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Writer's pictureMichelle Hands

Health and Safety in the Surveying World: One of the Industry’s Biggest Challenges—and How Laser Scanning is Changing the Game






Surveying might not always be the first profession that comes to mind when thinking about high-risk jobs, but it’s a sector where health and safety can be one of the biggest concerns. From dangerous roadways and live construction sites to hazardous terrains and inclement weather, surveyors often face a variety of risks in their daily work. These dangers aren't just nuisances—they can lead to severe accidents, delays, and costly project interruptions.

But there's hope. As technology continues to advance, laser scanning has emerged as a powerful tool that not only increases the accuracy and efficiency of surveying projects but, most importantly, drastically improves the safety of those involved.

The Traditional Surveying Risks

Before we dive into how laser scanning is improving safety, it’s important to understand the traditional risks associated with surveying:


  1. Exposure to Dangerous Environments Whether it’s measuring along busy highways, working on high-rise buildings, or navigating unstable ground, surveyors are frequently put in harm’s way. In these high-risk areas, they must often set up equipment directly on-site, leading to the possibility of accidents, traffic incidents, and even falls.

  2. Prolonged Exposure to the Elements Outdoor work means dealing with unpredictable weather conditions—extreme heat, rain, snow, or freezing temperatures. Prolonged exposure can lead to illness, heatstroke, frostbite, and other health issues, all while slowing down project timelines.

  3. Manual Data Collection Traditional surveying methods require surveyors to manually measure distances, angles, and elevations, often leading to lengthy hours in risky environments. The more time spent on-site, the greater the exposure to hazards.

  4. Traffic and Roadside Hazards Surveyors working on roads and highways are constantly at risk from passing vehicles. Proper traffic management is essential, but even with precautions, there’s no escaping the fact that roads are dangerous places to work.


How Laser Scanning is Redefining Safety

Laser scanning, also known as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), is revolutionizing the surveying industry. This technology uses laser beams to create highly detailed 3D models of objects, environments, and terrains from a distance. But beyond the incredible accuracy and efficiency, it’s making surveying far safer by taking surveyors out of harm’s way. Here’s how:


  1. Reduced On-Site Time One of the biggest benefits of laser scanning is the reduction in time spent in hazardous environments. Traditional methods might require days or even weeks of on-site data collection. With laser scanning, large areas can be scanned in a matter of hours, significantly decreasing the time surveyors are exposed to risks.

  2. Remote Data Collection Laser scanners can be set up in safe, controlled environments, sometimes even mounted on vehicles or drones. This means surveyors don’t have to physically access dangerous areas—whether it’s a busy highway, a steep slope, or a hazardous construction site. The scanner does the work from a distance, keeping the team safe while still gathering precise, high-quality data.

  3. Increased Accuracy, Reduced Rework Laser scanners provide millimeter-level accuracy, reducing the likelihood of human error that can result from manual measurements. This accuracy ensures that the data collected is correct the first time, decreasing the need for surveyors to return to potentially dangerous environments for rework. The fewer times a team has to revisit a risky site, the better.

  4. Improved Data Quality for Decision-Making The detailed 3D models generated by laser scanning not only provide surveyors with the data they need but also offer construction and engineering teams a clearer picture of the environment. This level of detail improves planning and decision-making, helping teams identify potential risks or challenges before work even begins—further enhancing safety throughout the project lifecycle.

  5. Drones and Aerial Scanning Drones equipped with laser scanning technology allow for aerial surveys of difficult-to-reach or dangerous areas. Drones can fly over unsafe ground, scan tall structures, or navigate through hazardous sites without putting surveyors at risk. The result is a safer work environment without compromising data accuracy.


Real-World Impact: A Case Study

Consider a recent large-scale road survey that PQS Tech completed using advanced laser scanning technology. The project required surveying over 6 miles of road for a major construction project. Traditional methods would have meant weeks of manual surveying along a busy roadway, putting a team of surveyors at risk of traffic incidents and prolonged exposure to the elements.

Instead, PQS Tech employed laser scanning technology, reducing the time on-site to just one hour. The scanner captured millions of data points with pinpoint accuracy, providing project designers with detailed 3D models without ever requiring surveyors to step into dangerous traffic. Not only did the technology improve the project’s speed and accuracy, but it also ensured that the team stayed safe—removing the need for them to work directly on the road.

A Safer Future with Technology

The future of surveying is safer, faster, and more accurate thanks to technologies like laser scanning. As we move forward, embracing these advancements is crucial for reducing risks and improving health and safety outcomes across the industry. Surveying doesn’t have to be a high-risk profession, and with the help of LiDAR and similar technologies, we can ensure that surveyors are protected, projects are completed more efficiently, and data quality continues to improve.

It’s time to step into the future and leave the dangers of traditional surveying behind. With tools like laser scanning, we’re not just capturing data—we’re safeguarding the surveyors who make construction projects possible.

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