5 Applications of Laser Scanning and Mapping

The technology of laser scanning and mapping has many potential applications in various industries. You can use it to create precise digital models of objects or landscapes, making it a valuable tool for businesses and researchers alike. This blog post will explore how laser scanning and mapping can be used to make our lives easier.

1. Table of Contents

   Road Surveying and Traffic Construction Analysis

Laser scanners are often used on road projects to capture measurements of existing road surfaces. The laser scanner works by emitting laser light onto the road’s surface, then measuring the laser light reflected off the surface. The laser scanner can produce a highly detailed roadway map by taking thousands of laser measurements. With this detailed map, you can precisely reconstruct a road in a digital 3D model.

2. Mobile Mapping

Laser scanners can be mounted on vehicles, such as cars or boats to produce laser scans of the landscape surrounding the vehicle. This technique is known as mobile mapping. You can use mobile laser scanning to map regions that would be difficult or impossible to access through other means, such as dense forests or steep ravines. Furthermore, laser scanning can map large areas relatively quickly and at a fraction of the cost of traditional surveys.

3. Archaeology

You can use laser scanning to make precise 3D models of structures, artifacts, and landscapes. This is useful for archaeologists interested in virtually reconstructing and exploring ancient sites. Laser scanners mounted on aerial drones can be used to create laser scans of large, remote areas or structures that are difficult to reach.

4. Measuring Land Elevation and Contours

Land elevation data is crucial for many projects, especially those related to civil engineering, agriculture, urban planning, and environmental studies. Laser scanners can produce highly accurate digital elevation models (DEMs) of the Earth’s surface. In fact, laser scanners are so precise that they can even measure elevation differences as small as a few millimeters.

5. Urban Topography and Inspection

Laser scanners can be used to create 3D models of cities, towns, and other artificial structures. These laser scans can then be used for various purposes, such as urban planning and road construction. Lasers scanners mounted on aircraft can be used to create laser scans of large cities. You can then use this laser scan data to produce a digital 3D model of the city. Furthermore, laser scanning is widely used to inspect large infrastructures such as pipelines and dams.

For laser scanning and mapping technology to make significant advancements in the future, it needs to be improved upon at every level. The lasers need to become brighter, and laser scanners must be more affordable. Furthermore, computer processing speeds need to increase for laser scans to be converted quickly into useful information.