FAQs - ScanTech Digital

What services do you offer?

We offer a range of surveying services including drone site surveys, 360° virtual tours, 3D modelling, photogrammetry, point cloud surveys, and high-resolution aerial photography and videography for professional marketing media. Find out more by clicking on the relevant service page:

Which areas do you cover?

Whilst ScanTech Digital’s offices are in Birmingham, we are happy to travel anywhere in the UK to help our clients. We have worked at:

National Trust, Surrey
University of Derby
Evelina Children’s Hospital, London (SE1)
Midland Heart, Birmingham
Orangebox, Clerkenwell, London
Trafford Park, Manchester

Visit our Projects page to see more clients that we have worked with across the UK.

Which industries make use of laser scanning, digital modelling, and drone surveys?

Reality capture and modelling are essential services for several industries. We have worked with companies in the following sectors:

Architecture
Engineering
Property & Development
Construction
Retail & Hospitality
Culture & Heritage

How are drone surveys better than traditional methods?

In difficult locations or premises, using manpower and manual methods are more time-consuming and high-risk. By choosing drone surveys, the team at ScanTech Digital can get to even the most difficult of places, quickly and accurately.

What is Reality Capture technology?

Reality capture technology is the process of scanning physical objects, buildings or sites and preparing the scan dataset to be converted into models and visualisations that are useful for design and construction workflows. The technology can be used to quickly and cost-effectively obtain high-resolution, geometrically accurate records of real-world conditions, which can be processed to outputs which reduce costs and man-hours while increasing accuracy in the construction sector. The most common types of reality capture use laser scanners, 360° optical cameras, and UAV photogrammetry to produce simple images or 3D point clouds.

What is 3D Modelling?

3D modelling is the process of creating a three-dimensional digital representation of an object or scene using specialised software. It is commonly used in industries such as architecture, product design, film and video game development and engineering.

Once a 3D model is created, it can be used for a variety of purposes such as visualisation, prototyping, simulation, and animation. With the advancement of virtual reality and augmented reality technology, 3D modelling is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry, as well as creating immersive digital experiences as marketing tools.

What is Digital Twin technology?

Digital Twin technology is a virtual representation of an object, system or process that is designed to closely resemble its physical counterpart. In its basic form it is a 3D model, or BIM model when enriched with static data. When used fully, a Digital Twin is a digital model that uses real-time data and simulation, machine learning and reasoning to help decision-making, integration, testing, monitoring, and maintenance.

What are 360° virtual tours and how are they made?

360° virtual tours are interactive media that allow users to experience a location or space from all angles using a 360-degree view. These tours can be made by using a combination of images, videos, and 360° media to take the viewer on a virtual walkthrough. They are typically created using spherical 360° technology that enables the viewer to explore the location in a more immersive way. To make a 360° virtual tour, one can start with a video, floor plan, or map with a legend to introduce the tour and help users visualise their location and journey. After that, a draft of the virtual tour is presented to the client and tweaked until it meets their satisfaction. Finally, the virtual tour can be added to the client’s website, social media, email signature, QR code, and more. See how we helped the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

What is Laser scanning and how does it work?

Laser scanning is a process of capturing precise, three-dimensional information from a real-world object, a group of objects, or an environment, using a laser as a light source. Laser scanning combines controlled steering of laser beams with a laser rangefinder. By taking a distance measurement at every direction, the scanner rapidly captures the surface shape of objects, buildings, and landscapes with great accuracy. The highest resolution scanners capture millions of points per second. Laser scanning is commonly used in various industries such as insurance, oil and gas, engineering, construction, and maintenance for documentation, planning, and maintenance purposes. See how we used laser scanning for Midland Heart.

What are BIM models and when are they used?

A BIM model is a 3D model enriched with data. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digital process for creating and managing information on a construction project throughout its entire lifecycle. A BIM model is a 3D virtual model of a building that is constructed digitally. BIM models are used from the earliest stages of design through construction and operation. They provide a coordinated digital description of every aspect of the built asset. BIM models are used to analyse and manage information on building design, construction, and operation. They allow architects, engineers, builders, and contractors to work collaboratively and share data. BIM models are also used for cost estimation, scheduling, and facility management. We used BIM models for Priory House.

What are Revit models and when are they used?

Revit models are 3D models specifically created using Autodesk Revit, a building information modelling (BIM) software. Revit models are used by architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers, designers, and contractors to create, edit, and review detailed 3D models of building structures, including the building’s structural components and systems like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, and plumbing. These models can be used throughout the building’s entire lifecycle, from inception to operation, and even renovations and renewals. We supplied Revit models to Leith Hill Place.

What are ArchiCAD models and when are they used?

A popular alternative to Revit, ArchiCAD models are digital 3D models of buildings created within the ArchiCAD software. These models consist of walls, slabs, roofs, doors, windows, and other elements of the building, and can be modified from several different model views within the software. Model views are used to not only modify the virtual building, but also to create architectural drawings for final documentation of the building. They are the basis for creating architectural drawings that are placed onto layouts. We provided CAD models to provide a set of 2D elevations of the stonework when we were working with Hanehouse Developments on the Bostin Clothing development in Birmingham.

What is photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry is the process of collecting information which turn 2D photos, often aerial images captured by drones, into photorealistic 3D representations of topographic surfaces. By combining enough overlapping images and using photogrammetry software.

What is model validation?

Model validation refers to the process of confirming that the models are “fit-for-purpose”. In most situations, this will involve confirming that the model offers a good presentation of the structure and any risks under consideration. Usually, the more data points covered, the higher in confidence in the predictive ability of the model has.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR stands for “Light Detection and Ranging”. This technology determines ranges by targeting an object or a surface with a laser. It then measures the time it takes for the reflected light to return. LiDAR can generate detailed models of objects that are being surveyed even if they are beneath the surface. For example, it can be used to map utilities, delineate flood plains, and locate objects that might otherwise be hidden from view.

LIDAR technology can detect objects at distances ranging from a few meters to more than 200 m.

What is SLAM?

SLAM stands for “Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping”. It is the process of mapping an area and allows map construction of large areas in much shorter spaces of time as areas can be measured using mobile robots, drones or vehicles. SLAM systems simplify data collection and can be used in outdoor or indoor environments.

With vast improvements in computer processing speed and the availability of low-cost sensors such as cameras and laser range finders, SLAM is now used for practical applications in a growing number of fields, including the construction industry.

What is LiDAR SLAM?

A LiDAR-based SLAM system uses a laser sensor to create a 3D map of its environment. LiDAR measures the distance to an object. LiDAR is a fast and accurate approach and can be used in a wide range of environments and conditions. The point cloud data produced from this method is ideal for mapping in construction projects.