What are the benefits of LiDAR in Civil Engineering?
From the roads that we travel on to the buildings we live and work in, civil engineering is all around us. The centuries-old profession has shaped the way we interact and connect with the world. Relatively new to civil engineering is Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. Recent development and the commercialisation of LiDAR has made it an invaluable asset to a civil engineer’s arsenal of tools. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of LiDAR in civil engineering.
What is Civil Engineering?
Civil engineering is a specialist discipline that serves the design, construction, and maintenance of both the natural and built environment. Outcomes include roads, airports, canals, sewage systems, railway lines, and bridges.
Civil engineers take projects from conception to completion, for example, creating structures that are safe and comply with government regulations. It is a skilled field of work and requires high levels of practical knowledge. LiDAR in civil engineering can help to aid engineers throughout the lifecycle of a project.
What is LiDAR?
Although NASA and other organisations have implemented LiDAR since the mid to late 20th century, it has only really been practical for commercial applications since the 1990s. LiDAR research and development, and its applications in the past 20 years, have paved the way for new opportunities, that many sectors are still discovering. Civil engineering is one sector that has benefitted, and still benefits from, this rapid change in LiDAR technology.
LiDAR technology creates digital 3D representations of real-world environments, with high levels of detail and accuracy. The data is useful for visualisation of features, extracting important information such as measurements, or generating 3D models using specialist software. The creation of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or Building Information Modelling (BIM) are common examples of where the data is valuable.
The variety of LiDAR scanners has expanded over time, and each development brings new opportunities. LiDAR sensors are used in terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for extremely dense and accurate data, mounted to drones for coverage from the sky, or attached to handheld devices for accurate information from hard-to-reach areas. More recently LiDAR sensors have been included in smartphones, reaching even more people interested in the technology, albeit at a cost to accuracy.
The benefits of LiDAR in Civil Engineering
LiDAR technology has a number of applications for civil engineers during the tenure of a project, and beyond. Some examples include:
A DEM is used as a digital depiction of the topography of surveyed terrains. Scanning an area with a LiDAR sensor quickly yields results, showing imperfections in the terrain such as slopes, which can then be considered in the planning process by civil engineers. This is ideal for detecting potential issues when building infrastructure like roads or railways.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
A DEM is used as a digital depiction of the topography of surveyed terrains. Scanning an area with a LiDAR sensor quickly yields results, showing imperfections in the terrain such as slopes, which can then be considered in the planning process by civil engineers. This is ideal for detecting potential issues when building infrastructure like roads or railways.
A large project has many stakeholders that need regular progress updates. Scans using LiDAR technology show change over time and create clear reports on the progress of a project. Additionally, 3D point clouds can be compared with planned CAD drawings to show live progress of the real-world structure and the plans.
Progress Updates
A large project has many stakeholders that need regular progress updates. Scans using LiDAR technology show change over time and create clear reports on the progress of a project. Additionally, 3D point clouds can be compared with planned CAD drawings to show live progress of the real-world structure and the plans.
Keeping accurate records of a project throughout it’s lifecycle is important. Access to plans may be needed in the future to settle disputes, for extension work, or for reference if the structure suffers damage. Conducting regular scans using LiDAR technology provides 3D models of a project before, during and after completion.
Record Keeping
Keeping accurate records of a project throughout it’s lifecycle is important. Access to plans may be needed in the future to settle disputes, for extension work, or for reference if the structure suffers damage. Conducting regular scans using LiDAR technology provides 3D models of a project before, during and after completion.
ELC surveys provide the biological and physical information of a landscape. LiDAR gives civil engineers a thorough map of the land, which can be combined with an ELC survey for the sustainable management of the area being surveyed.
Ecological and Land Classification (ELC)
ELC surveys provide the biological and physical information of a landscape. LiDAR gives civil engineers a thorough map of the land, which can be combined with an ELC survey for the sustainable management of the area being surveyed.
LiDAR is an ideal solution for capturing data from tunnels. Accurate and detailed 3D point clouds can be used to analyse, assess, or model a tunnel ahead of construction of railway tracks or roads. Additionally, 3D LiDAR data can depict imperfections in a tunnel, highlighting potential structural issues.
Tunnel Surveying
LiDAR is an ideal solution for capturing data from tunnels. Accurate and detailed 3D point clouds can be used to analyse, assess, or model a tunnel ahead of construction of railway tracks or roads. Additionally, 3D LiDAR data can depict imperfections in a tunnel, highlighting potential structural issues.
LiDAR use cases for civil engineering
Here are just a few examples of where LiDAR is a useful resource in civil engineering.
Builders by Design, UK
Industry: Construction, engineering and architecture Scanned: Residential property Scan time: 6 – 8 scans per day
Handheld LiDAR solutions, like GeoSLAM’s ZEB Horizon system, are ideal tools for civil engineers. Rapid and accurate data acquisition makes the process of mapping repeatable, which is perfect for many of the applications listed above. Additionally, the handheld nature of the scanner makes mapping difficult-to-access areas possible, and the versatility of the scanners gives way for the use of accessories (e.g. UAV data capture).
Mobile LiDAR in civil engineering has provided the profession with a less labour-intensive way of gathering accurate geospatial information fast.
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Bloom Cloud Engine
Bloom Cloud Engine is a powerful on-premise point cloud editor ideal for use in Design, Fabrication, and Construction applications. Easy to deploy across your project team, BloomCE allows users to optimize and condition the point cloud data from all reality capture modalities, providing the fundamentals for Asset Management and Digital Twin project requirements.
Blacklight, based in Romania, focuses on information technology that captures, measures and visualises data used in various fields of activity through providing valuable solutions.
Cybernetech Corporation, based in Japan, is a specialised trading company that offer advanced information and communication equipment and geospatial information technology.
Seiler Instrument is an American company that specialises in distributing surveying software and instruments serving industries such as surveying, engineering and construction.
Favre, Développement & Foresterie, based in Switzerland, are experts in geomatics and work with public and private landowners for forest management and environmental heritage.
3DT Digital Manufacturing is an Australian company that use the latest technology to adapt to changes in real time. It aims to help their customers become more efficient and productive.
Sigma Mascot, based in Hong Kong, provides solutions for 3D Laser Scanning, Geospatial systems and BIM services for industries such as Forestry, Construction and Real Estate.
Precision Laser & Instrument is an American company that offers comprehensive positioning solutions for the Construction, Survey, and GIS industries. They ensure high returns on investments and business success.
Export your point cloud into a range of formats, including LAZ, LAS, PLY and TXT. Datasets can also be exported as structured or unstructured E57 files, both of which include embedded panoramic images.
Surface normals at each point can now be computed from PLY and E57 formats, allowing users to export colourised data and create a high-quality polygonal mesh in third party software .
Stop and Go Georeferencing
Known control points are captured during a scan and automatically compared and matched to the associated coordinates during the processing stage in Connect. A rigid and/or a non-rigid adjustment can be made to the dataset and an accuracy report is exported, highlighting how successful the transformation was. Users can now view and manipulate the processing parameters to ensure a more accurate match between points.
Manual Alignment
Align multiple scans using a combination of manual and automatic processes. This workflow can be performed on two or more scans in the same project. Users have a choice to export the aligned scans separately or as a single merged point cloud.
JP Interactive Viewer
Leverage your GeoSLAM data by integrating JP Interactive Viewer into your workflows. JPIV allows you to unlock the full potential of your reality capture data and distribute actionable insights across your teams.
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Autodesk Recap
Autodesk Recap contains tools for the manipulation and interpretation of high quality point cloud data and to aid designers and engineers in their creation of 3D models for real-world projects and assets (e.g. buildings and other infrastructure). It’s integrated design features help to streamline workflows, for example Scan to BIM. Recap is used to create initial design projects that users can then take into other Autodesk modules (e.g. Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD).
Autodesk Navisworks
Autodesk Navisworks is a comprehensive project review solution that supports co-ordination, analysis and communication of design intent and constructability. The software can be used as a common data environment (CDM) for multidisciplinary design data created in a broad range of Building Information Modelling (BIM) packages. Using the tools within Navisworks, users can anticipate and minimise and potential problems between the physical building and the structural model.
Autodesk Revit
Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling (BIM) software. It contains tools which allows for planning and tracking throughout the building’s lifecycle. The software also allows multiple disciplines to collaborate more efficiently and make more informed decisions early in the design process. As GeoSLAM’s hardware allows for quick data capture, the equipment can be used to scan any existing buildings with the purpose of using the data to produce a digital twin.
Orbit GT allows users to capture and manage available 3D data (LiDAR data and imagery), extract a range of features for map production and make data sharable. All Orbit modules are ready to be used with 3D data from indoor, oblique, UAS and mobile mapping projects with other extensions that can be added to the Publisher and Orbit Cloud. Orbit can be used with the ZEB Discovery solution.
ContextCapture
ContextCapture is a reality modelling tool, allowing for the import of any point cloud and imagery data for the creation of high resolution reality meshes. These realistic meshes are accurate representation in 3D with high resolution RGB values of any scanned environment. By using GeoSLAM data in ContextCapture the users are able to create indoor reality meshes, which has been never possible before.
Microstation
Microstation is a 2D/3D software for designing building and infrastructure projects. It includes building information modelling (BIM) tools to document and assess any type of asset throughout its lifecycle. GeoSLAM solutions are often used in Microstation in the underground mining sector and to assess the current stage of any built environment, update the design model, and generate BIM information.
Deswik
With the GeoSLAM Connect stop-and-go georeferencing feature, users can easily georeference headings from known positions and map for analysis of overbreak, underbreak, undercutting and blast roughness calculations. This information is used within Deswik Mapping to analyse headings and levels.
Esri
Outputs from GeoSLAM’s solutions can be input to Esri’s GIS programs and apps, including ArcPro, ArcDesktop, ArcGIS Online and ArcScene. Join point clouds with local geodata or classify and edit scans based on their geography and statistics.
Micromine is a detailed and diverse mining software that provides solutions including modelling, estimation, design, optimisation and scheduling. Once data is exported from Connect it can be imported into Micromine and easily converted into wireframes. These can be used in Micromine for further studies into volumetric slicing, over and underbreak analysis, geologic modelling, face mapping and many more.
Terrasolid provides tools for data processing of airborne and mobile mapping LiDAR data and imagery. It includes different modules for tasks like data manipulation, calibration, georeferencing, point cloud classification, modelling and many more. It is a very powerful tool for a variety of industries, surveyors, civil engineers, planners, designers. Full, UAV or lite versions of Terrasolid modules are available for both MicroStation or Spatix software. All GeoSLAM products are compatible with Terrasolid and GeoSLAM data can be enhanced and edited with this software.
Floorplanner
Floorplanner allows you to draw accurate 2D floorplans within minutes and decorate with over 150,000 items from kitchen appliances to tables and chairs. Data is exported from GeoSLAM Connect in PNG file format with a scale of 1cm per 1 pixel and can be taken into Floorplanner.
Unity
GeoSLAM 3D point cloud data can be imported into Unity 3D Game Engine to generate interactive 3D scenes, where users can create 3D BIM models with textures and explore the space in 3D photorealistic environments.
Unreal Engine
Although Unreal Engine is mainly built for developing games, increasingly users are starting to use it to develop VR applications for understanding the current conditions of buildings, infrastructure and similar. Unreal Engine with a point cloud plugin can be used to visualise GeoSLAM point clouds in VR, which allows for collaboration, simulation and the understanding of current conditions of any scanned environment. Additionally, Unreal Engine tools are completely free.
Veesus Arena4D
Arena4D is a software package for marking up, annotating and editing 3D point cloud data containing a various export capabilities. It has a powerful and simple to use animation package which allows users to visualise massive point clouds in a simple way. GeoSLAM data can be simply uploaded and used in this package for the assessment of the current conditions of any structure, comparing differences between captured data (as built) to designed model (as designed).
Pointfuse
Pointfuse generates 3D meshes from point cloud data and classifies them to building ceilings, walls, windows and other features in IFC format. By using GeoSLAM data with Pointfuse users can very quickly create a classified BIM model with minimal manual input or expertise needed.
MineRP
MineRP has a Spatial DB that uses GeoSLAM data to represent visually the real environment of the underground mine. The software uses other data layers to overlay information on the digital landscape for decision making and tracking.
Pointerra
Pointerra provides a powerful cloud based solution for managing, visualising, working in, analysing, using and sharing massive 3D point clouds and datasets. Pointerra allows users to simply visualise and interrogate GeoSLAM data from anywhere.
Nubigon
Nubigon is a software solution that allows users to seamlessly interact with large point clouds and create visualisations and animations. Take your GeoSLAM point cloud data into Nubigon to create eye-catching flythrough videos.
Here is an example of a visualisation created in Nubigon using GeoSLAM point cloud data:
SLAM Environmental Pre-sets
Common data capture scenarios, such as UAV, outdoor, indoor, linear, and vehicle, have been characterised in Connect and data processing pre-sets for each environment have been defined. These can be selected at the beginning of the data processing stage allowing this process to be highly simplified.
Closed and Open Loop Georeferencing
Both methods match the scan data from a ZEB Locate system with the GPS data collected from the antenna to georeference the point cloud. When a scan starts and ends in the same place, this is classed as “closed loop”. “Open loop” is when the start and end position of a scan are in different locations. Standard SLAM practices apply to both methods of data collection.
Open Loop SLAM for the ZEB Locate is available on request – let’s talk about it.
Stop and Go Alignment
Common static points are captured during several scans meaning that these datasets can be automatically aligned. A single point cloud is then exported as if the data was captured in a single scan.
Floor Slices
Horizontal and vertical slices can be taken from any location within the point cloud. Horizontal floor slices can also be automatically taken at a given height above the floor as defined in the processing stage.
Change Detection
Mostly used in the construction industry, multiple point clouds can be compared and any areas that have changed are automatically highlighted. Point clouds can also be compared with CAD models – for instance to track progress on a construction site – and PDF reports can be generated to present this information.
Queued Processing
Import multiple .geoslam files into Connect for processing and the scans will be processed in the order they were imported. The size of the queue can be defined by the user.
Enquire about the ZEB Horizon RT
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If your internet connection allows, move the Point Budget slider to the maximum amount available to view all the points in the cloud.
Making the point size smaller using the Point Size slider makes the data easier to view and interpret.
In the tools section of the viewer, you can measure the distance and angles of features within the pointcloud.
Using the materials section of the viewer, you can use the Select Attributes dropdown to view by intensity, elevation and RGB (if pointcloud is coloured)
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Coupling with hardware
Some SLAM software algorithms have been made available as open-source on the internet, but they are purely algorithms and not a product that you can take and use off-the-shelf. SLAM is most successful when it is tightly coupled and designed with specific hardware in mind. A generic SLAM cannot perform as well as one that has been specifically designed for a purpose.
Usage in multi-environments
Visual SLAM is closer to the way humans navigate the world, which is why it’s popular with robotic navigation. But in the same vein, vSLAM will have the same image-capture challenges as humans do, for example not being able to look into direct sunlight, or not having enough contrast between the objects picked up in the image. These can be overcome indoors, however, you may need to map a forest, tunnel or urban canyon. While SLAM technologies don’t rely on remote data (meaning you can scan areas where there is no GPS), you do need to ensure the SLAM technology you chose operate well inside, outside, in daylight and darkness.
Real-time data capture
Mapping a property is time-critical. Ideally, you want to make a single visit and gather sufficient data to create a highly accurate 3D model. Ensure the software you choose transforms 3D point cloud data into actionable information in real-time. This allows you to view and interrogate your data whilst still in the field, and make any adjustments, or collect missed data, then and there.
Flexibility and deployment
If you’re trying to map an enclosed environment (e.g. tunnel, mine) or a complex, difficult-to-access space such as a heritage building with tight stairwells and uneven floors, you need to use fully-mobile, adaptable technology. Wheel-based systems, often used with the vSLAM camera, will struggle with access. Handheld devices or LiDAR scanners that can be attached to a drone or pole and still deliver accurate results in a rugged environment are best for navigating hazardous spaces.
Speed and accuracy
While vSLAM is able to provide a qualitative high-level map and sense of the surrounding features, if you’re needing survey-quality accuracy and rich-feature tracking at a local level, you’ll need to consider LiDAR. Cameras require a high-frame-rate and high processing to reconcile data sources and a potential error in visual SLAM is reprojection error, which is the difference between the perceived location of each setpoint
and the actual setpoint.
Quality and distortion
In order to deliver the depth required for high-quality data, a number of depth-sensing cameras are needed with a strong field of view. In most cases, this isn’t possible, especially as cameras with high processing capabilities typically require larger batteries which weigh down airborne scanners, or limit the time of flight. LiDAR is both faster and more accurate than vSLAM, and can deliver detailed point clouds without expensive (and timely) camera processing.
