What is LiDAR and how does it work?
LiDAR is an acronym for ‘light detection and ranging’. It is a method of 3D scanning that uses a laser to measure distances and create 3D models of landscapes and large objects (like buildings and cars).
LiDAR works on the principle of reflection and bounce-back. When light rays are shone on a surface, there will be a reflection once the ray bounces off the surface. The LiDAR measures the time it takes to bounce off a surface and return to the scanner. This time value is used to calculate the position of the point the laser bounced off in relation to the scanner. This is repeated as the scanner rotates to capture a bubble of data, a point cloud. The scanner is then moved to another position and the process repeated to build up a point cloud of the whole project.
LiDAR scanners can be stand alone devices (like the ones available at uCreate), or attached to another piece of technology. For example, drones with LiDAR scanners attached are used to collect topological data for maps. See Digimaps below for an example of this. uCreate does not have any drones with LiDAR.
Digimap.
Digimap is an online map and data delivery service, available by subscription to UK Higher and Further Education establishments. Operated by EDINA at the University of Edinburgh, Digimap offers a number of data collections, including Ordnance Survey, historical, geological, LiDAR and marine maps and spatial data.
Digimap offers access to a range of datasets for the purposes of education and research. Create or interrogate a map online by selecting an appropriate base map, adding annotations and customising the content, use measurement and query tools to learn more about any study area. Download the raw spatial data in a wide range of formats for use in local GIS, CAD or image processing software.
Lidar Digimap offers detailed Lidar data from the Environment Agency through a convenient, on-demand web interface. It also offers vertical aerial photography.
When could I use LiDAR scanning?
LiDAR scanning is used for scanning environments and large objects (over 2m^3).
For example:
- Objects the size of a car.
- Building exteriors.
- Building interiors (for creating floor plans).
- Archaeological sites.
- Parks and forests.
iPhones after the iPhone 12 Pro have a LiDAR scanner built in.
LiDAR scanning gives you point cloud data. This data can be used as a point cloud, or meshed to create a 3D model.
uCreate has two LiDAR scanners, which are best for different applications, for more information, see below.
What are the different LiDAR scanners at uCreate and their uses?
Leica BLK360 G1
What is the Leica BLK360 G1?
The Leica BLK360 G1 is a LiDAR scanner. It comes in a mission bag containing a tripod, spare batteries, an iPad to control the device and a set of targets.
What should I use the Leica BLK360 G1 for?
The Leica BLK360 G1 is suitable for scanning environments and large objects (over 2m^3, for example a car).
The Leica BLK360 G1 is best for larger environments or buildings with high ceilings (like a cathedral), as it has a maximum scanning distance of 60m (compared to 45m for the G2).
Where can I access the Leica BLK30 G1?
The Leica BLK360 G1 is available on our loans system and can be taken outside of the makerspace.
When loaning it out you will be given a mission bag and a laptop.
Leica BLK360 G2
What is the Leica BLK360 G2?
The Leica BLK360 G2 is a LiDAR scanner that can capture a full dome scan in less than 30 seconds.
What should I use the Leica BLK360 G2 for?
Like the Leica BLK350 G1, the G2 is suitable for scanning environments and large objects (over 2m^3, for example a car).
The Leica BLK360 G2 is smaller, lighter, and faster than the Leica BLK360 G1, capturing 680,000 points per second (pps) compared to 360,000 pps for the G1.
The Leica BLK360 G2 is also best for dusty environments, as it has a covered lens and has a higher dynamic range, so produces higher quality coloured scans.
Where can I access the Leica BLK30 G2?
The Leica BLK360 G2 is available on our loans system and can be taken outside of the makerspace.
When loaning it out you will be given a mission bag and a laptop.
How can I access and learn to use the LiDAR scanners?
We offer training sessions for our LiDAR scanners. It is compulsory to attend the training in order to use the scanners. Training sessions are bookable via our events calendar.
uCreate's LiDAR scanners are available on our loans service. When booking out a scanner, it comes with a LiDAR laptop, as the laptop contains the licensed software which runs the scanner.
If you need to use the laptop to process your scans, but no longer require the scanner, you will need to book out the scanner again as the laptop cannot be booked separately.
