Scantech International Ltd

Over the last two years we have developed a technique for accurately capturing the inside running edge of the track and more importantly extracting this data from the point cloud. Combined with traditional topographical measurement techniques we can produce alignment strings of the rails, OLE and platform edges to within 5mm accuracy.

We have demonstrated on a number of occasions the accuracy and repeatability of our techniques for gauging structures such that we can provide direct competition for laser sweep methods especially where possessions are difficult to arrange. The most recent trial demonstration was for the Crewe to Conway Route 52 project design consultant who concluded that “the ScanTech method is an appropriate tool for gauging”- details are available on request.

Our methodology is especially useful as the system can usually be operated from the cess in a Green Zone.

Working with the NW Switch and Crossing Alliance in Crewe, we have undertaken several topographical surveys as part of their S/C replacement programme. The laser scanning system is ideal for capturing the multitude of features required (including welds) and in a relatively short space of time.

Highways Environments

We have started to apply the principles of laser scanning to topographical surveys on the highways and especially at roundabouts and motorway junctions. We have had to develop techniques to capture all of the as-built information required by the designers to allow them to modify the roads and carriageways.

The new HDS 3000 scanner is proving especially useful in these environments as with fewer scans we can capture more data resulting in less time on site and significantly reduced processing time.

Typical data captured are kerb top & bottom edges, road crown, drains and gullies, embankment slopes, signage, loops, change of road materials, gradients and structures such as overbridges.

Using our laser scanner to capture the outside features of the building and in conjunction with a surveying partner using traditional methods to measure the inside room dimensions, has reduced the cost of providing detailed drawings for architects to commence the refurbishment design.

This has allowed the surveying company to utilise their surveyors in more cost-effective areas while allowing the production of more detailed elevation drawings from the scanned point cloud.

With the 360° x 270° scanner we can also quickly scan the inside of buildings with larger open spaces such as factories. The scanner is also ideal for capturing roof support details and gives accurate dimensional data for the structural engineer to determine the integrity of any new design based on the old supports.

Acquiring accurate as-built data in a live operating environment on a process plant is always a challenge and laser scanning is extremely well suited to capturing this as-built data and has many advantages over traditional manual site surveys.

Both the Directors have an engineering background having worked for major contractors both in the UK and abroad. This gives us a huge advantage when producing the 3D piping models from the captured point clouds as we understand the nuances of process plant design.

With the new HDS 3000 scanner the data capture process has been greatly simplified as one scan can capture larger volumes of data thus reducing the number of set-ups on site as well as reducing the scan registration process in the office.

Accuracies of ±5mm can readily be achieved and the data output in most of the major CAD packages. As well as saving time on site and minimising risk of injury taking manual measurements, there is usually no need for re-visits to site to capture “missed areas” as the scanning at 1000 points per second picks up all of the required data.