3D Scanning for Advanced Manufacturing, Design, and Construction

Chapter 3 Scanning Equipment

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Laser scanners use a variety of different technologies or combinations of technologies to detect surface points and record their characteristics. There are multiple varieties and brands of equipment that will produce 3D datasets. Selection of which scanner and methodology to be used is based upon the type of object to be scanned, level of precision required, and the final deliverable needed. Other factors such as the scanner’s cost, size, and portability influence the choice of equipment.

Laser scanners that produce point cloud datasets can be categorized by their operating technology into four main types: triangulating laser scanners, LIDAR systems, structured light systems, and photogrammetry systems. Other methods of scanner classification is sorting by common technical and physical attributes. Examples of this are devices sorted by range: short, medium, or long; or by type: handheld units, tripod mounted, or desktop units. To select a scanning technology or specific scanner suitable for a project, it is important to understand how the various technologies work and interact with the objects to be measured.

3.2 TRIANGULATING LASER SCANNERS

Triangulating laser scanners is a generic title given to any scanning device that measures data points through triangulation. This is a term that can also be applied to some structured lights systems and photogrammetry. The operating basis of any triangulating laser scanner can be pictured ...