There are several types of 3D laser scanners available, each suited for different applications. The most common types are terrestrial (ground-based), mobile, and airborne scanners. Terrestrial scanners are stationary and ideal for detailed scans of buildings and structures. Mobile scanners are mounted on vehicles and are often used for capturing larger environments, such as roads or urban areas. Airborne laser scanners, or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), are used for scanning vast areas like forests, landscapes, or coastal regions, often from drones or aircraft.
Applications in Architecture and Construction
In architecture and construction, 3D laser scanning has proven to be invaluable. It allows architects and engineers to capture as-built conditions of existing structures with high precision, which can then be used for renovation or restoration projects. By using 3D scans, construction teams can identify potential issues in a design before construction begins, reducing errors and costly delays. Laser scanning is also used for building information modeling (BIM), where detailed models help in planning, constructing, and managing buildings and infrastructure.