For a laser scanning project, more than just a laser scanner is needed. The appropriate accessories, a PC for the analysis and interpretation, the perfect software and the appropriate training are the basic requirements for a successful laser scanning project.
The required laser scanner accessories can be just as diverse as your surveying job. You will agree that other accessories are needed for the measurement of a small memorial with a laser scanner than for the measurement of a city hall or a complex industrial plant.
Which accessories are needed?
The accessories primarily include the appropriate tripods, reference targets, adequate auxiliary batteries, an appropriate PC with laser scanning software as well as transport trolleys and transport cases for the measurement device and accessories. Especially when you have to travel with your equipment, the accessories are very important. Special adapters and spray for antireflection of difficult surfaces could be further items. But also ladders, climbing equipment and lifting devices are sometimes needed. You should not forget power adapters abroad and the appropriate safety equipment. Safety equipment is a must, particularly, when you work in large concerns.
The appropriate laser scanner accessories ensure the accuracy of your measurement and can improve efficiency. High-quality laser scanning accessories also ensure a professional appearance for your customers – especially when you promise them results in the range of millimeters.
How is a laser scanner applied in a project?
The bases for a successful project are already laid with the following checking at the office.
- What does the customer really need?
- Which CAD format has to be delivered?
- How are the conditions on site?
- Which laser scanner accessories are needed?
- Where must I set the positions in order to capture the object completely?
- How can I attach my registration marks/reference marks?
What has to be regarded during scanning?
- The number of positions must be chosen corresponding to the task.
- Reference points must be set in a stable way.
- No vibrations and concussions
- No strange people in the field of measurement
- Safety at the laser scanner positions (no falling or overturning)
Which accessories do I really need?
Laser scanner tripods
The accessories depend on your task. Tripods are important. The original tripods of the laser scanner manufacturer are often not sufficient since these tripods are small. For many applications, big laser scanner tripods with a more extensive workspace are required. Special overhead tripods for laser scanners are needed more often, too.
Laser scanner registration marks/reference marks
The registrations marks, also called reference marks, are important for each measurement. They are used to merge the different laser scans to one global point cloud. By using reference marks, you improve the accuracy of a laser scanner measurement enormously. Registration marks for laser scanners are, for instance, reference spheres or even registration marks (e. g. target boards). You will find registration marks of high quality in our online shop.
Marker/sticker
The marking of the reference points' position is very important. For that purpose, there are special adapters, stickers and holders. Outdoors, there are other possibilities for positioning laser scanner registration marks than indoors. You will find marker/sticker in our online shop.
Laser scanning PC
You need an appropriate PC for processing your laser scans. Regarding your workstation’s features, much RAM and a great CPU power are important. By now, a 64 bit system is standard and is necessarily needed for the use of a great RAM. A two-screen solution is recommended for ergonomic working. The graphics cards for laser scanning software should be designed for 3D CAD systems. The manufacturers ATI and Nvidia provide good professional solutions.
In our online shop, you will find perfect CAD workstations for processing and interpreting point clouds.
Appropriate laser scanning software
The software must correspond to your task and the office environment. There are stand-alone laser scanning software and laser scanner plug-ins for established CAD systems on the market. As an example for stand-alone software, we can name PointCab. With PointCab, you can create sectional views quickly and easily in order to easily take dimensions. You will find laser appropriate scanning software in our online shop.
How can I create my results?
There are many different tasks and results of laser scanner measurements. Beside 3D documentation, scanning results can be easy 2D measurements in a point cloud, a fly-through video, interference checks, a variance analysis, a CAD model, a 2D plan or piping geometry.
Thus, you can hardly work with only one software solution. Some laser scanner users have a determined task. In that case, they need the appropriate software or a special laser scanner plug-in for the CAD software in their office.
For laser scanning service providers, this issue is more difficult. They preferably want to offer an extensive scope of applications of surveying services in the field of laser scanning. As a result, they often have to use several software solutions for processing point clouds. The compatibility of the point cloud software with the different laser scanner formats (e. g. FARO, Leica HDS, Riegl, Surphaser, Trimble, Z+F) is important for the import. In addition, the support of as many CAD output formats as possible is important for the export. For that purpose, the applied laser scanning software should be affordable and have low maintenance costs.
- Which software would be useful (PointCab)?
- The choice of the appropriate software cannot be made overall. The advising by a competent retailer is the best solution.
