Sunday, 28 December 2025

Why Accuracy Matters in 3D LiDAR Scanning

 

Why Accuracy Matters in 3D LiDAR Scanning

3D LiDAR scanning is now widely used across engineering, fabrication, and building projects — but not all scan data is created equal.

While many tools can generate dense point clouds, the real question for engineers and asset owners is whether those measurements are accurate, repeatable, and defensible. This is where AS ISO 5725 – Accuracy and Precision of Measurement becomes highly relevant.

Illustrated comparison of ISO 19650 BIM information management, showing an organised digital model with structured data on one side and a disorganised model with fragmented documentation on the other.


AS ISO 5725 is not a scanning standard in itself. Instead, it defines the principles used to evaluate whether a measurement system can be trusted. When applied to 3D LiDAR scanning, it highlights the importance of calibration, measurement uncertainty, and the difference between data that looks correct and data that actually is correct.

In practical terms, poor measurement control during scanning can lead to downstream issues such as:

  • Fabricated steel that does not fit on site

  • Misaligned bolt holes and interfaces

  • Incorrect assumptions about clearances

  • Delays during engineering review or certification

These issues are often discovered late in a project, when changes are most costly.


Comparison of calibrated and uncalibrated 3D LiDAR scanning, showing a calibrated scanner with aligned point cloud and steel frame geometry, and an uncalibrated scanner with visibly misaligned measurement data.



We’ve published a detailed technical article explaining how AS ISO 5725 applies to 3D LiDAR scanning, what accuracy and precision really mean, and what can go wrong when scanning tools are not properly calibrated.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au/as-iso-5725-and-3d-lidar-scanning/

This article is intended for engineers, fabricators, and decision-makers who rely on scan data to support design, fabrication, and certification outcomes.