Laser Scanning: A Surveyor’s Foresight
Laser scanners capture incredible detail using a 360-degree view of an asset and produce bubble views and point clouds, in essence, 3D spatial data is collected. The use of laser scanning has become increasingly more prevalent in industrial settings where operators require an accurate, up-to-date, and verified data picture of their area. Original drawings and schematics may not be accurate, as alterations made during or after construction will not be shown.
Capturing the as-built facility using 3D laser scanning technology
ultimately allows operators to maintain and lengthen the life of their aging facility. Creating a point cloud in conjunction with a 3D model pays dividends as fewer crews need to return to the field due to accurate information already being to hand. Using the 3D scan point cloud data with intelligent software and a digital twin allows operators to have multiple users employ the information, tag specific points and associate documents to them. This is invaluable when planning maintenance and small projects as multiple departments can add to and monitor progress.
MODS Survey Manager is Andrew Wilson who has seen the potential and pitfalls of laser scanning first-hand:
“Anyone can buy a scanner and push play — but as experience has proven, a surveyor’s mindset and experience can often see things others cannot.
MODS have been providing dimensional control and laser scanning services since 2002 and over this time we have developed effective procedures that optimize the planning and execution of projects of all sizes worldwide. We are all experienced dimensional surveyors and we, like the rest of us in this profession, started out with theodolites.
Our software solution has a unique QR code system associated with the scanning targets. These can be used in our especially designed app, MODS REALITY, for finding and tagging items. 3D Laser scanning in construction phases would, of course, be ideal but for many existing facilities there’s little digital data to hand. For those managing ageing facilities, laser scanning and a 3D model transform project management, there are light-years of difference between the original schematics of the facility and the up-to-date laser scan data of the as-built version they’re working on.
Taking the data one step further and maximizing its potential, is to adopt a tailored software — then you really have the power to control asset life-cycle, mitigate risks, enhance efficiencies, link in associated documents and reports, and ultimately rein-in costs”.
Check out the whole story in our blog section.
This article first appeared on the MODS Energy Industry Blog https://blog.mods.solutions/laser-scanning-to-boldly-go-into-another-dimension
You want to talk with us about Laser scanning? Contact us and talk to one of our Survey Specialist.
