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An Evolution to 3D Scanning
Since the turn of the century we have witnessed an exponential growth in measurement technology Until the 1920s surveying instruments had changed little over the previous 200 years.Typically found in the surveyors kit were: • Gunters chain • Compass • Steel tape • Stadia • Theodolites • Plane tables Principle techniques were triangulation for major control and traversing for infill with chain and offset for detail.
1930: Optical / Mechanical precision combined with mass production techniques The introduction of the precision levels and theodolites in the 1930s such as the T2 enabled accuracies in both horizontal and vertical angles that were previously only obtained at national mapping levels.
1960: Chips with everything - The revolution begins One of the most stunning breakthroughs of modern surveying was Electronic Distance Measurement.
1970: Detail survey moves to Tacheometry by EDM • The early 70s showed the introduction of the first field calculators • Personal computers were being used for computations the mid 1970s • Data recorders – punch tape • Late 70’s transition from modular instruments to the total station
1980: The digital evolution No profession has remained untouched from the evolution of the personal computer. Not only has it changed surveying profession it has changed their clients demands and the way spatial data was viewed. • Data recorders enabling coding software • Non modular surveying programs became available • The development of design tools (AutoCAD, MOSS) created a thirst for digital information – a shift from graphical hardcopy
1990: Parallel developments in supply and demand One of the greatest developments to become readily available to the surveyor was GPS. Features have continually been developed and integrated into total stations throughout the 1990’s and into 2000’s. High order Total stations now include: • Reflectorless EDMs • Automatic target tracking • Automatic target recognition • Graphical interface • Remote Control Units • Integration to other systems
Scanning - The early days Since 2001 ABA surveying has successfully integrated scanning technology within its survey practices using the Cyrax 2500. While recognised as a tool with huge potential it was never considered as a panacea. Cyrax has been used successfully in a large range of jobs including: • Rail infrastructure • Retrofitting • Architectural • Structural
Move on to 3D Scanning today >>