Laser scanning is the rapid capture method whereby the real-world environment is captured using a high definition laser scanner. Laser scan data is known as a point cloud model and this model can then be used to produce, for example 2D or 3D AutoCAD drawings, 3D solid model.
An aerial survey is when a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or drone are used to carry out a topographical survey. Reasons for using UAVs over traditional survey methods are area coverage, accuracy, speed, safety, access, and cost efficiency. UAVs can also be used for inspection of difficult to see areas, progress imagery, marketing and advertising imagery for example, properties & estate agents.
A measured building survey is the measurement and presentation of the general arrangement of a building. This includes the structural elements and architectural features of the building. Deliverables include floor plans, roof plans, internal & external elevations, sections and reflective ceiling plans in 2D AutoCAD/Revit.
A topographical survey is an accurate depiction of a site which is scaled and detailed to show all the natural and manmade features and their levels. A topographical survey is highly detailed and these features can include roads, buildings, boundaries, all the way to contours which represent the topography of the area. Deliverable can be in 2D or 3D AutoCAD.
Reality capture is the term used when varying types of equipment or methods are used to capture and visualise the real world in a 3D model. Methods of reality capture include photogrammetry, laser scanning, 3D modelling, BIM, 3D walkthroughs, and 360 panorama images.