John Copple, CEO of Sanborn, a Colorado Springs-based geographic information system (GIS) and photogrammetry provider, announced that the company has purchased a state-of-the-art ground based LiDAR (light detection and ranging) instrument for an alternate means of terrain and digital image acquisition. Used to capture detailed, accurate 3D geometry, laser scanning technology captures more detail and is faster than traditional surveying methods.

With its rapid acquisition method, prompt turnaround time, and higher accuracy rate, the Trimble GS 200 3D laser scanner will enhance the end products that Sanborn delivers to customers. Civil engineering, architectural, and surveying companies rely on the topographic information Sanborn provides for various projects such as highway design and bridge repair. Sanborn's new laser scanner will allow the company to make volume calculations, measure quantities of rock and stockpiles of materials, and map quarry faces with detail that would be difficult to meet with traditional, ground-survey methods. The Trimble GS200 3D laser scanner will develop practical, geo-referenced image mapping for web application, simulation and training.

Source: Sanborn, Oct. 19, 2004