Ten Benefits of SLAM Scanning in Topo and Detail Survey (plus one)

Ten benefits of SLAM scanning in topo and detail survey (plus one)

SLAM scanning offers several huge benefits in topo and detail survey.

1. Accelerated capture

First, the big one: speed. Since SLAM scanners capture 3D data as you walk, they expedite capture workflows significantly. Consider a site that would take 11 hours to capture with a total station. Years of field testing and professional experience have shown you could complete the same capture in just 2 hours with a SLAM scanner.

Find out just how fast NavVis VLX 3 is compared to a terrestrial laser scanner here.

2. Good accuracy

Surveyors were skeptical of early SLAM scanners because they produced point clouds with low accuracy. Today, the technology is fully mature.

A top-grade SLAM scanning system like NavVis VLX 3 can produce a point cloud of 5 mm accuracy or better, especially when you snap the data down to survey control. That data is more than accurate enough to discern elements like the front of curb and back of curb. Or to produce deliverables like DTMs, DEMs, or CAD maps.

3. No missing data

SLAM scanners like NavVis VLX 3 include a built-in touchscreen interface that offers live visual feedback on scanning progress. The screen makes it easy to spot a shadow in the data and fill it in by walking around an occlusion. The result is a comprehensive 3D data set with measurements for every feature on site.

4. Automatic registration

Most of the time, a total station – which generates one point cloud for each capture – will be set up on a survey nail, or its position will be established via resection; when this does not happen, before preparing deliverables, you’ll need to register together all the point clouds generated. Unfortunately, the registration process for tripod-based scanners is often time-intensive.

SLAM scanning systems automate this registration process to save you time. NavVis VLX 3, for example, harnesses all the computational power of NavVis IVION to process, optimize, and geo-register point clouds with minimal human oversight.

5. Photo-realistic point clouds

A SLAM scanner like NavVis VLX 3 uses multiple 360° cameras to capture high-definition imagery as you walk. During the processing stage, the companion software, NavVis IVION, combines these photos with the point cloud to produce a photo-realistic 3D data set.

You can use these colorized point clouds to examine details around the site, just like looking at photographs (but better, because you can take measurements, too). You can zoom in on road lines, curbs, and structures for a close look and answer questions like, Is the road cracking? Is the pavement fresh? Does this bus shelter need replacement?

6. Automated CAD deliverables

If you want to speed up your survey workflow further, you can export your point cloud after processing and use 3rd party tools like TopoDOT, n4ce, and SCC-CAD to automatically extract linework, features, and details for producing high-quality CAD deliverables quickly.

7. Improved safety

A SLAM scanner like NavVis VLX 3 can capture measurements to an operational range of 50 meters. That means you can get data on road lines or other details without putting yourself in danger.

8. No traffic closures

By keeping you out of the road, SLAM scanning eliminates the need for traffic closures when performing a topo or detail survey of a roadway. The result is significant savings for your client.

9. Reduced travel time and expenses

A SLAM scanner produces a comprehensive, detailed, and accurate 3D data set that enables you to perform a virtual survey from the office. As a result, when a project stakeholder needs new survey data not defined in the original scope, you can simply open up the 3D data set in your software and perform another virtual survey—no travel required.

10. Versatility

SLAM scanning systems are robust enough for use in many environments, including office interiors, industrial facilities, construction sites, parking garages, utility buildings, bridges, and urban environments like intersections.

11. Efficient (and happy) crew

Another fundamental plus on site. Field teams can be difficult to staff, as skilled labor is scarce. Employing SLAM technology in topographic and detail surveys has the considerable advantage of keeping the field crew more efficient as well as provide the opportunity to take on more projects with your existing team. The quality of your jobs will improve, and with most of the work being moved from busy streets at the mercy of the weather to the office, your team will be happier.

Download a sample of NavVis VLX 3 point cloud data and the results of a topographic survey here.

Discover everything you need to know about topographic surveying with SLAM scanners here.

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