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Terrestrial laser scanning is a ground-based technique for collecting
high-density 3D geospatial data. GKS’ new LS-880 scanner is
designed for very large-scale, complex 3D scanning, such as entire
buildings, factories, rooms, landscapes, and other big structures and
locations, both inside and out. Since the unit is compact and
quick to set up, high-speed non-contact data acquisition with the LS-880
is ideal in environments where health and safety issues must be
considered, such as in a landslide area, or where access is limited,
such as on roadways. Using the highly accurate 3D survey scan data
generated with
terrestrial laser scanning, engineers and designers can create CAD
models of actual site conditions by processing the scan data into
universally useable CAD models.
The
LS-880 system is highly mobile and can be used for scanning projects
anywhere in the world. It can even operate using a portable
rechargeable battery when there is no access to electrical power. The
inspection or reverse-engineering of large vehicles, sculptures,
construction projects like bridges, frameworks for large structures or
buildings, stadiums, etc. can now be quickly accomplished with this new
scanning technology.
“Many of these large
scale scanning applications are one-time projects where the customer
can’t justify buying and learning a new system and data processing
software,” said Steve DeRemer, General Manager of the GKS Michigan
region and its new Terrestrial Scanning business unit. “We are
able to step in and offer expert terrestrial scanning and data
processing services at a reasonable price and on a worldwide basis.” |
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The LS-880 laser
scanner has a range of up to 80 meters per scan, with a linearity error
of only 3 mm. Multiple scans are easily connected enabling the
creation of a comprehensive CAD model for each project. The
applications are almost limitless in any number of industries, ranging
from architecture and engineering to automotive, transportation and
energy infrastructure to petrochemical, and anthropological to forensic.
For example, “when the blueprints of an old structure are missing or
outdated due to repeated remodeling, the LS-880 scanner can produce data
to accurately retrofit machinery to an existing space, or document the
space to plan for new remodeling,” explained DeRemer. “Having scan
data that is so accurate makes planning and retrofitting fixtures and
machines to a manufacturing or power-producing site much easier and less
expensive.”
Laser scanning
technology is timesaving with the LS-880 clocking in at 100 times faster
than conventional scanners. It can collect 8 megapixels of data in
less than one minute, and from the data produce three-dimensional images
that can be enhanced with color to make them more realistic. Scene
specific 3D measurements can be made directly from the 3D scan data.
Non-contact laser scanning means that no detail is omitted or disturbed.
The collected data can be used to create dimensionally accurate 3D CAD
models or conventional 2D line drawings - accurately. Depending on
the need, LS data can be exported in a variety of formats, including
ASCII, DXF, DWG, IGES, STEP, and more.
With the ever
increasing cost of building new structures as well as the decreasing
space in which to build them, many businesses and organizations are
opting to renovate existing historical structures. Usage of
terrestrial laser scanning techniques has gained enormous popularity in
Europe, where space is often at a premium. High-speed terrestrial laser
scanners can survey the site quickly and more inexpensively than manual
survey
techniques, creating extremely accurate models from which to work.
The business case is compelling because such projects can be estimated
more accurately, they take less time to complete, the work is of better
quality, and the cost and risk of execution go down. Better
documentation of existing locales leads to improved visualization of
proposed projects, so public and governmental buy-in is easier for
companies to obtain.
In addition to the
obvious benefits to the construction and renovation industries,
terrestrial laser scanning can be used to scan any large-scale structure
or environment that needs to be documented. Civil engineers use
laser scanning to digitize existing and proposed locations for roadways
and bridges. With the exact topographical features, they can
calculate how much material must be moved, where the best contours are,
and many other aspects of infrastructure construction. Once
construction is underway, laser scans are used to inspect the work at
various intervals, making sure that plans are accurately executed and
uncovering design flaws before they become costly and time consuming.
Similarly, terrestrial laser scanning is invaluable in conditions that
are less than optimal for manual measurements; such as on huge oil rigs
and in poorly lit mines or tunnels. The laser scanner can take
accurate measurements even in the dark. Another
application for the laser scanner is documenting the scene of a crime or
an accident. The high-speed LS-880 quickly collects detailed data
of everything that is within range with very minimal intrusion.
Nothing is moved by non-contact measurement, keeping the integrity of
the scene intact. The 3D data is then exported to special forensic
software for modeling and contouring, creating a realistic view for the
investigators to examine visually to determine the sequence of events
and possible causes.
According to DeRemer,
“This new system will help us to serve our growing list of customers
needing on-site services.” The LS-880’s high speed reduces both
the time expenditure and the cost of a large-scale measurement or
surveying project. High density data insures complete and accurate
replication into the digital format for design and engineering
calculations. The amazingly realistic 3D models provide confidence
that the visualization created corresponds to the actual existing
conditions. “Our expert technicians can bring the complexity of a
huge terrestrial laser scan down to a workable scale for our customers,”
added DeRemer.
Recently the GKS team used the Faro LS-880 to document the existing
interior of a 58 year old church building. The original blueprints
had been lost long ago, and accurate measurements were needed prior to
the start of possible building renovations. Built with neo-gothic
style architecture, the church has a unique cross-shaped nave. Due
to the high vaulted ceiling, massive wooden beams, and wide variety of
colors and materials inside the church, obtaining accurate measurements
with other types of digitizing equipment would not have been time or
cost justifiable. (See photos below of church scanning project).
GKS Inspection Services
has been a leading provider of dimensional measurement and 3D laser
scanning services for 25 years. The company’s Plymouth, MI lab (in
the Detroit area) is accredited by the A2LA for Mechanical Testing and
Calibration. The Michigan lab features numerous CMM’s, vision
systems, 3D laser scanners, surface analyzers, and other inspection
equipment. GKS also has branch offices in Minneapolis, Toledo,
India, and Korea. The company’s expert metrologists and engineers
are experienced in automotive and many other manufacturing industries.
For more information
about how GKS Inspection Services can improve your manufactured product,
save you money, and decrease your development time, contact Steve
DeRemer, by phone (734-582-9600), fax (734-582-9610), via email to
info@gks.com or visit GKS Inspection Services’ web site at
http://www.gks.com. |
