Application of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry

Abstract

As a revolutionary technology, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is attracting increasing interest in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), with outstanding advantages, such as highly automated, non-contact operation and efficient large-scale sampling capability. TLS has extended a new approach to capturing extremely comprehensive data of the construction environment, providing detailed information for further analysis. This paper presents a systematic review based on scientometric and qualitative analysis to summarize the progress and the current status of the topic and to point out promising research efforts. To begin with, a brief understanding of TLS is provided. Following the selection of relevant papers through a literature search, a scientometric analysis of papers is carried out. Then, major applications are categorized and presented, including (1) 3D model reconstruction, (2) object recognition, (3) deformation measurement, (4) quality assessment, and (5) progress tracking. For widespread adoption and effective use of TLS, essential problems impacting working effects in application are summarized as follows: workflow, data quality, scan planning, and data processing. Finally, future research directions are suggested, including: (1) cost control of hardware and software, (2) improvement of data processing capability, (3) automatic scan planning, (4) integration of digital technologies, (5) adoption of artificial intelligence.

Review on the Research and Applications of TLS in Ground Surface and Constructions Deformation Monitoring

“…Three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning is an emerging measurement technology, which is used to quickly and accurately capture points on the object surface with its advantages of fast speed, automation, non-contact, and high precision [ 5 ]. Its appearance has changed the traditional single-point deformation observation, and it is a whole-based deformation monitoring method.…”

Quality Assessment of 3D Point Clouds on the Different Surface Materials Generated from iPhone LiDAR Sensor

“…Generally, TLS is a wellestablished method for collecting 3D data on a small scale (Jaboyedoff et al, 2012, Riquelme et al, 2021, Suchocki and Katzer, 2018and Wu et al, 2021. TLS, also known as terrestrial LiDAR, determines the XYZ coordinates of numerous locations on the ground by delivering laser pulses to all spots while measuring the distance between instrument and the target.…”

Non-Destructive System for In-Wall Moisture Assessment of Cultural Heritage Buildings

“…For this purpose, the image-based (passive methods such as close-range photogrammetry, Structure-from-Motion/Multi-View Stereo or Remote Sensing techniques) [7,8,9] as well as range-based (passive methods, i.e. Terrestrial Laser Scanning) methods are used for 3D shape reconstruction and physical information about the object determination [10,11,12]. Integrating these techniques to complement each other and provide multi-source data for in-depth structural health analysis and detailed cultural heritage architectural documentation is essential.…”