Laser scanning is one of the most effective technologies for gathering dimensional information for project design. Accepted widely by the architectural, power, and oil and gas industries, laser scanning provides a faster, more complete and more accurate alternative to traditional data collection techniques. The significant benefits of laser scanning—including reduced costs, improved schedules, increased quality, and enhanced safety—are benefiting new industries.

Engineers used Quantapoint’s laser model of a saddle connection along with a 3D model to verify the design.

New technology
Laser models are a new technology that improve usability and drive adoption of laser data. Laser models integrate all laser scan data to provide 3D, physically solid, visually clear, and detailed representations of a facility.

Laser models may be accessed directly or accessed in true 3D (not as points or a background image) with various design software, and the images can be zoomed into while maintaining full integrity and high definition. This clarity, plus reduced file-sizes, makes the laser model intuitive and usable, which increases design efficiency. Other benefits of laser models include engineering and construction analysis, such as certifying tie points, ensuring clash free designs, verifying fabricated items, and visualization.

Compared with point cloud technology, laser models offer distinct advantages, and help ensure that project defects are identified and eliminated before they result in construction clashes, rework, and delays.

Back on track
Founded in 1898, Kennywood Park is the Pittsburgh-area’s premier amusement park. The park was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, but to keep up with larger amusement parks, Kennywood added a steel-looping roller coaster in 1991 called the Steel Phantom. To improve riders’ comfort and excitement, loops and inversions were removed or modified and the coaster was renamed Phantom’s Revenge. With speeds of 85 miles per hour, high drops and sharp turns, the new incarnation of the Phantom quickly became a park favorite.

But before the grand opening, Kennywood had some 760 feet of track to replace. The existing as-built documentation was insufficient for removal and installation of the tracks and documenting the track manually would have been time-consuming, dangerous and incomplete due to high elevations on very hilly terrain. Complicating matters further, all documentation efforts had to be completed during off-business hours and the replacement track had to be fabricated offsite to minimize impact on normal park operations. Overall, measurements had to be precise and extremely detailed to minimize clashes and errors.

Laser scanning was used to digitize the coaster during off-business hours, allowing daily park operations to go uninterrupted. The scanning for the models was completed on the coaster itself, from the ground and by using a man-lift. The resulting "digitized coaster" consisted of both photo-realistic and panoramic laser images, and detailed and high-definition laser models.

Using the digitized coaster, the engineers were able to complete the project with no additional site visits, thus shortening the schedule and eliminating the risk of having personnel in the facility. Additionally, the detailed and high-definition laser models made the data much easier to work with, which reduced engineering and design time, as compared to using point cloud technology.

A 3D model was also created from the laser models that included spot elevation markers for each connection between the vertical structural supports and the steel track. This was crucial as the vertical points were not to be changed, yet had to line up with the track supports. The model also included fine details such as flanges, track braces, and rails. This level of detail both aided with the fabrication of the new track and enabled the engineers to formulate a game plan for its efficient installation.

By using laser models, the new track installation went smoothly and without clashes. Safety was maintained and the project was completed on time, without interrupting normal park operations.


Director of Industry Relations Millie Brinkley handles both corporate marketing and Gulf Coast regional marketing for Quantapoint. She can be reached at mbrinkley@quantapoint.com.