A Guide to Laser Scanning in Construction

As a construction professional, one of your main priorities is to enhance your project workflows while streamlining site operations. Laser scanning technology can help you achieve this, but only when done correctly. 

This guide to construction laser scanning explains how to implement it, the benefits, and some of the challenges you may encounter. By the end of this article, you should be clear on how to make the most of this incredible game-changer in the construction industry.

What Is Laser Scanning in Construction?

Laser scanning in construction projects, or high-definition surveying (HDS), is a new approach to surveying and gathering accurate site data. It uses light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology to emit a laser beam that sweeps across the target area and captures precise distance measurements. 

For example, let’s say you’re working on a new project and need accurate site measurements to design a new building. Instead of manually surveying and measuring the site, you can use a laser scanner to get your measurements. This scanner will capture detailed data points about the surroundings and existing structures.

Armed with this information, your team can create three-dimensional (3D) models, which can help the engineers, architects, and project managers as they begin working on the site.

Key Applications

You can use laser scanning in various stages and applications of a construction project:

• Site analysis and surveying: At the beginning of a project, laser scanning can be used to perform a detailed site analysis. This information can help your team understand existing site conditions and limitations.
• Construction progress monitoring: Project managers can use laser scanning to track progress at various project stages. By conducting frequent scans, they can quickly identify any challenges, track milestones, and ensure the team remains on track.
• As-built documentation and maintenance: This helps the construction team create a permanent record of as-built conditions post-construction. This information can be valuable for future maintenance or facility management.
• Quality assurance and compliance: Laser scanning can help ensure that your team meets building codes and regulations by assisting you in verifying that the construction work complies with the approved plans.
• Design and planning: With laser scanning, you can create detailed 3D models of the site and help your team of engineers and architects with the design and planning phase of the project.

Benefits of Laser Scanning in Construction

Laser scanning technology can be a significant game-changer for any construction project because this approach has many incredible advantages. 

Improved Accuracy

Laser scanning offers accurate measurements and detailed 3D models of sites. This technology can help reduce human errors and ensure precise project documentation. With this information, the engineers, architects, and project managers can move ahead with project planning armed with the exact dimensions and conditions of the site.

Quality Control

Laser scanning allows you to conduct regular scans and compare data with the design models. This is an efficient way to get real-time information and compare the construction’s progress against the original plans so you can meet quality standards and design specifications.

Collaboration

Collaboration is a key component in a successful construction project. Engineers, architects, project managers, and other team members must communicate effectively and remain on the same page at every step. Laser scanning technologies can offer your team effective communication and collaboration tools by providing detailed models and data that the team can easily share and access.

Enhanced Efficiency

What happens when you get rid of manual measurements that can be time-consuming? Or capture essential site data within hours (even minutes)? You get to accelerate project timelines and enable faster decision-making. Laser scanning technology can help streamline many data capturing and processing components, ultimately reducing the time and labor needed for measurements, site surveys, and documentation.

How to Start Implementing Laser Scanning in Construction

Construction laser scanning comes with many benefits, but knowing how to effectively implement this technology is essential. Follow these tips:

1. Assess Your Needs

The first step is evaluating your current or future projects. Understanding what you will get from the technology can help you assess whether it is worth the investment.

2. Select the Right Laser Scanner

There are many laser scanners available in the market. How do you know which is right for you and your construction needs? Here are a few things you’ll need to consider:

• Accuracy and precision: Look for scanners that provide high accuracy and precision levels so you can get detailed and reliable measurements every time. For example, Topcon’s levels, theodolites, and rotary lasers provide accurate measurements for jobsite layout, grade checks, readouts, and angle accuracies.
• Portability: Consider a portable and easy-to-use laser scanner that can be maneuvered in tight spaces or challenging sites.
• Scanning range and speed: Evaluate the scanner’s range and speed. On large-scale sites, you may need a scanner with an extended scanning range and fast data-capture abilities.

3. Train Your Team

Proper training ensures that your team operates the laser scanning equipment effectively and interprets the data accurately to use it to their advantage. Consider enrolling relevant team members in training programs or hiring professionals with laser scanning technology experience to help you maximize your new investment. 

4. Plan the Implementation

Implementing laser scanning technology into your project workflows requires proper planning. You need to sit with key team members to define essential aspects, such as how you will use the technology and who will operate it. You also need to establish specific use cases so everyone remains on the same page about how you will use the laser scanner moving forward.

5. Integrate Laser Scanning Into Existing Workflows

We’re well into the digital age, and there’s a good chance that you already have a few technologies or applications that you’re using for your project. Integrating your new laser scanning technology into your existing project workflows is essential as this can help streamline processes and ensure that the data captured will integrate seamlessly into your workflows.

Common Laser Scanning Challenges

While laser scanning offers many advantages for the construction industry, there are a few challenges to take note of:

• Training and expertise: Without proper training, your operators may struggle to capture data accurately, leading to inaccurate models. Adequate training and skills development are key components in successfully implementing laser scanning technology.
• Site-specific conditions: Sometimes, a site might offer challenging environmental conditions, complex structures, or weather, which can all impact the accuracy of the scanning. Through training, operators must understand how to use the scanners in unfavorable conditions to continue getting accurate results.
• Data processing and integration: Managing and integrating large volumes of data from the scanner can be initially overwhelming, especially on projects with multiple scans or complex structures. Reaching out to reliable experts to help you navigate these challenges ensures that your team gets the most out of your investment.

Take Your Projects to the Next Level With Dobbs Positioning Solutions

If you’re looking for a solution to streamline your data capturing and 3D modeling, Dobbs Positioning Solutions can help. We provide laser scanning solutions for land surveying, site construction, infrastructure building, design, civil engineering, and more. If you’re ready to get started, contact our team today to learn more about elevating your next construction project.