What is Terrestrial Laser Scanning?
Terrestrial Laser Scanning is a ground-based reality-capture method that uses a stationary laser scanner to record millions of highly accurate distance measurements per second, producing a dense point cloud of a building, structure, or site.
How It Works
A tripod-mounted scanner emits laser pulses and measures their return time → the scanner rotates to cover a full field of view → multiple scan positions are registered together into one coordinate system → the combined point cloud is cleaned and exported for modelling or measurement.
Applications in Construction & AEC
- Millimetre-accurate as-built documentation
- Structural deformation and deviation analysis
- Interior capture for renovation and retrofit
- Clash verification against BIM models
- Historic preservation records
TLS vs. Mobile & Aerial Scanning
TLS delivers the highest accuracy from fixed positions, ideal for detailed structural work. Mobile scanning trades some accuracy for speed of capture, while aerial (drone) capture covers large sites quickly. Many projects combine methods to balance accuracy, coverage, and cost.
