- Laser Scan Point cloud intensity of Jurassic cliffs at Nash Point
Laser scanning (Terrestrial laser scanning / LIDAR) enables the rapid collection of highly detailed point clouds over the area of interest. TerraDat uses the Topcon GLS-1500 scanner that is equipped with a 2 megapixel camera enabling true colour rendering of the survey data accurate to 4mm on targets up to 150m away, and a maximum range of 330m. We have recently researched solutions for automatically converting laser scan point clouds into maps of geological joints and fractures that can then be plotted in traditional stereonets for geotechnical design and modelling.
Other applications for laser scanning include:
- Quarry stockpile volume estimates
- Coastal erosion studies
- Geological structure mapping of quarries for structural analysis
- As-built surveys of bridges and civil structures
- 3D models of heritage buildings combined with GPR to investigate internal wall properties
- Forensic science / collision investigations for police and transport authorities
- Topographical surveying
- Ports, harbour and water course modelling
- Erosion monitoring
- Archaeological site mapping
- Detailed interior and exterior scans of buildings for microgravity terrain corrections, building elevations and 3D fly-throughs
- Topcon GLS-1500 in action on the Heritage Coast
Laser scanning is a relatively new technology and we emphasise the importance of focusing on the deliverables rather than how they are obtained. Typical deliverables from these types of survey can include: CAD elevation drawings, 3D vector models of lineations on the target, volume estimates, DTMs (digital terrain models), contour maps and animations.
Further information is available at our dedicated scanning site: http://www.getlaserscanning.com
