How Accurate is the Point Cloud Survey?
posted 27th June 2024
New advancements in technology has revolutionised how we carry out site surveys, from large and complex construction projects to home extensions, and new builds. These new approaches are creating new approaches to building configurations, site surveys, planning, construction, and mapping.
Older methods relied on photogrammetry and conventional LIDAR. These were time consuming and were not as effective as point cloud surveys. They were inefficient when it came to providing a detailed overview of a structure or piece of land. They provided 2D analysis, limiting experts when it comes to planning a comprehensive construction project.
The limitations of older methods have now given way to modern 3D mapping technologies offering pinpoint details of the space orientation, overall structure, and geometry of a building or piece of land.
What Are Point Cloud Surveys?
Point cloud surveys rely on a laser technique that scans a structure, gathering detailed data points in three-dimension. The points are interpreted using specialist software to get a complete picture of the building, structure, or piece of land.
How Do Point Cloud Surveys Work?
Point cloud surveys are able to survey an entire structure, including hard to reach areas. It relies on laser technology that emits thousand of laser beams that scan the object for a detailed analysis. The beams are emitted, hitting the object surface, and then returning to the scanner.
Each point has a x, y, and z coordinate, providing the distance travelled. This information is accurate up to 2mm.
Point Cloud Surveys Have Evolved
Originally, point cloud surveys, were used for geographical information, introduced way back in the 1960s. They were only used for mapping purposes. In 1990, they were used for accident sites, along with terrain analysis. It wasn't until 2020, that they were used in 3D models, laying the foundation of the point cloud surveys we know today, providing detailed point structural analysis.
Advantages of Point Cloud Surveys
Point cloud surveys use the latest mapping techniques, offering numerous advantages in a number of aspects.
Accuracy
The first benefit to look at is the accuracy that point cloud surveys provide. They are one hundred percent accurate, offering a detailed analysis, within 2mm, eliminating the risk of errors during the mapping process. Accurate mapping provide improved cost control, reducing the risk of errors, saving time, money, and cost in the long run.
Visualisation
Most projects require accuracy whether its ceiling pans, cover sheets, or floor elevations. Point cloud surveys help improve visualisation with a three hundred and sixty degree view. With more details, more accurate builds can take place as per the clients requirements.
Reduced Site Visits
Older techniques resulted in construction teams having to visit the site on a number of occasions to secure the information they missed on previous visits. Point cloud surveys reduce site visits, enabling the surveyor to collect all the information that they need in one site visit, saving valuable time.
Fewer Team Members
Original surveying techniques required more team members on site with a number of different pieces of equipment. This was expensive and increased the risk of human error. Point cloud surveys eliminate this risk. You will probably have one surveyor with his laser scanner and tripod. The scanners offer precise site analysis on the first visit, reducing the need to have a large number of team members on site to carry out one site survey.
Easily Accessible
There are some buildings, especially historical sites, that have structures that are inaccessible to analyse. Point cloud surveys are able to access all points of the structure, including the hard to reach places, providing you with access to these limited spaces.
Conclusion
Point cloud surveys are effective, precise and accurate, providing three hundred and sixty degree visualisation with a detailed analysis that is one hundred percent accurate within 2mm. This multi-dimensional technique is used in a number of applications, saving valuable time, money, and effort in the long run.