1. 3D laser scanning is too expensive.

The first misconception is that it’s too expensive.

Did you know that construction companies can save millions of dollars by using this technology? It’s true!

Rework costs can range from 2.4% to 12.4% of the total construction cost (Forcada N. et al., 2017). Design changes alone can cost as much as $1,000 per square foot.

That means that an average building project can spend over $2 million on rework and design changes alone.

But with laser scanning, companies can steer clear of these costly mistakes and elevate their decision-making.

This makes it a smart investment for any company looking to save money and increase efficiency.

2. 3D laser scanning isn’t accurate enough.

A second misconception is that it isn’t accurate enough to capture the level of detail you need.

But in reality, these scanners have an accuracy range between (0.05mm–5mm) which is more than enough for most industrial applications.

3. 3D laser scanning is just for measuring.

A third misconception is that laser scanning is only used for measuring. However, it can actually be utilized for a wide range of purposes, including data capture for:

• Construction and demolition (C&D) waste management planning
• Site condition surveys and analysis
• Inventorying assets on site or in storage facilities
• Clash Detection and As-built construction verification
• Deviation analysis such as beam deflection and floor flatness.
• Volume calculations, including cut/fill applications.

4. 3D laser scanning is only for big projects.

Another misconception is that it’s only for big projects. This couldn’t be further from the truth! 3D laser scanning is an excellent choice for small- to mid-sized and large projects.

You can use 3D laser scanning to measure and document a new building before construction begins or to capture data on existing infrastructure that needs repair or replacement.

With the right software, you can even use 3D scans of your buildings and structures as virtual models to simulate how they might behave under various loads.

5. 3D laser scanning is too slow.

A fifth misconception about 3D laser scanning is that it’s too slow. These scanners can capture millions of data points per second. This means that you can have a complete 360° scan of an entire building exterior in less than 10 minutes and each room in as little as 26 seconds.

Faster, cheaper, and more accurate—laser scanning is no longer a fad.

We hope that this blog has helped to dispel some of the misconceptions about 3D laser scanning. As you have seen, it’s a powerful tool that can be used in many ways and on any scale.

So, if you’re interested in harnessing the benefits of 3D laser scanning in your work, contact 3DS Technologies today!