From the entertainment sector to the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries, 3D laser scanning services provide accurate, detailed, and efficient methods for capturing spatial data.
The accurate measurements captured by professional 3D laser scanning companies help you avoid expensive mistakes, reworks, and change orders.
Of course, not all 3D laser scanning companies are created equal. To ensure the company you’ve hired can provide you with the accurate 3D laser scanning data you need, first verify they’re using the most effective laser scanning equipment for your job.
Leica P-Series ScanStation (P50/P40/P30)
Features:
- 2-4mm accurate 3D point cloud capture & HDR imaging
- One million point per second capture rate & 1 km range
- Survey-grade point cloud ties to coordinate system
- Dual-axis compensator ensures level scans
Limitations:
- Must use line-of-site to measure
- Does not scan small parts for reverse engineering
Leica RTC360 Laser Scanner
Features:
- Mid-range scanner with 2-6mm accuracy
- Lightweight (< 12 lbs.) & one-button operation
- 2 million data points per second scan rate to capture colorized point clouds & HDR images in less than 2 minutes
- Visual Inertial System (VIS) pre-registers field scans to expedite data export
Limitations:
- Relies on line-of-sight to measure
- Does not scan small parts for reverse engineering
- Limited to 65 meters for high-resolution scans
Leica BLK360 Laser Scanner
Features:
- Compact & lightweight (< 2 lbs.) for smaller applications
- 60m range with 4-7mm accuracy
- 680,000 point per second scan rate
- VIS field registration for expedited data export
- Can stream point clouds for HDR images to iPad or Cyclone Register 360
Limitations:
- Line of sight required for measurements
- Lower resolution scans, best utilized at 5-10 ft.
- Limited storage capacity
Matterport Pro 3
Features:
- Scans indoor & outdoor static environments
- Produces a full-color digital twin at a 10m range with 20mm accuracy
- 0.5m – 100m scan range
- 10 points per degree output on both axes (horizontal & vertical)
Limitations:
- Limited scan storage capacity
- Sharing and collaboration requires a paid subscription
- Limited to line of sight
- Cannot exceed 8m
Why can’t I just buy or rent a 3D laser scanner and do it myself?
The short answer is: you can. Modern scanners are user-friendly and require minimal set-up time.
Merely knowing how to operate a scanner, however, is only about 10% of what you need to know to provide accurate measurements for your site or facility.
After laser scanning a site, the point cloud data must be registered. You’ll then likely want to use that data to create CAD drawings and/or 3D BIM models. Do you have the expertise and resources to manage data registration and generate the appropriate deliverables for your project?
Typically, a specialized team of CAD and BIM design professionals will process data from a LiDAR scan, handling point cloud registration, and producing detailed drawings, maps, and models. If your team lacks the capability to create these deliverables in-house, you will need to hire an external team to handle the task. The cost for such services can be around $0.50 per square foot*, depending on the complexity of the project.
When renting a scanner, you don’t need to worry about servicing or maintaining the equipment. However, be aware of additional charges for accessories such as targets, tripods, batteries, chargers, USB drives, and shipping. Most scanner rental companies also require proof of insurance and account pre-approvals. Along with renting a laser scanner, you may need to rent CAD software packages to process the data and produce the necessary deliverables.
The average cost for renting a laser scanner* is:
- $743/day
- $3,046/week
- $9,188/year
*Based on actual KWIPPED Marketplace Supplier Quotes
The average cost for purchasing a 3D laser scanner is $46,951*.
*Based on FLT Geosystems Supplier Quotes
Make it easy: Hire GPRS!
Hiring a 3D laser scanning service near you may be the best choice for your company. An experienced 3D laser scanning professional can provide quick and accurate field documentation along with expert insights for your project. These professionals stay updated with the latest trends in technology, workflow, and software, ensuring efficient and precise work. Utilizing such a service allows your company to spend less time on site data recording, ensuring accuracy, which translates to fewer labor hours, reduced costs, and fewer change orders. Engaging a professional 3D laser scanning service can be a smart investment, maximizing your company’s time and budget.
GPRS trains and deploys hundreds of elite Project Managers to assess the scope of your project and produce the highest quality data using state-of-the-art equipment, software, and processes. Our team of in-house engineers and CAD technicians create and quality inspect point clouds, 2D, and 3D deliverables, ensuring top-notch results for your project.
From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.
What can we help you visualize?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LiDAR?
LiDAR is a remote sensing method used to generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of an object and its surface characteristics. Much like radar systems that employ radio waves to measure objects, LiDAR uses lasers to calculate the distance of objects with light pulses from 3D laser scanners, gathering 3D information about an object.
What is BIM?
BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and is more than just a 3D model. 3D BIM scanning gives engineers the ability to manage the building data throughout its whole lifecycle. It provides accurate spatial relationships and manufacturer details, as well as geographic information and other pertinent aspects of the building.
What is As-Built Documentation?
As-built 3D documentation is an accurate set of drawings for a project. They reflect all changes made during the construction process and show the exact dimensions, geometry, and location of all elements of the work.
