3D Laser Scanning Services

Laser scanning gives a real-world view in the form of millions of points in data. Laser scanners pick up around 2 million points per second, with a range of low to super-high resolution.

3D laser scanning is the most efficient way to capture accurate mass data sets for buildings, land, and infrastructure projects. At Technics, we use advanced 3D laser scanners to create point clouds and highly detailed 3D models of the surface of buildings, structures, and highways, helping clients across construction, engineering, heritage, and asset management industries. Using cutting-edge 3D scanning technology, we can quickly and accurately map complex environments, reduce site time, minimise disruption, and deliver 3D laser scanning data for BIM, CAD, and geospatial analysis.

How Our 3D Laser Scanning Survey Works

At Technics, we use advanced 3D laser scanning technology to capture millions of highly accurate data points, transforming environments into precise three-dimensional digital models of a site survey. To ensure complete accuracy, multiple

scans are combined into a single cohesive dataset through a process known as alignment or registration. This non-intrusive method allows us to efficiently survey buildings, structures, and landscapes while ensuring minimal on-site disruption.

Our 3D scanning process delivers detailed point cloud data, which can then be the basis for constructing 3D models, 2D drawings, and BIM-compatible formats to support various projects, including architectural design, construction planning, and structural analysis.

Piramal-real-to-point-cloud

Creating a three-dimensional picture of a site survey requires a combination of distance measurements and laser beam control. A rotary encoder controls the scanning motion, adjusting multiple mirrors to capture detailed data points accurately.

Our 3D laser scanners provide flexibility across any environment, making capturing data in open spaces, confined areas, and hard-to-reach locations easier. Unlike traditional Total Stations, they can be set up quickly and moved freely across a site. By integrating 3D laser scanning data into architectural design, construction planning, and structural analysis, our clients gain highly accurate site information, reducing project risks and ensuring more efficient decision-making.

How Our 3D Laser Scanning Survey Data is Used

Once our land surveyors have captured the required 3D laser scanning data, it undergoes a detailed processing stage to ensure accuracy and usability. This data is uploaded into specialist registration software to allow for the following: –

  • More accurate alignment of scan data
  • Apply survey control for enhanced accuracy
  • Export clean registered data to clients
  • Scan-to-CAD services.

Cleaning the point cloud data allows clients, BIM technicians, and scan-to-CAD services to view and interact with site data as if they were on site looking at the real-world structure. This process includes cleaning the scan data of people, cars and other non-survey features or of areas outside the survey extents.

Delivering Accurate 3D Laser Scanning Survey Data to Clients

At Technics we provide versatile data formats to suit different project requirements. The most common Point cloud data export formats include, .e57, .ptx, .txt, .rcp, and .rcs, ensuring compatibility with industry leading software like Autodesk ReCap and Leica Jetstream Enterprise.

Our point cloud data can be delivered as:

  • LGS, RCS, and RCP files: Allowing our clients to visualise and interact with their 3D scans before final processing.

This provides great insight into what data will be included in the final model and allows measurements of the point cloud to be undertaken in Jetstream viewers, and/or Autodesk ReCap before final delivery.

  • Jetstream viewer-ready files: Enabling real-time measurements and data inspection.

Both are great tools that enable our clients to follow the progress of their work and communicate their needs with the modelling team throughout the duration of the project.

Jetstream-Montage

Using various suites of software, Technics can then deliver the following outputs:

  • 3D wireframe line models
  • 3D rendered models
  • 2D and 3D models for measured floor plans, elevations and sections
  • TruView
  • Animated visualisations
  • Survey4BIM 3D Revit models, compliant with PAS 1192-2

Get a Quote for 3D Laser Scanning Services

Get in touch with Technics to discuss your 3D laser mapping and scanning project and see how we can help you. Call our Guildford branch on 01483 230 080 or our Wakefield branch on 01302330105. Alternatively, email us on enquiries@technicsgroup.com and our team will be in touch to discuss your BIM project. Request a quote today and get fast, accurate laser scanning data tailored to your needs. We provide nationwide 3D scanning services across the UK.

The Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning

Speed and Accuracy… 3D laser scanning collects large amounts of highly accurate data in seconds compared to more traditional methods. The speed at which data can be captured reduces time on site for our surveyors, and the accuracy of the data results in less need for return visits to the site, both of which save the client time and money.

Flexibility… Laser scanning allows for surveys anywhere. A great example is when all building areas, including MEP systems above false ceilings, are to be detailed and modelled. The laser scanner lets us capture data above the false ceiling tiles effectively and precisely. The scanners can be attached to an extendable tripod and raised above the small tiles to capture a quick scan of the MEP systems and any structural beams, pillars, etc

Onsite Alignment… Cloud to cloud allows for the ease of setting the scanner up within view of the same detail as the previous scans, which allow for on site alignment using common detail. This means that scans can be overlayed onto one another and merged to create a 3D point model without using targets.

Onsite Registration… We also use the Leica Field 360 app, which allows for quicker processing. The app connects to the scanner via WiFi and has a Real-Time scanner location feature. This feature shows a 3D point cloud of the captured data from the previous scans. This allows for data alignment on-site, saving time and money in the office.

Safety… Using laser scanner techniques significantly reduces the risk of hazards to geospatial surveyors in complex or inaccessible areas. With a survey range of up to 300 metres, all areas can be surveyed remotely, with high-speed data collection of up to one million points surveyed per second (accurate to ± 3mm).

Minimises Disruption on site… Due to the speed of our laser scanners, we can capture data quickly and discreetly with minimal or no disruption to other people working or living on the site.

High level of detail… 3D laser scanners are also beneficial in specific site settings, such as surveying detailed historic and heritage buildings. They can provide comprehensive point cloud data for complex petrochemical sites, tunnelling projects and industrial environments.

Contact Us

Want to find out more about what we’ve been working on? Why not ask us a question about our BIM expertise? If you would like to discuss how Technics can support your BIM project, then please call one of our offices or email enquiries@technicsgroup.com