3D Laser Scanning for Civil Engineering

In civil engineering the laser scanner is a measurement tool, no different than a total station, level or even cloth tape.  The key is to use the right tool for the right job, to maximize quality while minimizing costs.  The scanner is a line of sight tool, so it acquires extremely detailed data on anything visible from the scanner head.  For volumes on large non-vegetated ground a scanner is extremely productive and efficient.  However, add in vegetation, such as grass or trees and a scanner may not be the right tool.