These scanned measurements are collected and grouped into compressed point cloud databases that can be manipulated to display a dense representation of the object.  This data can be viewed, navigated and analyzed much like a 3D model created in a traditional CAD system.

There are two different types of scanners that are commonly used in 3D laser scanning, Phase-Based (PB) and Time-of-Flight (TOF).

Phase-based scanners utilize a constant beam of laser energy that is emitted from the scanner. The change of phase of the laser light is measured to allow the scanner to calculate distances. The advantage of this technology is the significant speed increase of data capture – currently up to 1,016,727 points per second. The major limitation is much shorter range, currently about 79 meters. Phase-based scanners are typically used in industrial applications such as plants and refineries or interior architectural spaces to populate detailed Building Information Models (BIM) of existing facilities.

Time-of-flight scanners emit a pulse of light which measures the amount of time it takes to travel from the scanner to the object and back allowing the scanner to calculate the distance. The key benefit of this type of laser scanning technology is its capability of capturing data at a longer range. Currently time-of-flight scanners can only collect up to 50,000 points per second. Time-of-flight technology is typically used for exterior Civil/Survey applications such as topographic surveys of roadways and for as-builts.

Canyon Logics is focusing on phase-based scanners which provide the highest resolution point clouds of static objects, and have the greatest utility for BIM work.

Canyon Logics uses 3D laser scanning technology to create virtual reality point cloud data sets of these valuable assets, no matter what their size.  The point cloud provides not only the starting point for building an asset database in a CAD or BIM environment, permits the asset owner and their specialists to capture detailed measurements, to link searchable documents to specific points, and to record changes and restorations over time.

The City of Kingston Council Chamber is an example of a physical asset with a long and varied history. Future generations will be able to see the current chamber in full 3D detail, thanks to the scanning done by Canyon Logics; future engineers, architects, renovators and technicians will have access to complete and accurate measurements of the whole room.

The first step is to create a point cloud of the building, such as the one shown at the top of the page, showing the outside and the basement of the Chaffey’s Locks Community Hall, or below, the same hall, showing only an inside view from the side.

Chaffeys Locks Community Hall Point Cloud

This can be converted into a standard 2D AutoCAD drawing, if desired, as shown:

Chaffeys Lock Community Hall-Ground Floor Plan

A more powerful option that is now available is to simply work from the point cloud, attaching notes and documents to a given point or area in the point cloud, as in this example of a condition assessment report for the former Devil’s Lake Sawmill:

Devil’s Lake Sawmill BIM Example

Canyon Logics uses 3D Laser Scanning to capture information in hazardous environments like vacant buildings for emergency services risk and condition assessments.  The Laser Scanner can be controlled remotely and can capture point cloud data in darkness, with surprisingly clear results, as can be seen in the photo.

Canyon Logics uses 3D Laser Scanning technology to capture bridge information in a virtual environment, providing a basis for taking measurements and recording condition assessment information. This also provides the basis for BIM documentation and comparison of the evolution of the structure over time.

Canyon Logics captures point clouds and creates AutoCAD drawings which can be used to improve the utilization of asset space, permitting a full inventory of furnishings, and a careful analysis of office, meeting, storage, and public areas.