3D Laser Scanner
Definition
An instrument that emits a laser sweep across the scene and records millions of distance measurements per second, producing a point-cloud model of the entire space.
- Function
- Emits a laser sweep and records distance measurements
- Output
- Point-cloud model of the entire scanned space
- Speed
- Millions of measurements per second
Common questions
How is a laser scanner's point cloud used differently from an ordinary photograph?+
A point cloud carries true 3D spatial coordinates for every scanned point, so distances, angles, and virtual walk-throughs can be produced and measured later, which a flat photograph cannot support.
Does laser scanning replace manual measurement and sketching at a scene?+
It captures far more spatial data and reduces time spent at the scene, but manual measurements and sketches are still often taken to verify key distances and to serve as a backup when scanning equipment is unavailable.
Related terms
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- Point Cloud
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