Laser Scanning allows PEA to deliver greater value to our clients by reducing the time required to obtain on site measurements, especially in situations where the subject matter is difficult or dangerous to access or complex in nature.
Laser Scanners gather “Point Clouds” which are photo realistic and can be interrogated in order to measure distances. This is particularly useful when measuring overhead structures or any equipment that is inaccessible, for example, whilst plant is operational.
PEA has already developed and will continue to develop particular expertise in regard to utilization of laser scans in design software. That is, when we do a scan you can be assured it will be useful in the software with which you are working.
Laser scanning is suitable for a broad variety of applications like complex plant environments, lift studies, constructability studies, buildings and infrastructure, architectural and heritage sites, accident and forensic scenes, and more. Laser scans are useful for:
- Measuring distances, areas, and volumes.
- Providing an input into 3D modelling software such as Inventor.
- Efficiently capturing As-built and As-Is conditions.
- Creating 3D models when there is no existing CAD data available.
Scanners work by emitting a laser beam which is directed by a rotating mirror out towards the area being scanned. The laser beam is then reflected back to the scanner by objects in its path. The distance to the objects is calculated as well as their relative vertical and horizontal angles.
- The scanner is able to measure at speeds of up to 976,000 points per second.
- Scanning range is from 0.6m to 330m.
- There is a built in GPS.
- Accuracy is claimed to be as good as plus or minus 2 mm.
- The PEA system includes an integrated colour camera, that can capture images at up to 70 Megapixels, for creating photorealistic scenes.
