3D Laser Mapping monitors coastal erosion using the speed of light

3D Laser Mapping the Nottinghamshire based electronic surveying specialist, has completed a project to map part of the South Coast of England using high speed, mobile laser scanning technology. The project, commissioned by New Forest District Council in partnership with the Channel Coast Observatory, employed laser scanning to monitor changes in coastal defence structures over time. A series of lasers mounted on a specially equipped Quad Bike scanned the coastal terrain capturing millimetre-accurate measurements for a three-dimensional model of the rock and soil surface.

3D Laser Mapping had undertaken an earlier base line survey and the Channel Coast Observatory are investigating ongoing use of the technology to monitor the continually changing coastline. The organisation is the data management and regional co-ordination centre for the South East Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme. This programme provides a consistent yet local approach for the management and development of the shoreline, monitoring of coastal processes and operational management of defence strategies. “Laser scanning allows us to record changes in the rock structure that would be difficult and time consuming to detect using our existing surveying techniques,” said Stuart McVey, Coastal Surveyor. “When you also consider the speed at which the data is captured and the fact that we can remotely access unsafe or otherwise inaccessible parts of the rock structures, this technology gives us very valuable data and provides good value for money.”

The 3D Laser Mapping system uses laser-scanning technology to measure the position of features relative to the vehicle on which it is mounted. The lasers transmit a light pulse that is reflected off a surface or feature and bounced back to the vehicle-mounted receiver. Using the time taken for each individual pulse to be returned and the known value of the speed of light the system can automatically calculate the distance of the feature from the vehicle. The system is also accurately calibrated so that each laser transmits its optical pulse at a known angle and uses satellites to calculate the exact real world position of the scanner. From this data 3D Laser Mapping can produce highly detailed and accurate three-dimensional models.

3D Laser Mapping is a specialist in both terrestrial and airborne laser scanning solutions. 3D Laser Mapping integrate laser scanner hardware systems with their own software and peripherals to create robust solutions for mapping, mining and manufacturing to name just a few.