3D LASER SCANNING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Wondering What We Mean?

Here is a quick glossary to help you with any terms you may be unfamiliar with:

2D Drawings

A 2D representation of a CAD model typically complete with measurements and dimensions for use in many manufacturing processes.

3D Laser Scanner

A 3D scanning device that uses a laser, normally Class 1, to scan up to 1 million points per second in a 360 degree horizontal and 290 degree zenith. Every point has a corresponding X, Y, Z coordinate to precisely define a point in space also called a point cloud. This creates a digital 3D representation of the object you are scanning.

3D Modelling

3D modelling refers to the creation of three-dimensional objects that are
defined mathematically and geometrically (i.e. a circle extruded to a certain value to create a cylinder defined by its location, radius and length). 3D modelling can be aided by the use of scan data (see Reverse Engineering).

As-Built

The real world condition and appearance of the space or object you are referring to.

BIM

Building information modelling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.

CAD

Computer Aided Design. Typically used to refer to the deliverables from programs like Auto Cad, Draft Sight, Sketch Up, SolidWorks and others. .

Colour Map

A colour plot visually representing deviations from actual to theoretical.
Example: A customer requests a colour map inspection when needing to compare an as-built object to its
as-designed CAD data.

IGES

The Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) (pronounced eye-jess) is a vendor-neutral file format that allows the digital exchange of information among computer-aided design (CAD) systems.

Point Cloud

A point cloud is a set of data points in some coordinate system. In a three-dimensional coordinate system, these points are usually defined by X, Y, and Z coordinates, and often are intended to represent the external surface of an object.

Registration

The process of aligning two data sets together based on known coordinates in each. Registration enables the alignment and integration of two of more point cloud data sets to complete larger models that must be captured in multiple scans.

Scan

Measuring the part, capturing data, and transferring the measured points to the computer. It also refers to the computer file that is based on the physical part. I.E. xyz coordinates that represent physical measurements taken by the scanner.