3D Laser Scanning Services Fulfill Promise to Uncover Old Florida Cemetery

The latest laser technology is helping fulfill a promise to bring back an old abandoned cemetery. 

3D laser scanning services will be used in the city of Groveland to uncover gravesites, but more importantly, to remember and respect the people buried there. 

And an Austrian company has donated its advanced scanning sensors to the city to start clearing up the area and returning it to its authentic historical roots.

But why 3D scanning services?  This article will explain the science behind it, some background on the company offering up its technology free of charge, and how the data collected will be used.

What Are 3D Laser Scanning Services?

By definition, 3D laser scanning is the process of analyzing a physical object or environment to collect data, which usually consists of shape and appearance. That data is then turned into 3D models. 

Some of the technologies that use 3D scanning include: 

• Science fiction movies and video games that feature ‘virtual reality entertainment
• Gesture recognition
• Robotic mapping
• Orthotics and prosthetics

According to OR3D, the process is based on producing “point clouds” that define the structural blueprint of whatever object is being scanned. Almost all 3D scanners create point clouds, forming a digital picture of the item. 

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) is a specialized form of 3D scanning used in cases like the Groveland cemetery to measure and reveal what is underground. The TLS, also known as terrestrial LiDAR (light detection and ranging), will lay out the coordinates of numerous points on land by emitting laser pulses toward them. Then the distance is measured from the device to the target. 

Creating a digital picture of the land helps with areas such as old cemeteries where grass, leaves, and bush often cover graves. A laser scan removes some of these challenges since there’s no need to access the area on foot. Also, most grave plots would be hidden from the naked eye anyway. 

Point clouds do all the heavy work and produce a digital image that can help experts see underneath all of the vegetation. 

A Company with 3D expertise

Reigl Laser Measurement Systems is a big name in the production of high-quality laser sensors like the TLS. They have been designing and developing laser scanners, rangefinders, and distance meters for over 40 years. 

Now Reigl is lending a 3D scanning sensor for the Groveland cemetery project. In addition, they will partner with Harris Aerial, a Florida electronics manufacturer, who will fly a souped-up drone with 3D technology attached over the area. 

What happens with the data collected?

The city of Groveland plans to use the resulting 3D scan and model to pinpoint the location of each grave. From there, they will be able to create a visual of how the cemetery was initially designed, and, hopefully, it can be brought back to that glory.