3D Terrestrial laser scanning for application in earthwork and topographical surveys

Abstract

[Abstract]: Advancement in hardware and software technologies has allowed surveyors to complete the project at new level of precision. Presently surveyors rely on modern electronic based equipments, such as the total station and global positioning system to execute their daily tasks. 3D terrestrial laser scanner is a relatively new technique in the Singapore local surveying industry. This system is capable of capturing large amount of 3D spatial information, in the form of point clouds, in a very short period of time. As in any new surveying technique, its unknown capabilities and accuracies has always been a factor that prevents surveyors from investing in new equipment. Topography information and earthwork site clearances are the initial requirement in construction activities. Surveyors generally provide deliverable using the conventional method of surveying. This research project aims to examine the capabilities and accuracies of employing laser scanning technique to applications of earthwork and topographical surveys. To achieve this aim, a comparison of results generated by both the traditional and laser scanning methods were conducted at an excavation project site and at a strip of public road. Analysis of the results shown that the spatial information obtained by laser scanning were comparable to traditional survey in term of accuracy. Laser scanning has its advantages in earthwork application; however that is a need to integrate traditional total station in topographical survey.