When choosing a laser scanner, you want to know the size of the scanner, and the weight. Chances are good that you will want something that is portable and therefore as lightweight as possible. Check to see what level of definition you will be able to get out of the scanner and what features the model you are considering has. While they all work similarly, some may have more or fewer features than the other scanners have.
 

The scanners use lasers to gather a large amount of data – millions of individual points for measurement and reference. One of the remarkable things about the machines is that it only takes a few minutes to get the data needed for a relatively large space.

Once the data is collected, you can plot the measurements using an XYZ system for your coordinates. This provides information needed about an object’s surface, whatever it might be. Many of the 3D laser scanners today will also use GPS data points to obtain more information about the surface. You can create a single 3D set of data for the measurements.

You are then able to use the data for a number of different tasks and applications. It can be used for modelling and planning, as well as visualization. You can also reuse the data so you can take further measurements without actually needing to be onsite. Simply use the data that you’ve already collected instead. There are many different possible ways to use this type of technology.
 

There are a number of companies manufacturing these types of scanners today. A few of the most popular makers of 3D laser scanners include Leica, ncTech, Faro, and Geo Slam.