How Accurate is a Point Cloud Survey?
posted 3rd June 2024
New techniques are regularly being introduced, changing the technical approach for the construction industry. These new technologies and techniques are creating new ways for analysing sites, build configurations, mapping, planning, and construction. Older techniques, such as Theodolite Surveying, were time consuming and were not one hundred percent accurate.
These older techniques only provided a 2D analysis and were not efficient when it comes to providing a detailed overview of a building. These limitations opened the way for modern 3D mapping techniques that provide pinpoint details of buildings, along with any key details. One of the advanced 3D scanning techniques is Point Cloud Survey.
What Are Point Cloud Surveys?
Point cloud surveys are laser techniques used to scan structures, gathering detailed data points in 3D. The points are interpreted using software, providing a detailed picture of the building.
This technique is able to provide details on a whole structure using laser scanning. Lasers emit thousands of beams that scan the building and provide a detailed analysis. X,Y, and Z are used as points of information. The information provides the distance travelled. Using special instruments the points are combined and software that extracts the information available.
How Point Cloud Surveys Have Improved
Point cloud surveys were first introduced in the 1960s. They were used to analyse data for mapping. It was then used n the 1990s to investigate accidental sites. By 2010, Point Cloud Surveys were used in 3D models. This paved the way for point cloud surveys to provide structural analysis with great success.
How Accurate are Point Cloud Surveys?
A major benefit of a point cloud survey is accuracy. What makes point cloud surveys popular is the 100% accuracy they can provide, compared to older techniques. With a detailed analysis, they reduce the risk of errors when it comes to mapping. This helps with cost control and issues that could delay the project. They help save time, energy, and money in the long run.
Additional Benefits of Point Cloud Surveys
In addition to the accuracy they provide, point cloud surveys offer a host of excellent benefits, including:
- 360 Degree Visualisation – Point cloud surveys are able to provide an accuracy rate of around 10mm, helping you achieve 360 degree visualisation. With a visual of the project, it ensures the project goes ahead as planned, thanks to the accuracy of ceiling pans, cover sheets, floor elevations, and more.
- Reduces the number of site revisits – When older techniques were used, contractors had to visit the site numerous times to gain the information that was missed in previous survey visits. Point cloud surveys gathers all the information in one site visit, saving valuable time
- Expert Surveys – Older techniques needed more equipment and labour to get accurate measurements. This was expensive and the risk of human error was high. Skilled staff were also limited, making it difficult to secure an accurate map. With the point cloud survey, these issues are eliminated, ensuring precise and accurate analysis with very little human intervention
- Safe – Point cloud surveys are a non-destructive technique. There is no contact with the object, building, or terrain. This reduces the risk of causing damage to sensitive structures through excavation or probing
- Ease of Access – It's not uncommon for some confined areas to be inaccessible, point cloud survey makes it easy to access the smallest of spaces, providing ease of access to confined spaces
- Versatility – Point cloud surveys are versatile and can be used in numerous ways. It can be used to replicate a machine part to creating an accurate model of a building. It is effective when it comes to analysing historical site structures.
In Conclusion
Point cloud surveys are innovate, effective and accurate. They can improve visualisation offering 100% accuracy up to a millimetre. It is considered one of the most accurate mapping technologies used in the construction industry today.