What is 3D Scanning (LiDAR)?
At iScano, we provide ample services ranging from CAD drafting Services to 3D modeling using LiDAR technology. This is why we believe it’s important to outline what LiDAR is, what it stands for, and most of all, its utility in certain markets. Learn more about our 3D laser scanning services.
What Does LiDAR Stand For?
As the acronym suggests, LiDAR invokes the notion of working with radar technologies, since LiDAR works a bit like radar. However, while radar uses microwaves and radio waves, LiDAR uses laser pulses or infrared waves from the visible range and the ultraviolet range to record backscattered signal, which allows us to accurately calculate the distance to each object from the time between the emission of the laser pulse and the return of the pulse. We go deeper on the physics in our LiDAR fundamentals guide.
How Does LiDAR Work?
By taking millions of precise measurements per second, LiDAR sensors not only capture and produce a 3D rendering of an object, but they also record the position, shape and behavior of objects that are in the beam’s path. As you can imagine, LiDAR technology has many advantages in the AEC/industrial ecosystem thanks to its sheer power and precision. This results in comprehensive, high-definition, “as built,” or “as scanned,” 3D models, which are used to create an interactive virtual model, among other things. Other uses for such models include, digital archiving, visualization, prototyping and dimensional control.
Why is LiDAR Better?
Ultimately, this makes LiDAR an unparalleled source of fast and direct data that does not need further interpretation and deciphering, since it actively visualizes all the sensor data into representations of both static and moving objects. This ability to generate a wide variety of data in static and moving points is precisely the reason LiDAR is suited for measuring hard-to-reach areas and objects or other topographical features that may otherwise be invisible to other contour-mapping techniques. For a fuller primer, read what is 3D laser scanning.
If you have any more questions about LiDAR technologies or services, please feel free to contact us at info@iscano.com for more information.
