Issue link: https://geospatial.trimble.com/en/resources/i/1397026
AN OPTIMAL SOLUTION Denniston knew from experience that 3D scanning would be the best approach. SRB had used scanning on previous projects but had not owned a scanner until it purchased a Trimble SX10 Scanning Total Station in April 2018. By combining scanning with a familiar survey workflow, the SX10 enabled SRB crews to quickly master the scanning processes. The fieldwork moved smoothly, and the crew needed only half a day to survey the site. The crew collected individual points to define essential linework, terrain features, and then used scanning to capture the entire site. Denniston said using traditional methods would have taken two full days and gathered far less detail. Processing the data in Trimble Business Center software, SRB technicians combined the point cloud with individual points measured by the SX10 to produce a 3D image of the site. To classify areas of different materials, they used the RGB data from the scanner to distinguish between earth, blocks and debris. "The area was all washed out and it was just hard to see what was what," Denniston explained. "So we used lidar along with traditional surveying to develop the 3D drawing. The engineers could actually get a better picture and a better surface of the site." When data processing was complete, the points and surface model could be exported to the engineers' civil design software. The data enabled stakeholders to gain an accurate concept of the conditions without the need to visit the site. Close up of point cloud showing exposed utility pipes and displaced concrete paving. The colors depict differences in elevations.