Lidar technology in BIM and how is it different from Laser Scanning

Most people get confused about whether Leaser Scanning and Lider technology are the same things or if they are two different technologies, and there is a good reason for that.

Lidar, on the other hand, are techniques or processes, whereas lasers are devices. A lot of the time, LiDAR technology is used as a 3D laser scanner for buildings in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry to scan buildings and then make them available as as-built 3D BIM models based on the scanned data.

Lidar concept

As the name suggests, Lidar stands for light detection and ranging and can also refer to laser scanning or 3D scanning. An effective Lidar mapping system is able to fire up to one million pulses per second for the purpose of mapping.

It is measured how much light will be returned straight to the scanner. After then, the speed of light is used to calculate the distance between two places. As a consequence, plans for rehabilitation or new building are created using computerized representations of the measured locations.

Workflow

1. As light waves are emitted by the Lidar sensor into the building, pulses of light are detected.
2. A pulse is generated by the sensor as soon as it bounces off the building and returns to it.
3. Using a Lidar sensor, the distance traveled by a pulse is calculated by measuring how long it takes for each pulse to return to the Lidar sensor after it has been sent out.

Application

Every stage of the construction process can be addressed with Lidar:

Surveying of land

An accurate Lidar survey of the land needs to be conducted before construction can begin on the project.

By doing this, we will be able to understand the terrain on which the building will be built, and we will be able to create a design for the building that would take into account the terrain, and we will also be able to determine how the land should be leveled.

In the creation of BIM models

The scan-to-BIM process can be employed by a Lidar scanner in order to create a 3D BIM model with the help of a scan to BIM process.

By using Lidar technology and creating a 3D BIM model with this type of technology, we can use this type of model to renovate and remodel buildings or infrastructures that are being constructed.

To analyze the structure

It is important to note that LiDAR technology is being used for Structural Health Monitoring in order to analyze the behavior of the structure of a building.

Determining flaws

Using LiDAR technology, you can detect defects in building construction or a building that is already in use. A building can easily be scanned with LiDAR in order to identify urgent renovations that need to be made.

Monitoring construction stages

Using LiDAR drone services, it is possible to monitor the progress of the construction process. Monitoring the construction process with LiDAR makes it possible to find out any discrepancies in the construction process in a short period of time.

Collaborate easily

LiDAR data stored in the cloud and processing software can easily be accessed and used by project managers, architects, and engineers for collaborative project work.

This facilitates efficient project management since all members of the team will have access to data and information derived from LiDAR.

Limitations

1. There are many costs associated with Lidar, including the initial cost, but also the cost of maintenance for Lidar.
2. During bad weather conditions, it is very difficult to operate Lidar and get point cloud scan data from a Lidar sensor.
3. There is a difficulty in interpreting data sets and a need for skillful data analysis techniques to be employed.

Laser concept

Lasers are devices that use the principle of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation to produce or magnify light. We utilize lasers a lot in the items we use every day.

Blu-ray and DVD players read data from the discs using laser technology, lasers are also used in barcode scanners to process data.

To get online demonstration, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: MicroCAD Training & Consulting

Difference between Laser and Lidar

Wrapping it up

LiDAR is a particular use of a laser beam for purposes of detection, analysis, and tracking during the construction of a building or during the documentation of a building. Laser technology is used only in LiDAR. LiDAR is never utilized by Laser in any of its procedures.