Construction 3D Laser Scanning

Course Leader: Dr Tarvo Mill

Home Institution: TTK University of Applied Sciences, Tallinn

Course pre-requisite: Basic drafting skills in AutoCAD

Course Overview
The aim of the course is to provide fundamental knowledge of LIDAR data acquisition. The course introduces basic data processing such data transformation (generally known as registration), data analysis, creating deliverables and data verification. A greater focus is on laser scanning application possibilities and laser scanning uncertainty.  

Learning Outcomes
Having passed the course, the students:

  • are able to explain the working principles of 3D laser scanning;
  • know the basic laser scanning data processing principles;
  • are able to design and carry out construction laser scanning;
  • are able to perform 3D laser scanning data analyses and provide validation of deliverables.

Course Content
The general outline of the course

  • Construction surveying examples. Fundamentals and key terminology LIDAR, Introduction to laser scanning. Application of LS. Basics of electromagnetic distance measuring systems. Laser technology, characteristics and safety.
  • Static versus dynamic laser scanning. Laser distance measuring principles: Time of flight, Phase shift, Waveform digitizing and Interferometers.
  • The influence of scanning geometry. Uncertainty aspects of laser scanning.
  • Applications of laser scanning technology. The architecture of laser scanners (field of view etc.). A brief overview of different scanners on the market.
  • Laser scanning field work. Measurement validation. Survey control network (types, establishing methods etc.). Scanning data acquisition process.
  • Principles of data processing. Data transformation i.e. registration, georeferencing, visualization, providing deliverables.
  • Fieldwork (in separate groups).
  • Data processing (In separate groups).

During the course, various exercises will be carried out. The results of the exercises will be analyzed and discussed in the classroom.

Instructional Method
Studies consist of theoretical and practical lectures, also fieldwork and independent work.

Required Course Materials
The collected laser scanning data is processed using Autodesk Recap and Autodesk AutoCAD software (both, the software and the hardware are required).
The laser scanning equipment needed for the course is provided by the TTK University of Applied Sciences (located at Tallinn, Estonia).

Assessment
The course ends with a grade prelim. The final grade consists of a short written test (max 70% of the final grade) consisting of three questions and one exercise and independent lab work (max 30% of the final grade).