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Laser Scanning

The process of capturing highly accurate three-dimensional measurements of physical assets using laser-based surveying technology.

Definition

Laser Scanning is the process of collecting dense three-dimensional measurement data from physical objects or facilities using laser-based surveying instruments. Modern terrestrial laser scanners rapidly capture millions of measurement points to produce accurate point clouds that can be used for dimensional verification, engineering design, digital twins, asset documentation, clash detection and as-built model generation.

Why It Matters

Laser Scanning provides highly accurate digital representations of existing facilities to support engineering, construction and asset lifecycle management.

In Practice

Laser Scanning is widely used to capture existing facilities before modifications, enabling engineers to work from accurate three-dimensional representations rather than relying solely on legacy drawings.

Common Misuse

Laser Scanning refers to the overall measurement process, whereas a Laser Tracker is a precision instrument used for high-accuracy dimensional measurement of specific objects.

Term Details
Synonyms:
Laser Scanning; 3D Laser Scanning; LiDAR; Point Cloud Capture
Classification:
Digital Engineering
Methodology
Intermediate
Applications

Digital Engineering; Surveying; Asset Information Management.

Where It's Used

Industrial plants.; Construction.; Brownfield projects.; Digital twins.; Asset verification.

References

ASTM E3125

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VisualAIM connects glossary concepts to the asset records, inspection histories, and workflows they describe.

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