Data collected from objects via laser scanning opens new, extensive possibilities for inventory documentation, visualisation and as built documentation with a high point density.

Laser scanners are a way to scan large surfaces with a high density of points (few millimetres distance between points) and with no direct contact to the surface of the object. Therefore any objects such as buildings, walls, bridges, road surfaces, machines, etc. can be documented in 3D with a high level of detail. Laser scanning creates a point cloud with thousands, if not millions of single points.

In addition to the point measurements, the laser scanner also generates digital photographs. All combinations are possible from single pictures to panoramic recordings. Changes in the surface of the object can be captured and documented at any time through staggered remeasurements. Despite the high point density the measurement time is very short. Even with interruptions from other local activities, the duration of the measurements on site are significantly reduced.

The laser scanner can be linked into a local or a national coordinate system. The whole point cloud will therefore be in the same system and can be easily integrated into an existing project or into any CAD-system.

Larger objects are measured through several scans from different angles and can be directly combined into one single point cloud. Using the integrated and calibrated digital camera, photo documentation is possible in the same process.

Specially developed software is available for further processing of the point clouds. Volume calculations, cross-sections, contours, triangulated meshes and 3D views from different angles can all be calculated. For documentation purposes the digital picture information can be assigned to the single points of the laser scans. Therefore a true colour picture is generated that can be viewed and plotted from different perspectives.

terra international surveys ltd. has three different laser scanner systems available. The Trimble GS200 System is used over long ranges and with a very high resolution, while the Callidus 3200 System is used for recording inside buildings. The Sick LMS200 Systems are used for kinematic measurement inside tunnels and for documentation of railway infrastructures.