10 Reason of Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in Surveying

Why Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is Essential in Surveying
terrestrial laser scanning surveying

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is also known of Terrestrial LiDAR. The term LiDAR is Light Detection and Ranging basically consist of laser rangefinder that operates in some form of platform such as a tripod, or any other vehicle.

The rangefinder takes repeated measurements of the distances from the platform to the surfaces or structural. The position and the elevation of the platform is precisely known by the way of survey method and dimensional control points.

So, the coordinate of the surfaces can be calculated by subtracting laser rangefinder distance from the platform location.

Laser scanning with its high level of accuracy and high level of detail is very versatile and has been utilized. Here are 10 reasons for using terrestrial Laser Scanning in surveying.


1. TLS provides high precision and accuracy as compared to traditional surveying methods.

Rapid collection TLS Technologies is a laser beam accuracy that’s allowing for highly accurate 3D models to be created.

Additionally, TLS measurements are not subject to the same human error as traditional surveying methods, such as errors in observing using total station or dumpy leveling.
 
This results in higher precision and accuracy in mapping, making TLS an increasingly popular tool in fields such as architecture, engineering, construction, and land surveying.


2. TLS allows for the rapid collection of large amounts of data, making it an efficient tool for mapping.

Rapid collection of large amounts of data collection making it an efficient tool for mapping.

With TLS technology, a laser scanner emits thousands of laser pulses per second, which bounce off surfaces and are then captured by the scanner's sensors.

This results in a large amount of data being collected in a short amount of time. In fact, a single TLS scan can capture millions of points in just a few minutes, which is significantly faster than traditional surveying methods.

This quick data acquisition allows for more efficient mapping and can save time and resources in the field. structures. Laser scanning is a very efficient survey method to reduce costs.

3. TLS can capture data with a high level of detail, allowing for the creation of highly accurate 3D models.

TLS can capture data with a high level of detail, allowing for the creation of highly accurate 3D models. TLS technology can capture data at a very high resolution, often capturing points that are only a few millimeters apart.

This level of detail allows for highly accurate 3D models to be created, which can be used for a variety of applications, such as design, analysis, and visualization.

The high level of detail also makes TLS a useful tool in fields such as archaeology and cultural heritage, where precise measurements are essential for documenting and preserving historical sites and artifacts.

4. TLS allows mapping to be carried out without physically disturbing the site, which can be particularly useful in sensitive areas or where site access is difficult.


TLS is an observational technology, which means that mapping can be carried out without physically disturbing the site. This is particularly useful in sensitive areas or where site access is difficult.

Traditional surveying methods, such as total station surveys, often require physical access to the site, which can cause damage to sensitive areas or disrupt ongoing operations. With TLS, the scanner can be set up at a distance from the site and can capture data without the need for physical access.
 
 

5. TLS can be used to map a wide range of environments, including urban areas, rural landscapes, and archaeological sites.

TLS is a versatile tool that can be used to map a wide range of environments, including urban areas, rural landscapes, and archaeological sites.

In urban areas, TLS can be used to create 3D models of buildings and infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, and roads.

This can be useful for city planning, maintenance, and renovation projects. In rural landscapes, TLS can be used to create detailed maps of topography, vegetation, and soil erosion.

This can be useful for environmental monitoring, land use planning, and natural resource management. In archaeological sites, TLS can be used to create accurate 3D models of artifacts, structures, and landscapes.

This can be useful for documentation, research, and preservation purposes.
 
 

6. TLS can be more cost-effective than traditional surveying methods when mapping large or complex sites, as it requires fewer personnel and can be completed more quickly.

TLS can be more cost-effective than traditional surveying methods, especially when mapping large or complex sites, as it requires fewer personnel and can be completed more quickly.

Traditional surveying methods often require a large team of personnel to take measurements manually, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

In contrast, TLS can capture millions of points per second and produce accurate 3D models with high resolution in a matter of hours or days, depending on the size of the site. This significantly reduces the need for personnel and speeds up the surveying process.

Additionally, TLS can reduce the need for revisits to the site, as it captures a comprehensive data set that can be revisited and reanalyzed in the future. This reduces the costs associated with repeated site visits and measurements.
 
 

7. TLS reduces the need for surveyors to work in dangerous and increasing safety for surveying teams.

 
Increase safety for surveying teams by reducing the need for surveyors to work in dangerous or hard to reach areas.

Traditional surveying methods often require surveyors to work in hazardous environments, such as steep slopes, unstable terrain, or high traffic areas.
 
This can pose significant safety risks to the surveying team. In contrast, TLS can capture detailed data from a distance, without the need for surveyors to physically access the area, reducing the risks associated with working in hazardous environments.
 
Moreover, TLS can capture data from areas that are difficult or im- possible to access by traditional surveying methods, such as the interiors of buildings, tunnels, or underground mines.

This eliminates the need for surveyors to enter confined spaces, reducing the risks of accidents and injuries.
 
 

8. TLS data can be integrated with other mapping technologies, such as photogrammetry, to provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of a site.

 
TLS output data can be integrated with other mapping technologies, such as photogrammetry, to provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of a site.

Photogrammetry is a technique that uses photographs to measure and map the physical properties of objects and surfaces.
 
By combining photogrammetry with TLS, surveyors can capture detailed data sets that include both 3D geometry and high-resolution imagery.
 
The integration of these technologies can enhance the accuracy and completeness of the data, as photogrammetry can provide colour information and texture mapping, while TLS can provide accurate geometric measurements.

This can be particularly useful for projects that require high resolutions documentation, such as historic preservation or cultural heritage sites.
 
 

9. TLS provides highly detailed data that can be used to create visually stunning 3D models and virtual reality experiences.

TLS provides highly detailed data that can be used to create visually stunning 3D models and virtual reality experiences. The data captured by TLS can be used to create 3D models with high accuracy and precision, which can be visualized in various software applications.

These models can be used for a variety of purposes, such as urban planning, architecture, and cultural heritage preservation. Moreover, TLS data can be used to create virtual reality (VR) experiences, which can provide an immersive and interactive way of exploring the site.

VR experiences can be particularly useful for cultural herit age sites, where visitors may not be able to access certain areas or artifacts. By creating a VR experience, visitors can explore the site in detail and learn about its history and significance.

Additionally, 3D models and VR experiences can be used to communicate complex information to stakeholders, such as engineers, architects, or government officials.

These visualization tools can provide a clear and intuitive way of presenting information, which can facilitate decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

 

10. TLS data can be used for a range of analysis purposes, including volume calculations, deformation analysis, and change detection over time.

Traditional surveying methods often require surveyors to work in hazardous environments, such as steep slopes, unstable terrain, or high traffic areas. This can pose significant safety risks to the surveying team.

In contrast, TLS can capture detailed data from a distance, without the need for surveyors to physically access the area, reducing the risks associated with working in hazardous environments.
 
Moreover, TLS can capture data from areas that are difficult or impossible to access by traditional surveying methods, such as the interiors of buildings, tunnels, or underground mines. This eliminates the need for surveyors to enter confined spaces, reducing the risks of accidents and injuries.
 
Overall, TLS can significantly improve the safety of surveying teams, by reducing the need for surveyors to work in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas, while still capturing accurate and comprehensive data sets.
 
 
TLS data can be used for a variety of analysis purposes, such as accurately calculate the volume of objects or features in
a given area.

This can be particularly useful in construction or mining applications. In monitoring deformation, TLS data can be used to monitor changes in the position or shape of the object over time.
 
This can be used to detect movement or deformation in structures such as buildings or bridges, which can help identify potential safety hazards.

On the other hands, the multiple scans of the same area taken at different times, the data can be analyses for change detection over time. This method can be used in construction, structural monitoring and etc.