| Laser
scanning creates an organised, highly accurate, digital representation
of a subject quickly and efficiently. This raw data is processed and
is used in a huge number of geomatic applications such as architectural
and industrial design, measured building surveying, civil engineering,
heritage preservation, crime scene analysis, the film industry, virtual
reality scene acquisition, 3D modelling, reverse engineering, inspection,
CAD comparison, and rapid prototyping.
Plowman Craven are proud to be at the cutting
edge of geomatic technology. We were the first commercial survey
company in Europe to purchase a terrestrial laser scanner. Continuing
in this vein, in 2004 we took delivery of the Leica HDS3000 360º
laser scanner, the first of the next generation of surveying instrumentation.
Investment and development in Plowman Craven 3D has continued apace
with the purchase of a state-of-the-art Cimcore and Perceptron close
range laser scanning system that allows us to capture and model
objects and surfaces to tolerances finer than a human hair.
Advancements in technology have enabled the
automatic collection and processing of large volumes of range data
using 3D laser scanning systems. Compared to traditional survey
methods, the information provided by laser scanners has a higher
level of true geomatic completeness and detail of the site. This
virtually eliminates costly site re-visits to gather more detail.
The laser scanning process has many other advantages over traditional
surveying; it provides a 'point-in-time' record of complex surfaces,
including interiors and exteriors of structures and spaces. The
survey is conducted in a relatively short time and there needs to
be no physical contact with the surfaces to be surveyed. The raw
survey data needs minimal processing after capture, as further processing
is undertaken as and when needed. The modular nature of the methodology
for this type of survey translate into a modest initial outlay,
with a 'pay-as-you-go' approach to buying survey products from the
same dataset at a later stage.
Products available from the laser scanning
process are as complex or simple as our client’s specification
dictates. Drawings and 3D models can be created from the point cloud
data as and when they are needed. This can be in the form of traditional
2D/3D line drawings, such as plans, elevations, and sections, with
features shown in outline or detail. Or at the higher end of the
process, 3D models can be created as polygonal mesh and other types
of surface model that seamlessly integrate with VFX or architectural
processes. We also create photo-realistic models with high-resolution
photography draped over them for use in visualizations and animations.
other scanning solutions |
