LiDAR, Drones or Laser Scanning for Data Collection. Which is Best?
Capture Chronicles - #2
February 25, 2022 - Brighton, Michigan
Oracle Industries Innovation Lab
How to decide which capture technology to use for construction project management is a hot topic. The use of drones is a growing trend across engineering, construction, utilities and infrastructure.
In a LinkedIn Live event February 17, 2022, Vice President Burcin Kaplanoglu hosted a show-and-tell session demonstrating drone technology on a construction site with Gregg Schkade, senior capture technician, and Brent Slawnikowski, VTS, Virtual Technology Simplified Director of Business Development. VTS, based in Michigan, does reality capture, digital twins and 3D models for construction, telecommunications and utilities across North America. Watch on demand, Oracle Industries Innovation Lab
Save Time & Money At All Phases of a Project Cycle
In the event, Schkade demonstrates launching and piloting a drone equipped to perform a photogrammetry and LiDAR scan capture of a steel structure inside the Oracle innovation lab. The entire project cycle has use cases for data collection, Schkade explains. With a split screen of Schkade and the drone capturing images, he discusses how the commercial drones use thermal imaging, LiDAR and photogrammetry to save time, money, and create a safer work environment.
Gregg Schkade, Senior Capture Technician, VTS
“Putting people on a construction site with heavy machinery can cause safety concerns. Drones alleviate that problem.” he explains. “It can take up to two weeks for a person on the ground to survey a plot of land, while a VTS drone can complete the task in about 30 minutes and have a 3D deliverable ready not long after.”
What skills does it take to fly a drone for commercial use?
Schkade explains that being a drone pilot for commercial and industrial sites requires a part 107 FAA license and an understanding of building construction, point clouds, and all the different methods of data capture. Creating a photogrammetry scan of the steel structure using a drone requires specific skills and experience to capture accurately. Each scan from the drone stitches together to create the 3D model. Ground based scanners are often used for work that requires very precise accuracy such as floor scanning or steel beam inspections which are critical in the middle of construction projects.
“To create 3D models for industrial sites, you have to understand the big picture of what you need to capture and why it is important. It takes experience and time.”
How do you decide the type of data to collect?
Brent Slawnikowski says it always starts with a deliverable. “We work backwards with each client to understand what they’re trying to extract from their projects, whether it’s at the start of a project, mid-level, or the end. The deliverable and level of detail drives the selection of technology to provide the best data.” he concluded.
He defines photogrammetry as a process of capturing images and processing them into a point cloud using software. There are many types of cameras and uses, he says, such as agriculture or construction. LiDAR uses thread lasers, similar to threshold laser scanners mounted to a drone or ground based system. They shoot lasers out that scan 360 and capture data. The differences in density and accuracy refer back to the question of the end result deliverable.
Slawnikowski then discusses how drones are being used at the beginning of construction projects and also for daily progression. Floor flatness, clash detection and coordination on construction projects are use cases for the terrestrial scanners.
“Each industry we work with, telecommunications, AEC, and renewable energy is unique. We match the needs and deliverables of our clients with the right technology. That’s what makes our job exciting.”
How will the infrastructure bill impact drone services?
The infrastructure bill could have a significant impact on drone usage in the next year as large projects and work on roads and bridges begins. As drone technology continues to advance, specialty firms like VTS who are investing, will target the needs and issues that apply to specific industries such as renewable energy, telecommunications and utilities.
Slawnikowski outlined that the investment required to start a commercial drone program can be significant. “The systems we’ve talked about today can be in the $50k to $100k in equipment alone, which does not include the software, manpower and skill development.” he says. He concludes that education is going to be key to introduce drone technology as a career path to a new generation.
About VTS: Virtual Technology Simplified unlocks virtual access with 3D and reality capture services across North America. VTS leadership combines 90+ years of cutting-edge technology experience with 3D, lidar and laser scanning. Digital twins and vertical data capture enable real better decisions for telecom, infrastructure, and utilities. 3D models and digital twins enable game changing advantages that streamline processes, reduce risk, and lead to significant cost savings.