Surveying is an essential component of real estate and construction projects, enabling professionals to map, measure, and document spaces with precision. Traditionally, tools like total stations and laser disto devices have been used to gather accurate site data. However, the rapid adoption of 3D laser scanning technology is revolutionising surveying by offering unmatched speed, precision, and comprehensive data capture.
For real estate professionals, including architects, project managers, asset managers, and investors, understanding the benefits of 3D laser scanning compared to traditional surveying methods can be invaluable when selecting the right surveying company for a measured building survey.
Why laser scanning is essential for real estate and construction
3D laser scanning offers a level of precision, speed, and versatility that is unmatched by traditional methods. For real estate professionals, it provides a reliable way to obtain detailed, actionable data that supports confident decision-making and minimises risks.
Key benefits for real estate professionals:
- For architects, engineering and construction: detailed 3D models aid in designing renovations, ensuring accuracy and reducing project delays.
- For facilities managers: accurate documentation supports maintenance planning to reduce risk and increase operational efficiency.
- For long-term owners: clear understanding of a whole real estate portfolio enables informed investment decisions that increase long-term value.
Traditional surveying methods
Total stations
Total stations are a staple of traditional surveying, combining electronic distance measurement (EDM) and theodolites to calculate angles, record distances from specific points of reference, and measure angles and distances at the same time. They are especially suitable for tasks such as boundary and topographic surveys. However, they require a direct line of sight to the object being measured and some degree of physical or reflective contact, which can limit their use.
Laser “disto” laser distance devices
Also known as handheld laser distance meters, “distos” are compact tools for quick and straightforward measurements between two points. They are commonly used for measuring distances, room dimensions, and other small-scale tasks during renovations or construction projects.While laser distos are convenient and portable, their scope is limited to individual measurements and they lack the ability to provide a comprehensive view of a site or structure.
Laser scanners offer fast and highly detailed data capture
While total stations focus on capturing specific points with high accuracy, 3D laser scanners use laser beams to scan their surroundings, collecting millions of data points per second to create a “point cloud”—a collection of 3D data points that accurately represent the scanned environment in terms of shape, size, and spatial relationships. This capability is particularly valuable for projects such as building renovations, heritage site preservation, or large-scale construction, where a holistic understanding of the site is crucial.
Laser imaging scanners, such as the Leica Geosystems BLK360, are capable of capturing dense, high-quality scans in under two minutes per scan, providing unparalleled speed and data coverage.
The ability to capture comprehensive data in a single visit is invaluable. Laser scanners can quickly generate a 3D map from point cloud data, reducing the need for multiple site visits and the associated expenses. They deliver detailed scans that traditional methods simply can't match, making them especially useful for commercial real estate projects where every square foot counts.
The data collected by 3D laser scanners can integrate seamlessly into BIM and CAD workflows. This enables professionals to visualise and analyse the surveyed environment in 3D, streamlining design processes and improving project coordination.
The technology utilised after data capture ensures accurate and compliant survey results
While these surveying devices are crucial for data collection, the software and data processing technology that handle this information play an equally important role in determining the speed, accuracy, and quality of survey deliverables.
Here’s why the technology behind the scenes is so important:
- Data processing efficiency: Surveying produces huge datasets that require streamlined workflows to process quickly. Sophisticated algorithms can compress data without loss in quality and automate processes, reducing the time needed for manual adjustments.
- Accuracy in deliverables: The quality of measurements depends on how well the software interprets the raw data. Advanced processing tools use algorithms to refine and validate information, ensuring high accuracy.
- Compliance and standards: Software can incorporate checks to ensure outputs meet regulatory and industry standards, providing reliable deliverables every time.
At Stak, we utilise award-winning, proprietary software by our parent company, Pupil, to process data efficiently, and with guaranteed accuracy. Find out more about our technology here.
Conclusion
While traditional methods like total stations remain essential for certain tasks, the advantages of 3D laser scanning are hard to ignore. Embracing this technology represents a strategic step toward more efficient and accurate surveying practices.If you’re ready to experience the benefits of 3D laser scanning combined with award-winning technology, contact our team of experts today.
