Laser Scanning

Collect highly accurate spatial data quickly and easily, even in inaccessible areas.

The applications for laser scanning equipment are endless – high accuracy, detailed surveys, visualisations of complex 3D structures and steel work, surveys of inaccessible areas, deformation monitoring and the production of models for BIM to name just a few. Many KOREC customers also report that it’s a great way to ‘add value’ to their client offering.

The main advantage of laser scanning in surveying is that it allows surveyors to collect large amounts of spatial data, quickly and easily, even in inaccessible, complex or dangerous areas. These data points combine to form a point cloud image of a physical object or survey area, allowing surveyors to map areas with high accuracy and in great detail, sometimes within just a few minutes. 

KOREC offers a range of 3D laser scanners for surveying: handheld, vehicle-mounted or tripod mounted, to suit both internal and external projects, as well as rail surveys. 

Laser scanning technology uses LiDAR to measure distance and build digital 3D models. At KOREC we are proud distributors of Trimble’s wide range of advanced, versatile and accurate 3D scanning systems.

What Is LiDAR?

LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging. It uses eye-safe pulsed laser light beams, which are emitted into the environment to be surveyed, and reflected off any physical objects. A sensor then measures how long it takes for the reflected light to return to the receiver, and uses this to calculate the distance travelled. Through this scanning process, surveyors and other users of 3D scanners are able to quickly and easily build a detailed and highly accurate “point cloud”.

A point cloud is a massive collection of data points which are mapped in 3d space. The scanner automatically calculates an XYZ co-ordinate for each point in the cloud. But data acquisition is only part of the equation. Once the scan data is collected, data processing software must be used to turn it into a 3D digital model of the scanned object, building or location. We offer various software packages that can do this. Take a look at our Visualisation section to see which one is best for you.

Laser Scanning Applications in Surveying

As we mentioned above, the applications for laser scanning are endless, with customers utilising laser scanning’s high accuracy to produce detailed surveys, visualisations of complex 3D structures and the production of models for BIM to name just a few. KOREC customers report that it’s a great way to ‘add value’ to their client offering in sectors including rail, highways and civil engineering. 

Laser scanning systems offer customers a way of capturing high resolution data from inaccessible or dangerous areas like those encountered by forensics professionals thanks to its long range. Devices like the Trimble X7 and Trimble X9 with their one button operation and automatic calibration mean there is no waiting around onsite. With their repeatability and high accuracy, laser scanning solutions are also useful for deformation monitoring on environmental and construction projects.

KOREC’s 3D Laser Scanner Range

KOREC offers a wide range of 3D scanning solutions to cover varying budgets and job requirements.

For high accuracy, long range and exceptional quality data, look no further than the top of the range, Trimble X12 laser survey scanner with an impressive 365m range and a capture density of over 2 million points per second.

For faster, shorter range data collection, take a look at the tried and tested X7 laser scanner – with its versatile mounting options, it’s the perfect tool for a wide variety of scanning applications. Or for increased accuracy and range, the X9 laser scanner covers up to 150m with a capture rate of 1 million points per second. With automatic in field registration of scans and automatic calibration on both models, your productivity and efficiency in the field will be revolutionised.

Speaking of productivity, why not combine your survey and scanning into one piece of kit? The revolutionary SX12 scanning total station does just that – combining high speed 3D scanning, precise total station measurement and a green, focusable laser pointer all tied together in one – allowing a huge range of applications to be completed with just one tool.

Besides the hardware, Trimble have developed a range of intuitive, powerful and user friendly laser scanning software packages to smoothen your journey from field to office. Trimble Perspective allows for in-field point cloud registration and on-the-fly measurements and annotations, ensuring you’ve not missed anything before you leave site.

Back at the office, Trimble RealWorks is a powerful, yet user-friendly point cloud processing and analysis package – providing the complete solution to efficiently register, analyse, model and create 3D and 2D deliverables using data from virtually any source.

Wanting to share those deliverables with colleagues or customers, anywhere in the world? Trimble CloudEngine is an intuitive and easy-to-use point cloud editor, allowing users to perform data quality control and to analyse, extract and visualise data quickly and simply, and then seamlessly share that data with key stakeholders.

Not sure what solution you need? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!