LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. It works similar to radar, except that instead of using sound waves it uses light. It is captured with a LiDAR scanner that typically looks like this: (Our camera is attached to the top of these.)
The scanner shoots out thousands of lasers, and the return on the light tells the scanner how far the object it is scanning is. This information is recorded in a "point". Each of these points contains the xyz position in relation to the distance from the scanner. Because it is sending out thousands of lasers a second, it is gathering thousands of points of information. These thousands of points come together and take the shape of an object in a “point cloud.”
The advantages to a point cloud are that you gather more information just as quickly as a survey. It also captures everything on site, minimizing a site revisit. You are also able to use the point cloud as a reference to create a CAD model. You can also use the LiDAR to gather measurements, place contours, etc. It serves the same basic functions as a survey, only from a computer instead of in the field. In the end, LiDAR saves a lot of money in the design and planning phases of the project.
However it does have its drawbacks which may be why it has not already permeated the industry. It can be difficult to use. Although it looks good from far away, when you zoom in it is difficult to tell what you are working with. Also, information is only contained at each point, meaning the information in between the points is lost. Finally, LiDAR data is usually not a deliverable, but must be converted into a 3D model, which is an expensive and time consuming process.
This is where InteliSum’s LD3 technology comes in. LD3 begins with the InteliCamera, an accessory that is attached to LiDAR scanners already in the market. The InteliCamera enhances the scanner so that not only the xyz information is captured, but digital image data is captured and fused to each point at capture. The camera can also fuse GCS positions to each LiDAR point as well. Then, using a patented application of a technology called “ray tracing”, the information between the points is filled in with intelligent pixels. That means that information is not only limited to the points, but is contained in every pixel of the scene. Also, instead of generating a points cloud, the scanner is now able to generate a solid surface 3D model at capture. This model can easily be used in CAD or BIM programs for design. The LD3 model is also a good environment to test new designs to see if any of the new elements will clash with the existing conditions. What you have with LD3 is a visually and dimensionally accurate as-built of the scene. Here is a screen of an LD3 model.
LD3 has already been validated in several projects and industries, including building construction, rail, transportation, oil and gas, water treatment, mining, city planning, and surveying. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.
kedwards@intelisum.com
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