Resumen
When it comes to capturing existing conditions, the first question in everyone?s mind seems to be ?to scan or not to scan?? With all the technologies out there, the next question is usually ?which tool is best for the job?? Complicating the ability to answer these questions is the accelerated pace at which new technology developments and commercially available products enter the market. When overwhelmed by choices?especially new, unproven and expensive options?we?re often moved to inaction, making it difficult to invest in the proper technology. But if we don?t invest now, we will fall further behind our competitors. This isn?t fear-mongering; it?s the reality of reality capture in the current AEC industry. During the last couple years, we have invested in a wide range of reality-capture technologies ranging from traditional, ground-based survey tools to terrestrial laser scanning to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-mounted capture platforms. We now find ourselves flying drones on jobs that previously may have been captured with terrestrial-based scanners. Drones seem to capture the majority of headlines these days, but terrestrial, tripod-mounted LiDAR scanning is just as important as it always has been, and even more so with the increase in coordinated BIM models. So with the different types of LiDAR systems available, how do you know where to invest your organization?s time and money to stay relevant in this constantly evolving landscape? Start with understanding your options.