Rail and Road applications place special demands on the laser scanning market as the sheer size of projects can overwhelm traditional 3-D analysis software when the detail from higher resolution scans are needed. FARO Scene software is designed with this in mind and compresses scan data to allow multiple scans to be registered and manipulated within the software. This means large structures as roads and railways can be scanned and the data evaluated. The scans would be used for documenting the actual status of the constructions, whether verifying if the structure has been built according to plan or assessing renovation or repair work necessary. For example when assessing the change in a particular section of road scans can be taken over time and compared to one another to assess changes and movement over time. Whether in a tunnel, underground or mounted on a vehicle the compact, rugged design of the Laser Scanner LS means it can be setup with the battery and even run without a laptop PC if required. This gives the user the flexibility to quickly collect high density point cloud data where and when it is required. The FARO Laser Scanner LS can be implemented in the evaluation of road and rail accidents. Following an accident it is naturally important that the scene is returned to its original condition as soon as possible, therefore the time given to assess the causes of the incident is limited. By documenting the scene in 3-D point cloud the virtual accident scene can be revisited and important features such as measurement of distances or volumes can be taken within the software. This will not only assist in finding the causes and help prevent future similar types of accidents but can also be vital in answering the insurance and legal questions which may arise long after the actual event.
