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The "Eye" in urban reconstruction: How M360 LiDAR solves measurement challenges

Recently, we have been working on several urban renewal projects, and we encountered a very realistic problem: the blueprints from several decades ago are vastly different from the current actual situation. In the past, we had to measure everything manually with a ruler, which was not only tiring but also prone to errors. If we missed any critical data, we had to redo the work, and this problem was particularly evident when we were working on the urban renewal project in a certain city last year.

Urban renewal policies require comprehensive renovation of old urban areas, but the old planning maps are completely out of sync with the actual changes. Traditional measuring methods with a ruler are too inefficient and the accuracy is far from meeting the requirements. At that time, we thought, is there any technology that can quickly and accurately collect the 3D data of these old streets? Eventually, we found the M360 LiDAR, which indeed solved many practical problems.

From "Manpower Tactics" to "Single Operator"

In the past, similar surveying projects often required three people to collect data for 7 days, and then another person to model for another 7 days. The labor costs were high, and the cycle was too long.

Now, with the M360 LiDAR and handheld scanner, the situation is completely different:

  • One person can complete data collection in one day
  • Modeling time is also reduced to one day
  • Labor costs are directly reduced by 70%

The significant increase in efficiency is mainly due to several features of the M360 that are particularly suitable for this surveying scenario:

First, the ultra-near blind zone of just 5 centimetersIn the process of old neighborhood renovation, various low obstacles are often encountered, such as steps, thresholds, and decorations. If the blind zone is too large, these obstacles cannot be detected. The M360 has only a 5cm blind zone, capable of capturing even small obstacles close to the ground.

Second, it has a 70-degree vertical field of view.It has an additional 11 degrees compared to many radars, covering a wider range during scanning. In complex environments like old urban areas, more data can be scanned in one go without the need for repeated angle adjustments.

Third, it has an IP67 protection rating.Old neighborhood renovations often take place outdoors, where dust and rain are common. The IP67 rating means it is completely dustproof and can withstand short-term immersion, ensuring stability in such environments.

The fourth is the low power consumption.The M360 consumes less than 4.5W, about 30% more energy-efficient than many similar products. With battery power for handheld devices, the battery life is longer, allowing field personnel to work continuously for longer periods.

The on-site operation is indeed very convenient.

The handheld scanner we use integrates the M360 LiDAR, visible light camera, and RTK module. It is very light and can be operated for a long time by a single person. Unlike traditional mechanical LiDAR, which often weighs a kilogram or more, plus other components, the entire device is quite bulky.

The most intuitive feeling during the operation is that there is no need to frequently adjust the angle. The M360 is installed at a ground tilt of 20 degrees, covering the ground, front, and ceiling. At the same time. In the field, field personnel do not need to deliberately adjust the equipment angle to collect all-directional data at one time.

This point is particularly practical in actual operation. Traditional equipment needs to adjust the angle repeatedly to collect complete data, often measuring a single point several times. Now with M360, basically one scan can cover the required area, significantly improving efficiency.

The data quality is indeed very good.

The accuracy of the collected point cloud data can reach centimeter-level, which is sufficient for old street renovation. Based on these data, we can produce accurate 3D models for subsequent design and planning work.

In actual projects, we used these point cloud models to redesign and plan the streets. Compared with traditional flat drawings, 3D models can more intuitively show the actual spatial relationships, helping designers make better decisions.

Especially when dealing with the protective transformation of some historical buildings, the value of 3D models is more obvious. We can accurately measure the various parts of the building to ensure that the original characteristics are maximally preserved during the transformation process.

Cost control is also in place.

Compared with those traditional mechanical LiDARs that often cost tens of thousands, the price advantage of M360 is very obvious. Although I didn't ask about the specific price in detail, I heard that it has a high cost-performance ratio, which is very important for large-scale old street renovation projects. Good cost control allows the project to be continuously promoted.

Another cost advantage is the significant reduction in labor costs. From the previous "human sea" tactics to the current "single-person combat," labor costs have been reduced by at least 70%. This is indeed a great attraction for local governments with limited budgets.

Experience in practical application

After several months of actual use, we find that the M360 performs exceptionally well in several aspects:

First, it performs well in rainy and foggy weather.Although the M360 primarily operates on single echo, in environments like old urban areas, the impact of rain and fog is relatively minor. For special requirements, there is also a dual-echo version available, which can better penetrate raindrops to see obstacles behind them.The second is the application of sensor fusion in M360 LiDAR, which is very important in solving traditional measurement difficulties, improving surveying efficiency, and reducing costs.

Third, it has a wide power supply range.The 12-32V power supply range is wider than that of many products, adapting to different vehicle power supply solutions. In handheld devices, this wide voltage power supply means better compatibility.

Summary

Through the practice of these projects, I believe that the application of the M360 LiDAR in the reconstruction of old cities is indeed very valuable:

  • Significant efficiency improvementTime reduced by 70% from "human sea tactics" to "single-person combat"
  • Reliable data qualityCentimeter-level accuracy meets renovation requirements
  • Excellent portability of the deviceLightweight, easy to operate by a single person
  • Strong adaptability to the environmentIP67 rating, stable operation in outdoor environments
  • Clear cost advantageHigh cost-performance ratio, low labor costs

Especially in the complex environment of old urban areas, the ultra-near blind zone, wide field of view, and low power consumption characteristics of the M360 truly address many pain points of traditional measurement methods. If there are similar projects, we will continue to choose the M360.