Guide to applications of laser scanners
The “best” tool depends on specific project requirements like accuracy, speed, safety, and budget. Often, a combination of technologies yields the best results.
| Domain | Static Scanner (TLS) | Mobile MMS (vehicle) | Handheld (MMS/portable) | UAV LiDAR (low-altitude drone) | Airborne LiDAR (manned/large UAV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built environment | |||||
| Geodetic & topographic survey | 🟨 | 🟩 | 🟧 | 🟩 | 🟩 |
| Cadastral survey | 🟩 | 🟨 | 🟨 | 🟨 | 🟥 |
| Interior surveying | 🟩 | 🟧 | 🟩 | 🟧 | 🟥 |
| Construction progress monitoring | 🟨 | 🟩 | 🟨 | 🟩 | 🟥 |
| Energy & industrial facilities | 🟩 | 🟧 | 🟨 | 🟩 | 🟥 |
| Infrastructure objects (bridges, dams) | 🟩 | 🟨 | 🟧 | 🟩 | 🟥 |
| Road & railway networks | 🟧 | 🟩 | 🟧 | 🟩 | 🟨 |
| Natural environment | |||||
| Forests | 🟥 | 🟧 | 🟧 | 🟩 | 🟩 |
| Mining sites | 🟨 | 🟨 | 🟧 | 🟩 | 🟨 |
| Specialized | |||||
| Cultural heritage | 🟩 | 🟨 | 🟨 | 🟩 | 🟨 |
| Archaeological documentation | 🟩 | 🟨 | 🟨 | 🟩 | 🟩 |
| Tunnels & caves | 🟩 | 🟩 | 🟨 | 🟧 | 🟥 |
Usage type:
- 🟩 Green (Ideal): The best tool for the job, offering the optimal balance of accuracy, speed, and cost for that application.
- 🟨 Yellow (Suitable): A capable tool that can get the job done effectively, though it may have minor drawbacks compared to the “ideal” choice (e.g., slower, less accurate, or more expensive to operate).
- 🟧 Orange (Challenging): Possible to use, but with significant limitations. The data may require extensive processing, the accuracy might be lower than desired, or the operational logistics can be difficult.
- 🟥 Red (Not Suitable): The technology is fundamentally ill-suited for the application due to physical or technical constraints.
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