What techniques can you use to improve the quality of your laser scanning output?

Focus on what matters, and plan your scan setups in advance to enable you to scan what matters, scanning unnecessary objects will only slow down point cloud performance, especially in CAD and design tools. One method that has helped me a lot is sketching the main objects of interest roughly and marking scan locations in advance, that way you can just focus on the execution mostly. Pre-plan your scan settings per scan location, adapting your resolution and quality as you scan to ensure areas of interest have the right quality and "gap fillers" are scanned with enough detail so as to not bog down the point cloud performance.

The decision in choosing the right scanner should align with the project goals, expected accurracy, environment characteristic, and other consideration. For example, civil structure scanning may allow less accurracy and SLAM based scanner is most effective to execute this. For higher accurracy demand like for process plant scanning, TLS with control point survey considerably the most appropriate way to do it. For high accuracy degree with sub mm accurracy - handheld precision scanner is the tool for it. And then there is UAV Lidar Scan and Mobile Scanner for different type environment and level of accurracy.

Choosing the right scanner in a controlled enviroment that corelates between the object+device+method. Improving also means to adjust, readjust and clean up the nodes within the model. Don't hope for a one click shortcut if quality is your aim.

? Step 1: Choose Wisely Select a scanner tailored to your project, considering factors like resolution, range, and adaptability to object characteristics and environmental conditions. Research specifications and reviews before making a decision.

Selecting the right laser scanner involves a comprehensive analysis of your project needs, considering the specific requirements of your industry and applications. By carefully evaluating the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision and choose a laser scanner that aligns with your project goals and workflow.

Pay attention on the basic rules. Laser scanning hate shinny objects, black colour objects, and mirror/reflective objects. Personel Safety wise : Make sure you have safety awareness on the environment yo scanned, make sure adequate safety tools available for preventive measure. Your knowledge in safety is matters because safety is for everyone concern, including your client Tools safety wise : Know your limits, don't force your scanner tools to be placed in location that may potential to scanner damage like falling scanner, splashed by water, and any other dangers.

? Step 2: Prep Like a Pro Ensure object stability, cleanliness, and proper lighting. Secure the object, eliminate dust, and reduce glare. Clear the scanning area of obstacles, adjusting environmental factors like light and temperature.

By thoroughly preparing both the object and the environment, you create optimal conditions for laser scanning and increase the likelihood of obtaining accurate and detailed scan data. Regularly review and adjust your preparation procedures based on the specific requirements of each scanning project.

Light is always a game changer. If artificial light will needed it has to be positioned very well. In case of shiny materials the output will be bad. A very basic but essential fact, to clean the lens.

out of usual good preparation and best light conditions, consider investing some time in preparing surfaces and making were possible a map of the worst situations in your project. speaking of mechanical environment, often a hybrid solution is best than many hours of cleaning bad point-cloud files. if working on the field, prefer the early morning or late evening, you'll have a better control on lights and less heat and reflections problems. A scanning boot is a solution for smaller items (large engines parts or structures). don't forget a good quality power supply and noise free power lines.

? Step 3: Settings Matter Calibrate the scanner before each scan, adjusting parameters such as resolution, speed, and distance. Experiment to find the optimal balance between quality and efficiency. Preview the scan for focus and alignment.

Choose the right scanner Prepare the object and environment Adjust the scanner settings Scan from multiple angles Process and edit the data Calibrate your scanner

Pay attention on your scanner setting limitation and perform proper work method based on your setting limitation info to achieve best result. Less distance range > shorten the distance intervals Congested area > more scans, more angles Accuracy > more overlaps area

What I have found that helps is to adjust the scanner settings according to the environment and distance you scan. The next step is using 3D Point Cloud Processing Software. It gives you a variant of tools for quality control and data management.

Adjusting the scanner settings is a critical step in optimizing laser scanning outcomes. Different scanning scenarios and project requirements may necessitate specific adjustments to achieve the desired results.

when scanning using a UAV, you can use manual flying and auto-piloting to capture all the required data of your scans. This will help you with better texturing, build better mesh for the model and more qualitative feature extraction.

In some condition you will not have access to get full angle. Taking scan from nearest access-able location to scan, with various elevation should help result better.

? Step 4: Comprehensive Scanning Capture all details by scanning from various angles, moving the scanner around or rotating the object. Avoid sudden movements, vibrations, and monitor for errors or anomalies during the process.

Another perspective will improve always your output. In case of having the same information also from other perspectives, ensures the user to be on the right track. Verifying the results by taking the time is important.

Processing is essential skill. Do not rely on automatic processing. Always check your processing data prior submit to client. Learn to process data in old ways to help you understand how the software works and for your data troubleshooting Knowledge on format data and the ways to convert from one format to another also essential. Join group discussion will enhance the knowledge on this subject

? Step 5: Post-Processing Magic Process and edit collected data using software that aligns, merges, cleans, and trims. Export data to a compatible 3D modeling format. Review and make necessary adjustments for improved accuracy and appearance.

Integration of high precision survey control networks that are separately processed and can help add strength to the scanning objective as well as providing geo-referenced data.

Use your expertise to help encourage maximum value extraction from the point cloud you are delivering. The customer may not know all the ways in which point clouds can be leveraged. An example of this might be if the goal is to deliver 2D floor plans or sections…you can use your imagination to consider how much value is being left on the table..

? Step 6: Continuous Improvement Consider these steps as a foundational guide. Continuous learning and tweaking processes based on your experience will refine your scanning expertise.