Laser Scanning

Xradar provides precise, 3D spatial documentation of existing buildings, infrastructure, and construction sites through laser scanning, also known as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). This method involves emitting laser pulses and measuring their return time to map surfaces with exceptional accuracy. The result is a dense point cloud—a digital dataset capturing the as-built geometry of any environment.

Laser scanning is a non-contact, non-destructive method, ideal for capturing detailed conditions of complex structures without disruption. Whether it’s for verifying structural alignment, supporting renovation efforts, or creating digital twins, this method underpins many of the modern workflows in today’s construction and design industries.

How Laser Scanning Works

Laser scanning technology works by firing thousands of laser pulses per second at surfaces. These pulses bounce back to the scanner, where sensors calculate the time-of-flight and angle of return to determine precise distance measurements. Scanners are positioned at multiple stations throughout a site. These stations are registered and aligned to form a comprehensive 3D model. The result is a highly accurate digital representation of the physical world—used for analysis, planning, and documentation.

Real World Applications of Laser Scanning

Xradar’s laser scanning method enhances accuracy, reduces manual measurement errors, and supports collaboration across disciplines.

Core applications include:

As-Built Verification: Capture the exact layout and condition of existing structures to validate construction progress or to update outdated plans—essential for renovations, change tracking, and project close-outs.
Pre-Design Concrete Scanning: Laser scanning is combined with GPR scanning to produce detailed pre-pour layouts of in-slab targets such as rebar and conduits. This supports conflict-free space planning, core hole positioning, and design validation before any concrete is poured. Learn how we helped Union Station, Toronto with our pre-design process. Smart space planning enables the design team to formulate ideas and evaluate design concepts without the requirement to revisit down the line. This can then be viewed via a Virtual Construction Site Walkthrough.
Design & BIM Integration: Feed accurate scan data directly into BIM platforms to reduce clashes and enhance coordination between disciplines.
Construction Progress Monitoring: Generate scheduled scans throughout the project lifecycle to document and validate completed work, reducing disputes and improving milestone tracking.
Xradar Pre-Pour Documentation (Sitewalk, or Inspection Checklist): Capture accurate slab conditions before concrete is poured. This supports quality assurance, dispute resolution, and future scanning comparisons.

Other key applications, although less common, include:

Quality Assurance & Control
Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)
Prefabrication Planning
Historical Preservation & Restoration
Structural Deformation & Clearance Analysis
Site Layout & Logistics
MEP Coordination & Clash Detection

Challenges in 3D Laser Scanning

While laser scanning is a powerful method, it’s not without limitations:

Line-of-Sight Constraints
Large File Sizes
Environmental Interference
Expert Interpretation Needed
Initial Investment

At Xradar, our skilled technicians mitigate these issues using smart planning, field expertise, and industry-standard software tools to ensure your data is clean, accessible, and actionable.

Why Choose Xradar for Laser Scanning?

Millimeter-Level Accuracy
Efficient Turnaround
Surface Condition Capture
Integrated Workflows

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Integrating Laser Scanning with GPR for Subsurface Insights

Laser scanning reveals what’s visible—but what about what’s hidden? At Xradar, we combine LiDAR with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to provide a full-surface and subsurface assessment. This integrated approach captures not only the geometry of the space but also subsurface infrastructure.

Deliverables You Can Count On

We offer a variety of output options tailored to your project needs:

3D Point Clouds (.rcp, .e57, .las, .xyz, etc.)
2D Plans and Elevations (AutoCAD)
Revit Models (for structural modeling)
Photorealistic visualizations
Annotated site documentation

All deliverables are produced with precision, clarity, and coordination in mind—ready to support your design or construction workflow.

Start with certainty

Laser scanning is more than just a measurement tool—it’s a foundational method for precise, informed decision-making throughout a project’s lifecycle. Whether you’re designing from scratch, managing a renovation, or needing pre-design and pre-pour documentation, Xradar’s laser scanning method gives you confidence from day one.

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