Comparison of as-built and design geometry based on point clouds obtained by terrestrial laser scanning

Over the years, several instruments and techniques have been used to obtain the necessary information to create 3D models of the built environment. Terrestrial laser scanning is a relatively new and fast method, which produces high density point clouds with accuracies of only a few millimetres. Until now, scanning applications are dominated in the field of architecture, renovation, cultural heritage, archaeology, spatial planning, modelling of industrial installations and even the film industry. This paper discusses the possibility to use laser scanning to compare the geometry of large structures as built and as designed. This is done by a case study in which the whole trajectory, from the planning phase over the generation of 2D drawings based on the point clouds to the interpretation of the resulting deviations, is followed. The main goal of the project was to get experience in conducting future similar research. The aim of this paper is to show how new techniques, research and cooperation with private companies are integrated in training courses at the Department of Applied Engineering Sciences at University College Ghent (Belgium).Over the years, several instruments and techniques have been used to obtain the necessary information to create 3D models of the built environment. Terrestrial laser scanning is a relatively new and fast method, which produces high density point clouds with accuracies of only a few millimetres. Until now, scanning applications are dominated in the field of architecture, renovation, cultural heritage, archaeology, spatial planning, modelling of industrial installations and even the film industry. This paper discusses the possibility to use laser scanning to compare the geometry of large structures as built and as designed. This is done by a case study in which the whole trajectory, from the planning phase over the generation of 2D drawings based on the point clouds to the interpretation of the resulting deviations, is followed. The main goal of the project was to get experience in conducting future similar research. The aim of this paper is to show how new techniques, research and cooperation with private companies are integrated in training courses at the Department of Applied Engineering Sciences at University College Ghent (Belgium).P