3D Laser Scanning and Utility Locating Accelerate Airport Renovations

Airports in the United States, from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to smaller regional hubs like Dawson Community Airport, operate continuously, experiencing constant wear and requiring frequent updates.

The demand for infrastructure development is growing as airports seek to accommodate increased capacity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance passenger experience.

According to ACI-NA’s 2023-2027 Airport Infrastructure Needs Report, U.S. airports will require $151 billion in infrastructure investments over this five-year period. Upgrades range from airfield improvements to terminal expansions. These large-scale renovations must be completed while keeping airports operational, posing significant logistical challenges for construction teams.

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The Role of Existing Conditions in Airport Projects

Accurate site data is essential for successful airport construction. Existing Conditions (now a GPRS Company) provides critical services: along with our construction-grade 3D laser scanning, we now also offer utility locating and a suite of specialized visualization services to help construction teams plan projects efficiently and safely. Precise subsurface utility mapping reduces the risk of utility strikes and site disruptions, while detailed as-built documentation informs design, accelerates construction, and mitigates project risks.

An incident at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on April 3, 2023, underscores the importance of subsurface utility mapping. Two workers tragically died after being trapped by a trench collapse during utility relocation. Comprehensive subsurface mapping could prevent such incidents by providing precise information on underground utilities, enabling safer excavation.

Comprehensive Site Documentation

Existing Conditions delivers complete infrastructure visualization, supporting architects, engineers, and construction teams with a suite of services: utility locating, concrete scanning, 3D laser scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, drone photogrammetry, and advanced mapping and modeling. These services allow teams to identify potential design obstacles and risks, ensuring safer, on-time, and on-budget project completion.

How Existing Conditions & GPRS Support Airport Construction Projects

Accurate documentation of as-built conditions is critical for airport upgrades. Existing Conditions collects and delivers data in the form of point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models. This information supports the design and construction of terminal expansions, runway enhancements, parking lots, and other infrastructure elements. Detailed mapping of subsurface utilities is essential for tasks like water and sewer upgrades, reducing the risk of unexpected discoveries during construction.

"Contracting GPRS to do a 3D laser scan has been one of the best project decisions we made. With their help, we were able to reduce cost, increase productivity, and deliver the project on time." — Vincent M., Superintendent

Case Studies: Airport Projects Using 3D Laser Scanning and Utility Locating

John Glenn International Airport — Columbus, Ohio

Task: GPRS provided 3D laser scanning for entrance upgrades, including prefabricated ceiling panels and new door installations. The scan captured critical elements like curbs, ceiling beams, and other structural components to facilitate precise design and prefabrication.

Challenge: The project required as-built data to address discrepancies between original architectural drawings and field conditions. Differences in beam heights and ceiling slopes posed coordination challenges. The project’s 60-day timeline left no margin for error.

Solution: Scans were conducted at night to avoid passenger disruption. GPRS created 2D CAD drawings and a 3D BIM model, aligning new structures with the existing entrance. Prefabrication data reduced delays and field adjustments, ensuring timely project completion.

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Pittsburgh International Airport — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Task: GPRS mapped underground utilities as part of Pittsburgh International Airport’s Terminal Modernization Project. This effort supported 100% damage prevention during subsurface construction.

Challenge: Accurate subsurface utility mapping was essential for project planning and risk mitigation.

Solution: We located both known and previously undocumented utilities. GIS data was used to update as-built drawings, ensuring precise subsurface visualization for engineers and project managers.

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Willow Run Airport — Ypsilanti, Michigan

Task: GPRS mapped utilities along the route of new water and sanitary line installations for Wayne County Airport Authority.

Challenge: Existing as-built records were incomplete, leading to initial conflicts and utility strikes.

Solution: Subsurface utilities were mapped with GPS, and utility data was overlaid on existing as-built records. This process minimized construction risks and ensured safer excavation.

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The Kennedy Space Center — Cape Canaveral, Florida

Task: GPRS provided 3D scanning services during upgrades to Launch Complex 39B. The scan captured equipment layouts and piping routes in the mechanical room beneath the launch pad.

Challenge: The client required precise equipment and piping data to avoid clash points and enable prefabrication.

Solution: A 3D BIM model (LOD 300) was delivered, capturing the mechanical, electrical, and structural details. This allowed for efficient prefabrication of piping, reducing rework and enabling faster installation.

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LaGuardia Airport — Queens, New York

Task: GPRS scanned a new terminal canopy to support the offsite prefabrication of aluminum composite material (ACM) panels.

Challenge: The as-built structure did not align with design plans, and the panels had to be fabricated offsite to avoid on-site rework.

Solution: 3D laser scanning captured as-built dimensions, and we created 2D CAD drawings and a 3D model. Detailed installation data, including attachment points and shim requirements, allowed for precise offsite prefabrication.

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Comprehensive 3D Laser Scanning and Utility Locating for Airports

Airport projects demand precise and reliable data. Existing Conditions delivers highly accurate 3D laser scanning and 99.8% accurate utility mapping, supporting the planning, construction, and long-term operation of airport infrastructure. This data aids in design, reduces rework, and provides valuable records for future maintenance.

Every project is managed by trained specialists with expertise in architecture, scanning, mapping, and visualization. Existing Conditions provides deliverables like point clouds, as-built drawings, and 3D BIM models, enabling architects, engineers, and construction teams to intelligently visualize and manage the built environment.

What can Existing Conditions help you visualize today?

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