard-to-reach areas that may prove difficult in a traditional survey. (Learn more about point cloud scanning benefits in our article: https://dats.co.uk/7-benefits-point-cloud-scanning/)

So point cloud scanning would minimise the time needed on site, but what happens when the data is taken back to the design office? Faro’s Senior Product Manager, Oliver Buerkler, believes in a holistic approach:

“We should not restrict ourselves to looking at laser scanning itself, but rather the complete workflow that the data enables. We are better placed to support clients with the full process in mind(1)”