Fun With New Tech: The LiDAR Scanner

by Alyssa Hoffman, Architectural Technician

Alyssa & fellow AES Architectural Technician, Jamie Gillon with the LiDAR scanner

Here at AES Northeast we have been utilizing technology to become more efficient when it comes to drafting. With the recent purchase of a LiDAR scanner, our technicians have had the pleasure of learning and working with this new tool. Especially for drafting existing conditions of buildings in and around the area.

The scanner itself looks like a vertical camera on a tripod spinning around taking pictures of a room, but it is doing much more than that. LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, works by emitting rapid pulses of laser light and measuring how long it takes for each one to bounce back. While the laser light is traveling, calculations are recorded determining the exact distance to every surface the laser touches. The result is a very accurate dense cloud of 3D data points that map the shape and structure of a space. This creates a ‘Digital Twin’ of the space that our technicians can then use to draft an existing condition of a structure.

Check this out: A virtual walk-through of our office at 74 South Platt using the LiDAR scanner

In short, a Digital Twin is an accurate, virtual replica of a physical object or space from the real world. This has completely revolutionized the as-built world for Architects and Engineers. The LiDAR scanner records millions of measurements per scan, along with other important details such as materials. All of this reflects the real-world condition of a structure as it stands today. Which is more than one can capture with a camera and a tape measurer, leaving room for human error that can affect a project later down the road.

There are so many benefits that a LiDAR scanner can bring into an office like ours. It has reduced time spent on site and reduced drafting time. The scanner creates a true to life virtual walk through of the space, giving those who have not had the chance to really explore the space to see it in immense detail without ever stepping foot on the site. It has made our office more efficient and strengthened our collaboration altogether. The LiDAR scanner was the addition we didn’t know we needed.

About the Author: Prior to joining AES Northeast in the spring of 2024, Alyssa worked for a small firm in Lake Placid, NY. During that time, Alyssa worked on many high-end residential homes. While also developing skills for as-built drawings, schematic design, design development and some construction documents. Now at AES, she is currently involved in architectural design support. Alyssa’s goal as a designer is to create buildings that not only showcase modern flair but also honor and integrate seamlessly with their communities and natural surroundings.