Which method utilizes laser beams to create 3D coordinates of an object?

Laser scanning is the method that utilizes laser beams to create 3D coordinates of an object. This technique involves emitting laser light and measuring the time it takes for the reflected light to return to the scanner. By capturing millions of data points in a very short amount of time, laser scanning produces highly accurate three-dimensional representations of physical spaces or objects.

This method is particularly beneficial for creating detailed models of structures, landscapes, and other complex geometries, as it can capture intricate details that may be overlooked by traditional surveying methods. The resulting data can then be used in computer-aided design (CAD) systems or geographical information systems (GIS), enhancing project visualization and planning.

Other methods, such as photogrammetry, involve capturing photographs from multiple angles to derive 3D information, which may not achieve the same level of precision as laser scanning. Optical surveying typically uses instruments like theodolites to measure angles and distances but does not rely on laser beams for capturing 3D coordinates. Field measurement generally entails manual measurement techniques without the advanced technology afforded by laser scanning.