Scantech International Ltd

In June this year, ScanTech have achieved the Investors in People (IIP) award after several months of hard work and demonstrating our commitment to personal development and training.

Purchase of a new HDS 3000 360° Laser Scanner

Scantech have recently purchased their second scanner a Leica/CYRA HDS 3000 from Leica Geosystems. This scanner has improved capabilities from the 2500 range and allows 360° scanning horizontally and 270° vertically. This new machine will improve our scanning capability significantly as the scan rate is improved to 2000 points per second. Similarly with fewer scans the registration process will be dramatically reduced ensuring faster turnaround times.

Additional Trials prove accuracy of ScanTech system

Using the Cyrax 2500 laser scanner ScanTech surveyed the whole of Congleton Station in four hours, despite the pouring rain and produced the alignment strings and cross sections every 10 m. The actual survey was carried out on the platforms in a separated green zone and it was not necessary to venture onto the track at any time. Similarly because the 2500 scanner “fired” 1000 points per second, passing trains and people did not affect its ability to capture sufficient information.

Several weeks before our trial, the platforms had been refurbished and the track remodelled through the station. A traditional topo survey had been undertaken to produce as-built documentation.

The results of the two surveys were compared by Mott Macdonald and it was found that they matched to within 5mm in over 70% of the points.

Mott Macdonald’s specialist then looked at the 4ft dimensions throughout the survey and as the track had recently been re-laid on concrete sleepers these should be consistent throughout. The ScanTech International results were consistent to within 2-3mm throughout the 200m length of track whereas the traditional measurements differed significantly.

It was therefore concluded that the ScanTech survey was indeed the more accurate.

Gauging Trials for Route 52

The trial was carried out in conjunction with Mott Macdonald and Network Rail at overbridge 3 at Frodsham and Lasersweep equipment was used to gauge the overbridge and the results compared to our results. The conclusion by Mott Macdonald was that “the ScanTech technique can accurately reproduce gauging results with an absolute average of 2.60mm and standard deviation of 2.97mm (cf. 10.20mm and 4.38mm for the Lasersweep equipment)”.

Route 52 Gauge Clearance Project

Scantech have recently completed the gauging of some 35 structures as part of the Route 52 Gauge Clearance Project for Mott Macdonald and Network Rail.

To Quote from the Mott Macdonald Survey Trial Report “ This (ScanTech) capability is especially useful as the system can be operated from the cess in a green zone…. This capability enabled the project to undertake an initial assessment of the Route 44 structures within 6 days….Without ScanTech this stage 1A project could not be delivered by September 2004.”

Survey of Partick Station in Glasgow

Using the Cyrax 2500 laser scanner ScanTech surveyed the whole of Partick Station including the elevated and subway platforms including rails, OLE waiting rooms and concourse.

Similarly the outside of the station was scanned and a 3D-outline model of the whole station produced as commissioned by CSpencer Ltd.

Coventry South S & C Survey

Further to the successful provision of as-built 3D models for Stechford and Lancaster North S & C’s , ScanTech were commissioned to survey the complicated S &C at Coventry south and to produce a 3D outline model. This would be used as the starting point to produce the scope of work for the S & C renewal.

Some 2000m of twin track was surveyed in 20 hours during both T(iii) blockades and separated green zone working

The latest end of year accounts show turnover increasing to £279K from £73K the previous year – a fourfold growth.

ScanTech International Ltd is a relatively new company established for 21 months and specialising in 3D data acquisition. The company comprises 6 personnel dedicated to the capture of 3D data using advanced laser scanning technology, and to the production of as-built documentation and 3D-models.