By Oliver Barnes, DTI
3D lidar scanning is an incredibly powerful technology that can capture amazingly detailed and accurate representations of buildings, landscapes, and more. By using light emitted from a laser to map millions of points, it creates robust 3D models that can provide invaluable insights for areas like construction, urban planning, historic preservation, security and environmental monitoring.
While this cutting-edge solution is already being widely adopted across many industries, it also holds enormous potential for use in schools and local communities. And who better to spearhead implementing 3D scanning projects than the students themselves?
Getting students hands-on with lidar scanning equipment and software provides numerous educational benefits that go far beyond just the tech skills involved. Here are just a few key reasons why student-led 3D scanning initiatives are so valuable:
Promotes STEM Learning
Through Engaging Projects From operating the lidar scanners to processing the point cloud data and creating visualizations, students gain practical experience with tool usage, measurement, spatial analysis, and more. These applied math and science lessons stick better than theoretical textbook examples. Allowing students to navigate the real-world challenges of data collection and modeling in their own school brings abstract concepts to life.
Develops Crucial Technical and Soft Skills
Beyond the direct subject matter competencies, taking ownership of a 3D scanning project enables students to build essential technical skills like project management, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. These portable skills will benefit them no matter what future career path they pursue.
Cultivates Community Connectivity and Citizenship
When students use 3D scanning for efforts like historical documentation of buildings, security efforts, mapping accessibility for those with disabilities, or monitoring environmental change over time, it connects them more deeply with the communities around their schools. They gain greater appreciation for preserving cultural resources and a sense of civic responsibility.
Provides Pathways to Emerging Careers
Capturing and leveraging 3D data is a rapidly growing need across industries like construction, architecture, engineering, sustainability, and more. Immersing students in this technology from an early stage can inspire interest in these fields and give them a head start when pursuing further education or jobs.
Opens Up Creative Opportunities
With highly detailed 3D models of their schools and neighborhoods, students can explore those environments in classroom projects through new perspectives using virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D printing, and more. This unlocks innovative educational experiences and enriches subject matters across the curriculum.
Of course, getting students up to speed on 3D scanning workflows and properly equipping them with the necessary hardware and software requires investment from schools and communities. But the long-term benefits of prioritizing student-led lidar scanning initiatives more than justify the resources. Not only do students gain invaluable skills for emerging career fields, but those same efforts can directly aid schools and communities through improved mapping, modeling, and analytical capabilities.
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