Rapid Laser Scanning
Q. Can I use the Laser Scanner on my site?
Most sites around the world will allow the laser scanner to be used. The Laser is a Class 3-R and is considered blink safe. If special precautions are required then our guys can easily fit in with your requirements. We can even train your staff to undertake the scanning required.
Q. I have an existing model, can the Laser system check it for me?
Following completion of the site scan survey we simply need to register the scans, this means we find out where the scanner was when it scanned your plant. This generally takes a few days.
We produce a Cloud database that can be used to examine your existing model using easy to learn software.
This software is available for purchase or lease. If you require an estimate, we would be delighted to quote directly for you.
Q. What is a cloud of points?
A cloud of points is simply millions and millions of individual 3D co-ordinates grouped together to fully reproduce the real world as-built situation on your computer.
These points can be used to build as model, or clash check your existing model, or used as a design aid for your engineers.
Q. What is a Rapid Laser Scanner?
A Rapid Laser Scanner is simply a machine that rotates in both horizontal and vertical planes whilst emitting a laser beam. The system records XYZ (mm) locations and the intensity value for every occasion the laser collides with a real world object. The effective range of the scanner is 0.5 m to 80 m.
Q. What is scan resolution?
The Scanner has 5 resolutions:
Low, Middle, High, Super High and Ultra High. These options create a Cloud Scan file ranging from 2 Mb to over 2 GB.
The chosen resolution depends on the plant to be scanned and the distance from the scanner to the plant. For example the scanner will happily operate up to 80 meters distant collecting data at a real world pitch of 12 mm. Our normal setting is High.
Q. What is the accuracy of the scanner?
The scanner harvests data at approximately +/- 6 mm or better, depending on the surface being scanned. Spatial fitting algorithms allow this data to be processed providing the user with a high degree of accuracy for shape fitted items. For highly accurate tie-ins we would suggest a Dimension Control Survey.
Q. What type of scanner do NB Surveys use?
Following extensive investigation into available scanners NB Surveys settled on a German Manufacturer Z & F. The first scanner we purchased was Z & F 5003 and we now have 12 of these.
The scanner has been extensively updated and the new models Z & F 5006 are even better than the originals, NB Surveys has one of the largest fleets of scanners available to any service company.