Whether it’s from a plane, a drone, a vehicle or ground station, 3D scanning is a mapping tool that produces an accurate 3D image of the environment.  Laser Scanning uses pulses of light to hit an object and take measurements at hundreds of thousands of pulses per second creating a ‘digital twin’ of an object or surface and can be used to map bridges, vegetation or even entire cities.

3D laser scanning allows you to quickly capture, visualise and pre-register data in the field, which can then be processed in the office to deliver conventional 2D models and 3D digital twins, helping you to offer better and higher value services to your clients and win new business.

Surveyors are measurement experts, and geared with 3D laser scanning, can document any structure or environment safer, faster and more efficiently.

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What is LIDAR?

Lidar (light detection and ranging) uses eye-safe laser beams to “see” the world in 3D, providing machines and computers an accurate representation of the surveyed environment.

A robotic total station is a state-of-the-art theodolite used to measure angles and distances to points.  Instead of needing a surveyor and an assistant, a robotic total station uses a laser and a target prism to track a single operator and collect accurate measurements of points or set out the position of point for construction from pre-calculated data.  Robotic Total Stations have become commonplace on construction sites and when equipped with a 3D laser scanner provide valuable and accurate measurement tool. 

Drones or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are mounted with downward facing 3D laser scanners and combined with GNSS technology are used to capture data to generate accurate and detailed 3D models of the environment and infrastructure.

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Drones are being used for many applications, from amateur photography to agricultural and mining operations and small-scale environmental mapping.  

Depending on their use and size of the drone, the operator may require a remote pilot licence with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CSSA). 

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a highly accurate satellite positioning system that allows you to use signals from satellites to determine a location on the earth’s surface.  Surveying and mapping was one of the first commercial adaptations of GNSS, originally started by the US military as Global Positioning Systems (GPS).  GNSS provides a latitude and longitude position directly from satellites without the need to measure angles and distances between points on the ground and many countries now have their own positioning satellites that are used by surveyors.

It’s a great asset when surveying coasts and waterways, where there are few land-based reference points. For example, survey vessels combine GNSS positions with sonar depth soundings to make the nautical charts that alert mariners to changing water depths and underwater hazards.

As a Surveyor you’ll be a creator and principle user of spatial information. Basically this means you’ll collect information that feeds into systems, using this vital tool at every stage of survey planning and preparation. Your unique knowledge and expertise about space and time will make you a critical player in the field of spatial information delivery and development, with the public being the main beneficiaries.

Benefits of Spatial Information include:                         Enhanced Development Opportunities: greater ability to disseminate large datasets for spatial decision making processes and applications.                                  

Improved Decision Making: visualisation of spatially occurring events and issues aid in evidence based decision making.                                                                

Societal Gains: better understanding of economic distribution and correlation of services and opportunities for society and the community.

Applications and examples:

• Emergency planning and response

• LPI SIX Portal - Survey Services Portal and State First 

• Online mapping and navigation

• Planning and sustainable infrastructure: where are services, facilities and natural assets

• Preservation of the environment: an understanding of the where factor with respect to the natural environment and the built environment for improved decision making

• Transport flow patterns

• Weather pattern determination and forecasting: Bureau of Metrology.

Digital Aerial Mapping (also known as Digital Orthophotography) is a technology that involves capturing high-resolution aerial imagery of the Earth's surface using specialised cameras mounted on aircraft or drones. The captured images are then processed to create detailed maps and 3D models of the terrain, which can be used for a wide range of applications such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management.

The process of digital aerial mapping involves several steps, including flight planning, image acquisition, data processing, and map production. In the flight planning phase, the area to be mapped is determined and the flight path of the aircraft or drone is planned. During image acquisition, the specialised cameras capture high-resolution images of the terrain from various angles and altitudes. The resulting images are then processed to remove distortions caused by the angle of the camera and the curvature of the Earth, resulting in georeferenced, orthorectified images that can be used for mapping.

The data obtained from digital aerial mapping can be used to create a variety of map products, including 2D maps, 3D models, and elevation data. These products can be used for a wide range of applications, including urban planning, land use planning, environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster response. Digital aerial mapping has become an essential tool for many industries, providing valuable insights and information for decision-making and planning.