Professional 3D Laser Mapping, Modeling & Data Acquisition
Welcome to 1st Call Technical Services, Inc. If you’re a construction professional, facility manager or real estate developer looking for a true advantage when it comes to managing your project outcomes and cutting costs, then you have come to the right place. Discover a new way to visualize your next project, building or campus—all in 3D!
We believe in working smart, not hard. Our mission is to bridge the gap between analog and digital worlds, giving building owners, designers and contractors the edge needed to meet the challenges of modern development and operations.
Why is it that these days everything is designed on a computer in 3D, yet you still have ring binders and rolls of blueprints for your records? Using state-of-the-art 3D lidar scanning technology, we can generate a high-definition 360° CAD model of your site within minutes, producing design-grade survey data with minimal disruption.
We give owners and contractors the edge to be successful today—without the pain and distraction of learning a new program or buying expensive equipment. Digital Twin, GIS, and BIM are all part of our day-to-day vocabulary and we can guide you through the advantages and pitfalls of each of them. We streamline the process so that accessing critical data is as easy as using Google Maps, clearing the way for you to do what you do best.
Knowledge is power
Laser scanning is rapidly taking the place of traditional surveying techniques thanks to its fast data capture rates and exceptional accuracy. New lidar technologies have the ability to generate dense point clouds with applications across multiple industries, from urban planning to archeology, robotics, and space flight. But there are few with the knowledge and experience required to operate it.
Time is money
Based outside of Chicago, we will travel wherever needed, ready to gather data and produce the most accurate and detailed virtual 3D models that this game-changing technology can deliver. Whether you’re developing a new facility, purchasing the assets of another firm or managing day-to-day operations, why settle for the status quo when you can level up with lidar?
Our process
Initial consultation
In this phase we learn about where you’re at and where you’re going. We will discuss your current usage and data access processes, as well as setting goals and objectives for our joint efforts.
Scope, schedule, and budget
New construction or existing facility? Every project is unique and presents a multitude of opportunities. We will work through the process as a team, using the agreed goals and objectives as our guide.
Data collection and fieldwork
Technology in action. Depending on the project, this can range from a one-time event to several weekly or monthly visits spanning a year or more.
Post-processing and data delivery
This is where our experience shines. Our thorough understanding of construction methods and building systems makes a huge difference to the quality of the final product. Quality assurance and control are the cornerstones of any successful project.
How accurate is 3D laser scanning?
3D laser scanners have the ability to capture millions of data points in seconds, generating point clouds with an incredible level of accuracy that ensures measurements are correct the first time. As such, 3D lidar scanning is the ideal choice for time-sensitive construction projects that require a fast turnaround.
How does lidar scanning work?
Lidar scanning is the most effective way to create ‘digital twins’ of existing buildings, accurate to within centimeters. The scanner fires rapid pulses of laser light at a surface, timing the delay in its return to measure the distance between the two points and building up a detailed map of the environment. Lidar works much like radar or sonar, using light instead of sound waves.
What is the difference between lidar and photogrammetry?
Lidar and photogrammetry are both powerful tools used in 3D modeling and surveying. While lidar produces a point cloud through rapid-fire laser measurements, photogrammetry processes data from thousands of site photographs to generate a 3D visual model.
Lidar is an active direct measurement of the physical world based upon precise computer timing and physics, whereas photogrammetry is a completely different process involving complex algorithms and sophisticated projective geometry.
How much does laser scanning cost?
Undertaking a point cloud survey is a complex process. Working with a laser scanning specialist is considerably cheaper than buying the equipment yourself, with the added benefit of an experienced professional to provide and operate the technology. The cost comes down to two things: time and the level of detail required.