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. Normal variation analysis (Norvana) segmentation is 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 people, animals or... (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

What's the Difference Between SLAM Algorithms for Handheld Lidar?

While researching handheld Lidar scanners, you will probably scour spec sheets, cross-reference features, and read about software workflows. But that will get you only part of the way to understanding the market – you will also need to compare the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms that power these devices and enable them to create a point cloud as you walk. The problem is that SLAM algorithms can be difficult to understand if you're not a software engineer. Good news: There are a few criteria you can use to judge SLAM algorithms. These criteria will help you understand what sets... (read more)

2019-12-24 09:48:10

What Cloud Computing Means for Lidar in Construction

The construction sector is undergoing radical change. The industry is facing many challenges such as rising costs, tight project delivery and building sustainability. Above all, it must address the quality of construction and the need to constantly improve its processes. For a long time, the public clouds did not have what Lidar point cloud applications needed: high bandwidth networking, but this has been changing rapidly over the past couple of years. Digitalization will be crucial to making progress on these fronts, with 3D surveying and point cloud technology leading the charge. 2020 will mark a turning point in terms of... (read more)

2020-03-31 10:53:22

Apple Unveils New iPad Pro with Lidar Scanner

Apple has announced its most advanced iPad Pro ever, which even includes a Lidar scanner. Equipped with the A12Z Bionic chip, the new iPad Pro is faster and more powerful than many PC laptops. The breakthrough Lidar scanner delivers depth-sensing capabilities, opening up more specialized workflows and supporting professional photo and video apps in combination with the ultrawide camera and studio-quality microphones. The Lidar scanner – along with pro cameras, motion sensors, pro performance, pro audio, a Liquid Retina display and powerful apps – lends weight to Apple's ambition to offer the world’s best device for augmented reality (AR). The... (read more)

2020-03-23 01:54:42

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

RIEGL Strengthens Terrestrial Market Presence in North America

RIEGL, an Austrian manufacturer of high-end laser scanning solutions, recently announced the expansion of its terrestrial Lidar presence in North America with the introduction of a new distribution partner, SITECH South. The cooperation further strengthens both companies’ terrestrial market presence on the continent with a strong focus in the construction and surveying industries, helping to diversify the portfolios of both organizations. Operating out of its office in Smyrna, Georgia, SITECH South joins a distinguished group of RIEGL partners helping to promote the RIEGL brand. A reseller of precision technology for civil engineering and construction, SITECH South has a large footprint... (read more)

2019-12-02 09:45:08

3D Modelling for Construction

When it comes to 3D modelling for construction, what are the advantages and disadvantages of photogrammetry versus Lidar 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 responding to it. This article looks at the state of the... (read more)

2019-10-15 03:28:52

Adding a New Level of Reality Capture to 3D Point Clouds

Global technology company Emesent has announced the release of the colourization functionality for its Hovermap Lidar scanner. The 3D point clouds from Hovermap can now be augmented with true colour, providing additional context for visualization and analysis. "We’re excited to announce this significant new feature for Emesent," said Emesent's CEO and co-founder Stefan Hrabar. "Colourization provides greater insights for our customers across many industries. This builds on the incredible 3D data that Hovermap produces to create rich, accurate digital twins and surveys.” The new colourization feature for Hovermap utilizes the latest rugged action camera – the GoPro Hero8. This modular approach... (read more)

2020-06-03 11:11:57