3-day Laser Scanning for Construction Surveying

This 3-day practical training standard teaches the principles and practices of laser scanning for use in construction-specific contexts and covers the practical elements, relevant theory, use of software and considerations when working in a public area. You will receive 3 month free 'Community' SOFC Membership and will be issued with a CITB certification completion of this course.

Description

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

  • List the applications, advantages and limitations of laser scanning and describe scenarios where it can and cannot be used
  • Explain the IT requirements and restrictions
  • Describe types of laser scanner and their uses (e.g. hand-held, terrestrial, mobile, aerial)
  • Describe the capabilities and limitations of different types of laser scanning targets including spheres and checkerboards
  • List different methods for establishing control points and their suitability in different situations
  • Explain the difference between registration points and control points
  • Explain when to use the inclinometer and when not to
  • Explain how laser scanning technology works
  • Explain factors which need to be considered when scanning in a public area with people and traffic
  • Describe the effect of light conditions on image quality
  • List factors which affect scan quality and image quality
  • Use scanning terminology correctly including identifying and naming the parts of the scanner
  • Explain the relationship between surveying with an optical instrument, GNSS use and laser scanning
  • Identify the purpose and required deliverables of the survey
  • Plan a laser scan survey from start to finish considering scanning requirements, type of equipment, placement of equipment and control, permits, safety measures and road closures
  • Validate existing control points and establish control points
  • Plan the safe work area
  • Identify and plan for visual obstructions
  • Place the spheres and checkerboards correctly
  • Plan the set-up positions considering target types, overlap and visual obstructions
  • Set up the configuration/profile for each scan
  • Place the laser scanner appropriately
  • Transfer the raw data from the equipment to the computer and prepare for processing
  • Transform scan data to point cloud
  • Explain the different methods of registration (target based, cloud to cloud, mixed)
  • Clean the scan data (remove people, cars etc)
  • Carry out checks on the data to check the instrument conforms with the manufacturer’s specification
  • Colourise the scan data
  • Tie laser scan survey data in with drawings, local grid, previously created point clouds and existing features
  • List the different file types used and explain how different file types interact
  • Select the most suitable software based on the required deliverables and the capabilities and limitations of the different types of software available
  • Superimpose a construction drawing onto scan data
  • Convert the point cloud to 3D data for use in BIM
  • Export a 3D visual tour which can be viewed by anyone
  • Carry out measurements and compute volumes

Prerequisites

Who the course is aimed at

The course is aimed at those who have a working knowledge of:

  • 3D coordinate geometry
  • Surveying and setting out principles
  • 3D mapping and modelling software

If you do not have a working knowledge of these topics, you should first attend the 3-day practical course ‘Total Station for Construction’ and the 2-day ‘CAD For Site Engineers’ course.