3D Laser Scanning Services (LIDAR)

About 3D Laser Scanning (LiDAR)

Photodocufy 3D laser scanning services may be used as an alternative to or in conjunction with traditional surveying methods or as a starting point for 3D modelling. Laser scanning or “lidar” (Light Detection and Ranging) provides millimetre accuracy and detail that cannot be captured by traditional surveying.

3D laser scanners record an object’s measurements in 3 dimensions, resulting in millions of data points that can be used to examine as-built measurements of buildings and other structures, topography, or virtually any object in incredible detail. 3D measurements (point clouds) can form the basis of 2D or 3D models.

Photodocufy can provide laser scanning and 2D or 3D modelling services or hand off laser survey data to your design team.

How Laser Surveying is Used

Lidar surveys have a wide range of applications, including:

As-built building and structure measurements.
3-dimensional renderings (3D models).
Reverse engineering.
Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Topographic surveying and modelling.
Photographic archival documentation.
Visual effects for movies (CGI) or animation.

Find out about our 3D modelling and point cloud to BIM services.

LiDAR Data File Types

Laser survey data (point clouds) are often the starting point for creating accurate 2D or 3D models that replicate real-world objects. Data can be imported into many 3D modelling applications.

File import formats available for point cloud data include:

PTX: Point cloud format.
PTS: for Leica Cyclone.
LAS/LAZ: public file formats for the exchange of 3D point cloud data.
XYZ: Most modelling software that can manipulate point cloud data can use XYZ.
DXF and IGES: for CAD software such as AutoDesk.
VRML: Most CAD software can import VRML.

Scan to BIM Revit Fly-Through

Laser scan to BIM Revit fly-through for a Vancouver General Hospital renovation project.

Building Laser Scan to Revit Fly-Through

Revit model fly-through of a church and cityscape rendered from 3D laser surveying point cloud data.

LRT Station Revit Model Fly-Through

Revit model fly-through of a light rapid transit station and surrounding buildings.

Heritage Schoolhouse Laser Scan to Model

Photodocufy provided laser surveying services to capture the measurements of this heritage schoolhouse. A 3D model and fly-through was created with the LiDAR survey data.

3D laser scanning services may be part of Photodocufy’s online construction documentation or as a standalone service.
Book a consultation or demo to find out more.