Critical use of Terrestrial Laser Scanners for the survey of buildings in emergency conditions

Immediately following an earthquake, rescue personnel must determine safe intervention tactics, evaluate the integrity of the buildings, and realize temporary structures to prevent additional structural damage. The authors of this study set out to look at the in-field metrological properties of a terrestrial laser scanner, which is used to evaluate the structural health of structures that have been damaged by an earthquake. The primary factors influencing the quality of the results will be examined, including the instrument's location in relation to the structure. The scanner's capacity to accurately measure points from non-optimal positions with regard to the façade will be emphasized. In order to provide quantitative information about the uncertainty of the measurement procedure in the specific post-earthquake emergency conditions, the paper will illustrate the methodology defined and the results of the tests performed in a real scenario. This appears to be helpful for rescue technicians in the decision-making stage.