Course Details

Mobile LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning Training Course

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving world of geospatial data acquisition, the demand for highly detailed, accurate, and rapid 3D spatial information has led to the widespread adoption of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. LiDAR directly measures distances by emitting laser pulses and calculating the time it takes for the pulse to return, generating dense clouds of 3D points that precisely describe surfaces and objects. This capability far surpasses traditional surveying methods in terms of speed, density, and efficiency, especially for complex environments. The course focuses on two primary applications: Mobile LiDAR Scanning (MLS), which involves mounting LiDAR sensors on moving platforms (vehicles, trains, drones) to efficiently capture large areas, and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), where stationary scanners capture highly detailed 3D point clouds of smaller, more intricate scenes like building interiors, industrial plants, or forensic sites. These technologies are revolutionizing fields such as civil engineering, construction, urban planning, asset management, heritage preservation, and industrial inspection by providing unprecedented levels of geometric detail. However, effectively operating these advanced systems, processing their massive datasets, and extracting actionable insights requires specialized knowledge of LiDAR principles, data acquisition strategies, point cloud processing workflows, and quality control. Without a solid understanding of these methodologies, professionals risk generating inaccurate or incomplete 3D data, leading to flawed designs, costly errors, and inefficient project execution. Many geospatial professionals recognize the power of LiDAR but lack the hands-on expertise to efficiently acquire, process, and leverage these rich 3D datasets.

Conversely, mastering Mobile LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning equips professionals with the essential skills to rapidly and accurately capture highly detailed 3D spatial information, enabling them to undertake complex projects with unparalleled precision and efficiency. This specialized skill set is crucial for transforming raw laser scan data into intelligent 3D models, driving superior design, planning, asset management, and analysis across numerous industries. Our intensive 5-day "Mobile LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning" training course is meticulously designed to equip surveyors, civil engineers, architects, construction managers, GIS professionals, asset managers, and researchers with the essential theoretical knowledge and extensive practical, hands-on skills required to confidently plan, execute, process, and analyze 3D point cloud data from both Mobile LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning systems.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "Mobile LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning" training course is ideal for a broad range of professionals and individuals who need to acquire, process, and utilize highly detailed 3D spatial data. This includes:

• Surveyors and Geomatics Professionals: Specializing in advanced 3D data capture.
• Civil Engineers and Infrastructure Managers: For road design, bridge inspection, tunnel mapping, and asset inventory.
• Architects and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Specialists: For as-built modeling, renovation, and historical preservation.
• Construction Managers and Site Supervisors: For progress monitoring, quality control, and volumetric analysis.
• GIS Professionals: Integrating dense 3D point clouds into spatial databases and analytics.
• Urban Planners: For 3D city modeling, urban development, and smart city initiatives.
• Plant and Industrial Engineers: For as-built documentation, facility management, and clash detection.
• Forensic Investigators: For detailed scene reconstruction.
• Environmental Scientists: For detailed terrain analysis, vegetation structure, and change detection.
• Researchers and Academics: In geosciences, engineering, and computer vision.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Mobile LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of LiDAR technology and its applications.
• Differentiate between Mobile LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning, and select appropriate systems for various projects.
• Plan and execute field data acquisition campaigns using both MLS and TLS systems.
• Perform efficient registration and georeferencing of point cloud data.
• Process and clean large point cloud datasets to remove noise and unwanted features.
• Extract relevant features and generate derived products such as DTMs, DSMs, and 3D models.
• Understand quality control procedures and assess the accuracy of LiDAR-derived products.
• Utilize specialized software for LiDAR data processing and analysis.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to LiDAR Technology and 3D Point Clouds

• What is LiDAR? Principles of time-of-flight and phase-shift measurements.
• Components of a LiDAR system: Laser scanner, GNSS, IMU, camera.
• Understanding point clouds: Density, intensity, color.
• Advantages of LiDAR over traditional surveying and photogrammetry for 3D data capture.
• Applications of LiDAR across various industries.

Module 2: Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) Principles and Systems

• Definition and applications of TLS: High-detail, short-range scanning.
• Types of TLS scanners: Phase-based, pulse-based.
• Planning a TLS survey: Scan positions, overlap, resolution settings.
• Field acquisition procedures: Setting up the scanner, target placement, black-and-white targets vs. natural features.
• Safety considerations during TLS operations.

Module 3: Hands-on TLS Data Acquisition and Basic Processing

• Practical setup and operation of a TLS system.
• Capturing multiple scans of a complex object or area.
• Importing raw TLS scan data into processing software (e.g., Leica Cyclone, Trimble RealWorks, Faro Scene).
• Initial cleaning and filtering of point clouds (e.g., removing noise, outliers).
• Basic visualization and navigation within the point cloud.

Module 4: Mobile LiDAR Scanning (MLS) Principles and Systems

• Definition and applications of MLS: Efficient, large-area data capture from moving platforms.
• Types of MLS platforms: Vehicle-mounted, train-mounted, handheld, UAV/drone-mounted.
• Integration of LiDAR, GNSS, and IMU for direct georeferencing in MLS.
• Planning an MLS mission: Route planning, speed, sensor configuration.
• Understanding MLS data characteristics: Trajectory, point density variations.

Module 5: Point Cloud Registration and Georeferencing

• Registration: Aligning multiple TLS scans or MLS passes into a single coordinate system.
• Target-based registration (using spheres, checkerboards) and cloud-to-cloud registration algorithms (e.g., ICP).
• Georeferencing: Tying the registered point cloud to a real-world coordinate system using control points.
• Using survey-grade GNSS for acquiring control points for MLS and TLS.
• Quality control of registration and georeferencing.

Module 6: Point Cloud Processing and Feature Extraction

• Advanced point cloud cleaning and filtering techniques: Segmentation, classification (ground, buildings, vegetation).
• Denoising and outlier removal.
• Feature extraction from point clouds:
• Automatic extraction of lines (e.g., road markings, utility poles).
• Manual digitization of features (e.g., building outlines, curb lines).
• Generating Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and Digital Surface Models (DSMs) from point clouds.

Module 7: Deliverables and Applications of LiDAR Data

• Producing orthophotos and intensity images from point clouds.
• Creating 3D models from point clouds: Textured meshes, BIM models (conceptual).
• Volumetric calculations from LiDAR-derived surfaces (e.g., stockpiles, cut/fill).
• Cross-section and profile generation for engineering design.
• Applications: As-built surveys, deformation monitoring, asset management, clear-zone analysis.

Module 8: Advanced Topics, Data Management, and Emerging Trends

• Handling large LiDAR datasets: Storage, processing power requirements.
• Integration of LiDAR data with GIS and CAD software.
• Quality assurance and accuracy assessment of LiDAR products.
• Emerging trends: Multi-sensor fusion, SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), real-time LiDAR.
• Legal and ethical considerations in LiDAR data collection and use.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com