3D Scanning & Construction Glossary
Essential terms across 3D scanning, photogrammetry, BIM, drone mapping, and geospatial technology-clearly explained for superintendents, engineers, contractors, field executives, project managers, and VDC managers
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3D Laser Scanning
Learn what 3D laser scanning is, how it captures precise point clouds of objects and spaces, its applications, benefits, and its role in reality capture. [Learn more →]
3D Model
A 3D model is a digital representation of a physical object, building, or site in three dimensions, used for design, coordination, and reality capture in construction. [Learn more →]
3D Model
Learn what a 3D model is, how 3D models are created from scans and photos, the main types, their applications, and why they matter in reality… [Learn more →]
3D Walkthrough
Learn what a 3D walkthrough is, how it lets you virtually explore a space, how they are created from captured data, and their uses across industries. [Learn more →]
A
Aerial Mapping
Learn what aerial mapping is, how aircraft and drones capture data to create maps, the main methods, applications, and benefits for surveying and planning. [Learn more →]
Aerial Photogrammetry
Learn what aerial photogrammetry is, how overlapping aerial photos become accurate 3D maps and models, its applications, and its benefits for surveying. [Learn more →]
As-Built Documentation
Learn what as-built documentation is, how it records a structure as actually built, what it includes, and how reality capture makes it accurate and reliable. [Learn more →]
As-Built Drawings
Learn what as-built drawings are, how they record a structure as actually built, why they matter, and how laser scanning creates accurate as-builts. [Learn more →]
Asset Extraction
Learn what asset extraction is, how features are identified and pulled from point clouds and imagery, its applications, and why it supports asset management. [Learn more →]
B
BIM (Building Information Modeling)
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a digital, data-rich 3D model of a building's physical and functional characteristics, shared across the project team. [Learn more →]
BIM (Building Information Modeling)
Learn what BIM (Building Information Modeling) is, how it works, its uses across construction, key benefits, and its role in modern digital building projects. [Learn more →]
C
CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
Learn what CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is, how designers use it to create 2D and 3D drawings, its applications, benefits, and how it relates to BIM. [Learn more →]
Clash Detection
Learn what clash detection is, how BIM software finds conflicts between building systems, the types of clashes, and why it prevents costly construction errors. [Learn more →]
Cloud-to-Cloud Registration
Learn what cloud-to-cloud registration is, how overlapping scans are aligned without targets, how it works, and why it matters for accurate point clouds. [Learn more →]
Colorized Point Cloud
Learn what a colorized point cloud is, how colour is added to 3D scan points, why it improves realism and interpretation, and where it is used. [Learn more →]
Condition Assessment
Learn what a condition assessment is, how it evaluates the state of buildings and assets, the methods used, and why it supports maintenance and planning. [Learn more →]
Construction Documentation
Learn what construction documentation is, the key types of documents involved, why it matters at every project stage, and how reality capture supports it. [Learn more →]
Control Point
Learn what a control point is, how surveyors use these fixed reference locations to ensure accuracy, the main types, and their role in mapping and layout. [Learn more →]
Coordinate System
Learn what a coordinate system is, how it defines locations on Earth, the main types used in mapping and surveying, and why it matters for spatial… [Learn more →]
D
Data Processing
Learn what data processing is, the key steps involved, common methods, its applications, and why it turns raw data into useful, meaningful information. [Learn more →]
Dense Point Cloud
Learn what a dense point cloud is, how it captures fine 3D detail with many points, how it differs from a sparse cloud, and where it… [Learn more →]
Digital Twin
A digital twin is a continuously updated virtual replica of a physical asset, system, or environment, linked to real-world data throughout its lifecycle. [Learn more →]
Digital Twin
Learn what a digital twin is, how it mirrors a physical asset with real-time data, its main types, applications, and benefits across industries. [Learn more →]
Drone Mapping
Learn what drone mapping is, how drones capture aerial data to create maps and 3D models, its applications across industries, and its key benefits. [Learn more →]
Drone Photogrammetry
Learn what drone photogrammetry is, how drones capture overlapping images to build 3D maps and models, its applications, and its benefits for surveying. [Learn more →]
E
E57
Learn what the E57 file format is, how it stores point cloud and imaging data, why it is widely used, and how it supports sharing 3D… [Learn more →]
Elevation Drawing
Learn what an elevation drawing is, how it shows a building's vertical faces, the main types, how it differs from plans, and where it is used… [Learn more →]
EMLID
Learn what EMLID is, how its GNSS receivers deliver precise positioning for surveying and mapping, common use cases, and why they are popular with surveyors. [Learn more →]
F
Facility Management
Learn what facility management is, how it keeps buildings running, its core functions, benefits, and how digital data supports modern facilities teams. [Learn more →]
FAR Part 107
Learn what FAR Part 107 is, how it governs commercial drone operations in the US, the key rules, who needs it, and why it matters for… [Learn more →]
Floor Plan
A floor plan is a scaled 2D drawing showing the layout of a building level viewed from above, including walls, openings, and key dimensions. [Learn more →]
Floor Plan
Learn what a floor plan is, how floor plans are created from measurements and scans, their main types, key uses, and their role in building documentation. [Learn more →]
G
Gaussian Splat
Learn what Gaussian splatting is, how it renders realistic 3D scenes from images, how it differs from point clouds and meshes, and where it is used. [Learn more →]
GCP (Ground Control Point)
Learn what a ground control point (GCP) is, how it improves drone mapping accuracy, how GCPs are placed and measured, and why they matter for surveys. [Learn more →]
Geo-Referencing
Learn what geo-referencing is, the practical steps to align data with real coordinates, common methods, and why accurate geo-referencing matters in surveys. [Learn more →]
Georeference
Learn what georeferencing is, how it ties data to real-world coordinates, the methods used, and why it is essential for accurate mapping and reality capture. [Learn more →]
GIS (Geographic Information System)
Learn what a GIS (Geographic Information System) is, how it maps and analyses spatial data, its applications, and why it matters for planning and mapping. [Learn more →]
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
Learn what GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is, how satellite positioning works, the main systems, its applications, and why it matters for surveying. [Learn more →]
GPS Coordinates
GPS coordinates specify a precise location on Earth using latitude, longitude, and elevation, enabling georeferencing of site data and captures. [Learn more →]
GPS Coordinates
Learn what GPS coordinates are, how latitude and longitude work, common coordinate formats, their applications, and their role in mapping and surveying. [Learn more →]
GPS/GNSS
Learn the difference between GPS and GNSS, how satellite positioning works, why GNSS is broader than GPS, and what it means for surveying accuracy. [Learn more →]
Ground Sampling Distance (GSD)
Learn what Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) is, how it defines aerial image resolution, how it is calculated, and why it matters in drone mapping and surveys. [Learn more →]
H
HBIM (Heritage BIM)
Learn what HBIM (Heritage BIM) is, how it applies BIM to historic buildings, how it is created from scans, and why it supports conservation and restoration. [Learn more →]
I
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
Learn what IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is, how this open BIM format enables data sharing between software, its uses, and why it matters for projects. [Learn more →]
IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit)
Learn what an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is, how it measures motion and orientation, its applications in mapping and drones, and why it matters. [Learn more →]
L
LAS/LAZ
Learn what LAS and LAZ files are, how these standard LiDAR point cloud formats store data, how LAZ compresses LAS, and why they are widely used. [Learn more →]
Laser Scanning
Learn what laser scanning is, how it captures accurate 3D data as point clouds, the main types, its applications, and its role in modern reality capture. [Learn more →]
Level of Detail (LOD)
Learn what Level of Detail (LOD) means in BIM and 3D modelling, how the levels work, why it matters, and how it guides project accuracy and… [Learn more →]
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
Learn what LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is, how it measures distance with laser pulses, its applications, benefits, and its role in 3D mapping. [Learn more →]
Line of Sight
Learn what line of sight means, why it matters in surveying, drones, and communications, how obstructions affect it, and where the concept is applied. [Learn more →]
M
Mobile Mapping
Learn what mobile mapping is, how moving sensors capture 3D data on the go, its applications across industries, and its benefits for large-scale surveys. [Learn more →]
N
Noise (Point Cloud)
Learn what noise in a point cloud is, what causes these stray points, how noise affects data quality, and the common ways to filter and clean… [Learn more →]
Normal (Surface Normal)
Learn what a surface normal is, how it defines the direction a surface faces, why it matters in 3D modelling and point clouds, and where it… [Learn more →]
O
Oblique Imagery
Learn what oblique imagery is, how angled aerial photos reveal building sides, how it differs from vertical imagery, and where it is used in mapping. [Learn more →]
Orthophoto
Learn what an orthophoto is, how it corrects aerial images for accurate measurement, how it differs from a normal photo, and where it is used in… [Learn more →]
P
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry is the science of obtaining reliable measurements and 3D models of objects and environments by analysing many overlapping photographs. [Learn more →]
Photogrammetry
Learn what photogrammetry is, how overlapping photos become accurate 3D models and maps, its main types, applications, and key benefits in reality capture. [Learn more →]
PLY (Polygon File Format)
Learn what the PLY (Polygon File Format) is, how it stores 3D point clouds and meshes, its structure, and why it is used in scanning and… [Learn more →]
Point Cloud
Learn what a point cloud is, how laser scanning and photogrammetry create them, their applications, benefits, and their role in 3D modelling and BIM. [Learn more →]
Point Density
Learn what point density means in a point cloud, how it affects detail and accuracy, what influences it, and how to choose the right density for… [Learn more →]
Polygon Mesh
Learn what a polygon mesh is, how vertices, edges, and faces form 3D surfaces, how meshes differ from point clouds, and where they are used in… [Learn more →]
PPK (Post-Process Kinematic)
Learn how PPK (Post-Process Kinematic) delivers precise GNSS positioning by correcting data after capture, its workflow, and how it supports drone mapping. [Learn more →]
PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic)
Learn what PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) is, how it delivers precise GNSS positioning after capture, how it differs from RTK, and where it is used. [Learn more →]
R
RCP/RCS
Learn what RCP and RCS files are, how these Autodesk point cloud formats work together, their uses, and why they matter for scan-to-BIM workflows. [Learn more →]
Reality Capture
Learn what reality capture is, how laser scanning and photogrammetry record the real world in 3D, its applications, benefits, and role in digital twins. [Learn more →]
RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aerial System)
Learn what an RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) is, how it differs from other drone terms, its components, applications, and its role in mapping. [Learn more →]
RTK (Real-Time Kinematic)
Learn what RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) is, how it delivers centimetre-level GNSS accuracy in real time, how it works, and where it is used in surveying. [Learn more →]
S
Scan Angle
Learn what scan angle means in LiDAR, how it affects data quality and accuracy, why extreme angles matter, and how it is managed in surveys. [Learn more →]
Scan Position
Learn what a scan position is in laser scanning, why the placement of each setup matters, how positions are combined, and how they affect data quality. [Learn more →]
Scan to Plan
Learn what scan to plan is, how laser scans of buildings become accurate 2D floor plans, the workflow, and why it beats manual surveys for documentation. [Learn more →]
Scan-to-BIM
Learn what scan-to-BIM is, how laser scans of existing buildings become accurate BIM models, the workflow steps, and why it matters for renovation projects. [Learn more →]
Scan-to-CAD
Learn what scan-to-CAD is, how laser scans of real objects become accurate CAD drawings, the workflow, and why it helps with design and documentation. [Learn more →]
Section Drawing
Learn what a section drawing is, how it reveals the inside of a building by cutting through it, the main types, and how it supports design… [Learn more →]
SfM (Structure from Motion)
Learn what Structure from Motion (SfM) is, how it reconstructs 3D scenes from overlapping photos, its applications, and its role in photogrammetry. [Learn more →]
Shapefile
Learn what a shapefile is, how this common GIS format stores spatial data, what files it contains, its applications, and why it is widely used in… [Learn more →]
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
Learn what SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) is, how devices map and locate themselves at once, its applications, and its role in mobile mapping. [Learn more →]
Structured Light Scanning
Learn what structured light scanning is, how projected light patterns capture precise 3D shapes, its applications, and how it compares to laser scanning. [Learn more →]
T
Target (Survey Target)
Learn what a survey target is, how these reference markers help align scans and measurements, the common types, and why they improve accuracy. [Learn more →]
Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Learn what terrestrial laser scanning is, how ground-based scanners capture detailed 3D point clouds, its applications, and its benefits in reality capture. [Learn more →]
Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)
Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) uses ground-based laser scanners to capture millions of precise 3D measurements of structures and environments as point clouds. [Learn more →]
Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)
Learn what Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is, how it captures 3D point clouds, its real-world applications, key benefits, and its role in reality capture. [Learn more →]
Terrestrial Mapping
Learn what terrestrial mapping is, how ground-based methods capture accurate spatial data, its applications, and how it compares to aerial mapping. [Learn more →]
Thermal Imaging
Learn what thermal imaging is, how thermal cameras detect heat, common applications across industries, and why it is valuable for inspection and surveys. [Learn more →]
Time-of-Flight
Learn what time-of-flight is, how it measures distance by timing light, how it powers laser scanners and depth sensors, and where the technology is used. [Learn more →]
Topo Map / Topography Map
Learn what a topographic map is, how contour lines show terrain and elevation, how these maps are made, and where they are used in planning and… [Learn more →]
U
UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)
Learn what a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) is, how it differs from a drone, its main components, applications, and its role in mapping and surveying. [Learn more →]
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
A UAV, commonly called a drone, is a remotely piloted or autonomous aircraft used in construction to capture aerial imagery, video, and mapping data. [Learn more →]
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)
Discover what a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is, how drones fly and collect data, their main types, applications in mapping, and their key benefits. [Learn more →]
X
XYZ (Point Cloud Format)
Learn what the XYZ point cloud format is, how it stores 3D points as simple coordinates, its advantages and limits, and where it is used in… [Learn more →]
Z
Zenith Angle
Learn what a zenith angle is, how it is measured from vertical, how it differs from a vertical angle, and why it matters in surveying and… [Learn more →]
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