Laser Scanning

Laser Scan – typical cut cross section through a point cloud

Terrestrial Laser Scanning data is edited and modelled in what is essentially a Virtual Reality world. Users are able to rotate, pan and zoom the captured data in all directions so as to edit and model the scene, as well as communicate the data in a manner that can be easier to interpret than traditional 2D or 3D CAD drawings. The ability of these systems to communicate data is significantly enhanced by the ability of several newer scanners to present the true colour of an object, not just the reflected intensity value of the laser beam.

In the case of the viewer not having access to laser scanning software, an alternative method is required to present the data in Virtual Reality. However, most laser scanning software packages do not readily export data in alternative virtual reality formats. Two alternative methods of presenting the scan data in Virtual Reality were presented, VRML and OpenView.
 

Above – Night time scanning – The Bank Building – Castle Street Belfast

Below – Laser Scan – The Bord Gais Energy Centre – October 2015