Terrestrial LiDAR Technology: Helping Launch a New Era in Golf

Our client planned to launch its inaugural sporting event but they needed more than just a cutting-edge facility, they needed precision. The league was about to debut the fusion of physical and digital in their sport. Accuracy of this new tech was essential to ensure game integrity and playability. They turned to AeroVision, a known leader in terrestrial LiDAR scanning and digital twin services, to create an accurate, scalable model of their new cutting-edge indoor simulated space..

Creating a Digital Twin Under a Tight Deadline

Our client faced a significant challenge: they needed to capture LiDAR scans of 31 variations of their space to make sure their new technology was functioning properly for their players. The LiDAR scans had to be completed within five days to accommodate the rapidly approaching debut of a new digital-physical league. While scan density was not the primary focus to encourage a quick turnaround time, full coverage of the space was critical, with no unscanned areas permitted in the final dataset.

Complicating the process were construction constraints and an unexpected hydraulic failure, which introduced additional hurdles to the already demanding timeline. Five days before the event was set to begin, AeroVision was brought in to complete a terrestrial LiDAR survey. AeroVision took on the challenge of making sure that every slope, undulation, and surface detail of all 31 variations were accurately recorded, processed, and sent for review to support professional gameplay. 

Executing the LiDAR Survey

With industry-leading LiDAR technology, the team carried out 18 LiDAR scans of each variation resulting in about 560 scans. To keep the process efficient without compromising detail, AeroVision used a medium point density in the scans. Medium point density is enough data to achieve the level of accuracy our client required, while avoiding any unnecessary data bloat. This choice of point density was to prioritize accuracy as well as speed given the tight deadline. 

At the client’s request, color imaging was left out. This exclusion simplifies the scans even further and allows the team to focus entirely on capturing the geometry of the layout as fast as possible. With an average time of 2-3 minutes per scan, AeroVision successfully completed the LiDAR scanning process within two days.

A Digital Twin with Sub-Centimeter Accuracy

After completing about 560 scans, AeroVision’s team turned its focus to processing all of the scanned data which was 150g in size. AeroVision used reference spheres placed strategically throughout the space. These reference points act as anchors on the scans, this allows the data to be stitched together quickly during processing. They were able to transform the scans into fully realized digital copies of the sports turf within days. All 31 variations of elevation, slope, and undulation changes were captured with remarkable detail and precision as expected with no missed areas. Using the reference spheres the final result was digital copies that achieved a sub-centimeter accuracy level of ~6mm. This level of precision was not just a technical achievement, it was a critical requirement for the client as the playing surface needed to perform as predicted in a professional outdoor simulation environment.

The digital twins were able to be delivered by AeroVision ahead of schedule. Now our client’s engineering team had ample time to conduct a thorough validation and quality assurance check of the variations we provided. Any mismatch of the physical space with the LiDAR data scanned would have led to the discovery of issues with the gameplay accuracy. Fortunately, all scans confirmed that the surfaces were perfectly aligned and in the correct positions.

With the validation process complete, the client could move forward to their event with confidence in knowing that the playing field was functioning as expected for a competitive gameplay event. By providing a reliable digital twin, AeroVision helped deliver a cutting-edge experience, demonstrating the value of LiDAR mapping technology in the future of digital sports innovation.

AeroVision LiDAR Scanning Key Takeaways

Efficient Execution: AeroVision completed close to 560 scans in two days. High scan density and color imaging were strategically omitted to stay within a tight schedule. Construction delays and technical issues posed challenges, but the project was able to remain on track.

Precision Scanning: Each variation was recorded and processed with sub-centimeter accuracy, measuring approximately 6mm. High levels of accuracy guaranteed reliable data collection for professional gameplay use.

Reliable Results: AeroVision delivered the scans ahead of schedule, the validated dataset gave the client the opportunity to confirm the accuracy well before the event.

AeroVision delivered high-quality LiDAR mapping results that exceeded expectations. Their contributions enabled a smooth launch for this sports league. AeroVision also demonstrated how LiDAR mapping can support the intersection of sports and digital innovation through data verification.