Lidar Point Cloud Segmentation

A Novel Framework for Processing Terrestrial Lidar Data

Terrestrial Lidar data has great potential to produce measurements for as-built building information modelling (BIM). Unfortunately, processing hundreds of millions of points, often contaminated by substantial noise, can be tedious and time-consuming. This article describes normal variation analysis (Norvana) segmentation – an automatic method that can segment large terrestrial Lidar point clouds containing hundreds of millions of points within minutes. Thanks to the high speed, point density and accuracy of modern terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), as-built BIM can be conducted with a high level of detail. But TLS captures not only useful geometric information but also unwanted objects, such as... (read more)

2019-05-10 02:00:42

FARO Introduces 3D Lidar Solutions for AEC Industry

FARO, one of the leading companies in 3D imaging solutions for construction BIM, has showcased an innovative set of 3D solutions specifically developed for AEC professionals at Intergeo 2019 in Stuttgart, Both solutions will be formally announced and available soon. As 3D laser scanning – also known as Lidar – becomes more ubiquitous across various industries, there is an ever increasing need to make the scanning process and data processing more efficient. Conventionally, this has been addressed with a variety of mobile mapping solutions. However, these solutions typically have limitations in terms of accuracy and data fidelity. Kinematic 3D scans According... (read more)

2019-09-24 10:20:50

Using Drones in Construction for Aerial Inspection, Photogrammetry or Lidar

Drones are creating new workflows, processes and applications in construction design, surveying and mapping, and many see them as the future of the construction industry. Rick Rayhel, Microdrones' sales manager for United States' Western Region, is one of those people; he's seen first hand how drones can enhance the construction business. In the U.S., drones have only been used to aid construction in the last couple of years. On the precipice of drone potential, Rayhel said, “There’s never a lack of ideas or interest on what can be done with drones.” Perhaps the biggest advantage of drones in construction, though,... (read more)

2019-10-22 08:49:04

Teledyne Optech to Preview New Compact Airborne and Mobile Lidar Solutions

Teledyne Optech is poised to make an impact at Intergeo during its 45th Anniversary this year with new technologies in airborne, mobile and compact Lidar solutions. The company invites guests to visit its exhibit to learn about new solutions designed to take survey and mapping operations to the next level of precision, accuracy and efficiency. On display at in hall 3 (booth B3.042) Teledyne Optech will feature its CL-360, a new addition to its Compact Lidar suite of products enabling OEM hardware manufacturers and integrators to develop the next-generation of best-in-class UAV, mobile, and terrestrial scanning solutions for a wide variety of applications. Also on... (read more)

2019-09-12 01:06:29

3D Modelling for Construction

This article introduces topics on the state of the art comparing photogrammetry and Lidar for 3D modelling for construction. The advantages and disadvantages of both will be highlighted in terms of accuracy, complexity and cost. Breaking away from laser measurement in construction is a taboo subject perhaps hampering the use of photogrammetry. In construction aerial survey has enormous time saving benefits for measuring groundwork areas. Data can be used for asset classification, construction validation as well as health and safety. In particular regular scans provide a time series of work in progress to detect new issues, managing risk rather than... (read more)

2019-10-15 03:28:52

InfiPoints 6.0: Modelling Directly from Laser Scans to Autodesk Revit

Elysium has developed an advanced functionality to model piping and structures from 3D laser scanned point clouds into Autodesk Revit. This new capability is included in Elysium’s point cloud utilization software, InfiPoints 6.0, which has been release on 30 September. The new feature allows Revit users to reduce their modelling time significantly. There is no need any more to create models of existing facilities from scratch. Furthermore, the CAD data extracted from point cloud data in InfiPoints is automatically imported into Revit to add finishing touches. Lidar technology Industry pioneers and some service providers have recently begun employing 3D laser... (read more)

2019-10-08 04:17:38

The Rising Demand for Total Stations and Terrestrial Laser Scanners

How the Booming Construction Business Boosts the Geospatial Industry

Increasing investments in large infrastructure and construction projects, and the rising role of building information modelling (BIM), are expected to drive the market for geospatial equipment. BIM’s close connection with spatial information makes it a familiar landscape and offers rich possibilities for surveyors and other geospatial professionals. Geomares – publisher of 'GIM International' and 'Geo-matching' – has analysed the user data and behaviour of thousands of members of the global geospatial community. It is interesting to see how the market of ‘traditional survey equipment’ such as total stations and terrestrial laser scanners is responding to the growing construction market and... (read more)

2019-02-05 02:33:23

Six Facts You Need to Know about 3D Reality Capture

Rapid changes in technology and computing power are affecting almost every aspect of our lives – from democratization and information access to communication and how we visualize the world around us. As technology becomes smaller, more affordable and more automated, 3D reality capture is becoming more accessible to a wide range of applications and everyday users, not just specialists. Whether you are a savvy user or new to 3D reality capture, Jürgen Mayer, president of Hexagon Geosystems’ Reality Capture Division, explores six facts in this interview. 3D reality capture solutions form the bridge to transform the real world into mirrored... (read more)

2019-10-07 08:52:33