Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is increasingly being used in various industries to create detailed 3D models of objects, buildings, or landscapes. However, it is not yet possible to automatically generate 3D models from the collected 3D point clouds. It will take several more years for satisfactory AI-based approaches to enable a more effective conversion process. In contrast, CAD models are “modeled” manually or imported from other 3D data sources.
Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data and CAD models are two different types of 3D data that are generated in different ways. Although they may look similar at first glance, there are differences in accuracy, completeness, and the type of data captured. If you want to compare the two types of data, there are several options, depending on the application and objective.
One way to compare TLS data and CAD models is to overlay them. Specialized software tools such as Navisworks or PolyWorks can be used for this purpose. These tools allow CAD models and TLS data to be displayed simultaneously and offer a quantitative method for clash detection, enabling users to identify the differences and similarities between the two types of data. Users can then identify discrepancies and matches based on the visual representation.
Another way to compare TLS data and CAD models is to import them into a web-based software tool specifically designed for the visual comparison of 3D data. Such tools allow users to visually identify discrepancies and matches between the two datasets and perform visual model checks. An example of such software is the cloud-based FARO WebShare or FARO Sphere.
Overall, there are various ways to compare TLS data and CAD models, depending on the application and the objective of the comparison. A combination of visual and quantitative methods can help verify the quality of the TLS data and ensure that it is suitable for its intended purpose.