Long Range Scanners

[dgichicago]

I am trying to gather some information on what long range scanners are available on the market. I am looking for tripod scanners that have a +1000m range. So far this is what I've found, and I've included is their max range:
Riegl LMS-Z620 - range 2000m
Riegl LMS-Z420i - range 1000m
Riegl LPM-321 - range 6000m
I-Site 8800 - range 2000m
Optech ILRIS-3D - range +1000m

[Matt Young]

There is also the HDS 4400.

http://www.maptek.com/forge/march_2009/maptek_partners_with_leica_geosystems_on_i-site_long_range_scanners.html


Basically the I-Sight scanner.

[jedfrechette]

Optech ILRIS-3D - range +1000m

The ER option for the ILRIS pushes the range out past 1500m for an 80% reflective target.

[igneous101]

It may also be worth taking into consideration the workflow & ease of use to acquire your data. You say your after a long range scanner, but what is the exact application? Can we ask? Do you need survey control, what type of deliverable are you after so therefore is software a consideration in the overall system?

[joe.3dlm]

You should also consider the reflectivity of the target material.

The maximum range is affected by, among other things, the reflectivity of the material being scanned. Not all manufacturers use the same criteria when describing the maximum range (e.g. Riegl quote to a target with 80% reflectivity, Leica 90%, Optech 90%, I-Site 80+%) so if the range is critical, don't just assume that the quoted maximum range will be achieved.

As a general rule, I usually work to 80% of the quoted maximum range as achievable in typical use.

Other factors are:
- moisture content of target
- atmospheric conditions (visibility, humidity)
- ambient light (bright sunlight have have a negative impact on the range performance)
- eye safety (longer range scanners sometimes have less eye-safe lasers)

Joe

[dgichicago]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the replies. I wanted to answer some of the questions that are floating around so far...as for the type of project I can only say that it is not very close to where we are setup. Survey control will be used, a combination of GPS and traditional methods. The deliverable is still be determined, but will be a mesh/TIN or contour lines. As for the % reflectivity of the the objects being scanned, that has been taken into consideration and the reason we are looking at +1000m range scanners. Other than perhaps the moisture content of the target (thanks Joe) most of the parameters have been accounted for in our assessment of what scanner to use.

If there are any other long range scanners out there not mentioned, post away.

Aaron

[jedfrechette]

The maximum range is affected by, among other things, the reflectivity of the material being scanned. Not all manufacturers use the same criteria when describing the maximum range

Good point, although at least Optech and Riegl provide nice plots of range vs. reflectivity.

Other factors are:
- moisture content of target
- atmospheric conditions (visibility, humidity)
- ambient light (bright sunlight have have a negative impact on the range performance)
- eye safety (longer range scanners sometimes have less eye-safe lasers)

I would also add:
- target orientation (high incidence angle -> low backscatter intensity)

--
Jed