In the race to provide the best service and quality that leaves lasting impressions on projects, clients, and stakeholders, construction firms have often turned to technology to gain the upper hand. From AutoCAD to total stations, then 360° photos, 3D laser scanning is set to raise the bar regarding efficiency and accuracy.
Modern tools like the FARO® Orbis™ Mobile Scanner and the recently launched FARO Blink™ Imaging Laser Scanner are breaking stereotypes and making 3D scanning and point clouds accessible to more firms, contractors, and service providers.
Discover three main reasons more construction firms are incorporating 3D scanning alongside 360° photos into their project workflows.
1. Measurable Detail with Accurate Spatial Context
Adding 3D point clouds to your 360° site documentation offers greater levels of detail with millimeter-level accuracy. Combining both 360° photos and 3D data provides you with complete visual perspective and measurable context. 3D scans ensure better clarity for quicker verification from stakeholders and clients. For accurate horizontal, vertical, and diagonal measurements within Sphere XG, just select the Measure Tool, and click two or more points within your 3D scan. You can also measure areas by creating a closed shape.
➔ Learn how to take measurements step by step
2. Ease of Use to Create Professional-Grade 3D Scans
Laser scanning and point clouds are not only reserved for highly skilled experts anymore. Modern scanners enable the straightforward creation of measurable 3D scans that can be done by anyone with minimal training needed. Imaging laser scanners like Blink guide you through the capture process and allow you to capture spaces with up to 4 mm level of accuracy in a 0.5 m to 10 m range. With just the click of a button, the scanner starts capturing the surroundings. After automated processing and point cloud registration, the data is visualized on the FARO Sphere® XG Digital Reality Platform for detailed analysis and collaborative data sharing.
3. Seamless Integration with Existing Data and Software
The magic takes place behind the scenes, as your 3D scan data is processed and brought to life with the Sphere XG digital jobsite. The same Sphere XG that visualizes your 360° photos can also visualize 3D scans for side-by-side comparisons and greater analysis. Similar to 360° photos, you can also annotate your 3D environment, notify your team members about issues, and even do advanced analysis like floor flatness – all within one platform.
Scanning Made Easy With Blink
FARO’s all-new Blink imaging laser scanner was made from the ground up with speed and simplicity in mind. Blink’s automated and guided scanning workflows help you generate professional, accurate, and measurable 3D point clouds, and high-quality 360° photos. The ease of use puts professional-grade site scans into the hands of designers, builders, surveyors, and operators, regardless of expertise, with minimal training.
