Laser Scanning & 3D Modeling

Laser scanning is typically conducted using either stationary or mobile laser scanners. Stationary scanners are often mounted on tripods and placed at specific positions along the railway track or within railway stations. Mobile scanners, on the other hand, are mounted on vehicles that travel along the railway corridor, capturing data continuously as they move.

Laser scanners emit laser pulses that bounce off the surfaces of objects and return to the scanner. By measuring the time it takes for the laser pulses to return, along with other parameters, the scanner can calculate the distances to the objects and generate a point cloud, which is a large collection of 3D coordinate points representing the scanned environment.

3D modeling is the process of creating a digital representation of railway infrastructure in three dimensions. It involves converting survey data, such as laser scanning point clouds or other measurements, into a virtual 3D model that accurately represents the surveyed environment.

The resulting 3D model provides a comprehensive representation of the railway infrastructure in a digital format. It enables engineers, planners, and stakeholders to visualise the existing conditions, conduct analysis, assess clearance requirements, simulate proposed changes or additions, and make informed decisions regarding design, maintenance, and operations of the railway system.