March 6th, 2005 Users

Trimble 3D Scanning – Best Practices

Rev. D

Purpose
This document offers practical advice to users of Trimble 3D scanners. It is not designed to teach users
how to use the equipment. Only formal training sessions provided by Trimble Support can be considered
as sufficient for users to effectively operate Trimble 3D scanners.

Contents
• Operating recommendations
• Transportation
• Scanner setup and trouble-shooting
• Framing
• Scan parameters
• Data Acquisition

• Glossary

This document is for informational purposes only and is not a legally binding agreement or offer. Trimble makes no
warranties and assumes no obligations or liabilities hereunder.

Trimble Engineering and Construction Group, 5475 Kellenburger Road, Dayton, OH 45424-1099, USA

© 2006, Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved. Trimble and the Globe & Triangle logo are trademarks of Trimble
Navigation Limited registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other countries. PointScape and RealWorks
Survey are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited. Recon is a trademark of Tripod Data Systems Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Trimble Navigation Limited. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Operating recommendations
Trimble 3D scanners are designed to perform according to their performance specifications under the
following environmental conditions.
– Operating temp: 0°C to 40°C
– Storage temp: -20°C to 50°C
– Light: Fully operational under all light conditions
– Sealing: IP53 (I.E.C.)
– Shock: IEC 60721-3-2: 2M2 (scanner) / 2M3 (scanner in case) transportation compliant
– Humidity: non-condensing atmosphere

Always power-on the scanner as soon as possible

The Trimble 3D scanner is equipped with an internal calibration system that is designed to compensate
for various physical phenomena that are known factors with high precision mechanical/electronic
instruments. This system carries out a check process every 5 minutes during scanning. The process lasts
for around 20 to 30 seconds, during which time the scan is temporarily paused, and compensation is
carried out if necessary. This allows data to be collected with higher overall levels of precision.
In order for the internal calibration system to reach maximum performance status, an initial period of 5
(five) minutes after instrument boot or reboot is required. During this time, the system is in auto-
calibration mode. Trimble recommends that users refrain from scanning during this period.
To assist users in this respect, a pop-up window is displayed in PointScape and PocketScape whenever a
user requests a scan before the 5-minute post-boot period is complete.
The sooner you power on the scanner, the less likely it is that auto-calibration will still be running when
you are ready to make your first scan. Since auto-calibration begins as soon as the scanner is powered on,
it is likely that the 5-minute period will have elapsed by the time you come to scan. In this case, no pop-
up window will be displayed.

Make other essential measurements before proceeding with scan

In many situations, your job may require that you take a full set of digital images (panorama snapshots).
These images are used for texturing, for scene comprehension and to enhance printed deliverables.
Preview scans can also be executed straightaway without having to wait for auto-calibration to complete.
A rough preview scan can provide useful pre-scan information such as indications of where data
shadows will occur, rough measurements and general scene comprehension.
Note: A preview scan should not be used for survey purposes.

If you are planning only on framing right from the start, you can at least take into account the fact that
you have a minimum of 5 minutes. This could make it more worthwhile for you to prepare your scan
with extra care so that you don't waste time scanning areas that are not required.

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Anticipate environmental conditions
The specified long-term storage temperature range is -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F). Obviously, normal
room temperature is preferable, but the Trimble GX will not suffer any long term damage when stored
for long periods within the specified temperature range.
Pre-project ("night before") storage or transport is a different issue. In common with most optical
instruments including Total Stations, care must be taken when there is a large difference of temperature
between that of the instrument itself, and that of the location where it will be used. The best accuracy is
achieved when the scanner has reached a stable operating temperature. The greater the difference
between temperatures, the longer it will take for the scanner operating temperature to stabilize. While the
internal calibration system provides superior levels of quality assurance, it cannot be expected to
compensate the results of extreme temperature variations. You should avoid scanning in normal or warm
conditions from a very cold start e.g. just after air travel or indoor after cold vehicle transport. Where
cold scanning conditions are expected, the scanner should ideally be stored/transported at low positive
temperatures (0°C to 20°C / 32°F to 68°F).

Operating temperature
Performance characteristics of the Trimble GX are specified for internal operating temperatures of 0°C to
40°C (32°F to 104°F). The internal temperature of the instrument is monitored by strategically positioned
sensors inside the scanner and the information is relayed to PointScape and PocketScape field software.
Best results are therefore achieved within this temperature range.
Note: Excessive variation of temperature during the scan has a more negative effect than a high
or low (though stable) temperature. It's better to have a constant 40°C (104°F) than a
temperature that is constantly evolving between 5°C (41°F) and 25°C (77°F)!

Light
The instrument is unaffected by ambient light conditions. Scanning can take place in complete darkness
or under bright sunlight. For practical purposes, visible daylight constitutes a preferred scenario, for the
purposes of video utilization (e.g., framing, image acquisition, etc.).
As with all 3D scanners, data loss may occur when scanning directly into the sun. The zone of risk is
cone-shaped and represents only a few degrees.

Sealing
The limitations are those inherent to the IEC definitions for IP ratings.
IP53 means "Protected Against dust, limited ingress; Protected Against Sprays Of Water 60º From
Vertical".

Humidity
Scanner performance may degrade in condensing atmospheres i.e. at or below the Dew Point.

Shock
According to IEC 60721-3-2:2001 "Classification of environmental conditions -- Part 3: Classification of
groups of environmental parameters and their severities Section 2: Transportation," the scanner alone
withstands the conditions of category 2M2, and the scanner in its transportation case withstands the

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conditions of category 2M3. Shocks greater than those indicated in these categories may damage the
scanner and/or induce a loss of calibration.

Instrument calibration
All Trimble 3D scanners are calibrated on leaving the assembly facilities. Calibration covers thermal,
video, angular encoding and distance parameters according to Trimble proprietary procedures. These
procedures are carried out in laboratory controlled environments and include the use of target materials
of different reflectivities. 3D scanners covered under a Trimble maintenance agreement or extended
warranty may receive up to two factory re-calibrations annually. Trimble recommends that its 3D
scanners be re-calibrated at least annually. Failure to re-calibrate the scanner on an annual basis may lead
to degradation of scanner performance.

Do not open the scanner; do not remove covers

Trimble 3D scanners are factory sealed and must not have their covers removed except by Trimble-
AUTHORIZED personnel working under controlled conditions. This restriction applies regardless of
whether the scanner is thought to be functioning correctly or not.
Trimble service departments or Trimble's 3D Scanning Operating Site can advise of the location of
currently approved sites. Note that not all survey service locations are approved for scanner repair. Only
approved locations have the specialist calibration equipment required.
Unauthorized opening of scanners has been identified as one of the main reasons for scanner mal-
functioning and/or failure. There are two main reasons for this:
1) Removal of the covers may necessitate re-calibration of the instrument, failing which the instrument
will no longer perform according to specification
2) The scanner may potentially be damaged by static electricity, which may enter the chassis and
components if they are touched by anyone not earthed in the correct way.
Note: Static electricity causes permanent damage to electronic components and seriously shortens the
life expectancy of the instrument.

Warning: Unauthorized opening of the instrument will void any warranty pertaining to the instrument.

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Transportation
Shipment by air, rail, road or sea
Trimble 3D scanners are robust surveying instruments, but in common with all precise instruments,
appropriate care should be taken to minimize shocks and poor handling.
We recommend transporting the scanner inside its rigid transportation case at all times and with the
protective cover placed over the front glass.
We also strongly recommend not placing any object that could damage the scanner inside the box or near
it during transportation. Please place all the accessories in the designated box compartment.

On site
Where possible, place the scanner inside its transportation box when moving it from station to station.
You can alternatively, carry the scanner inside its backpack, if available, for short distances.
Moving the scanner between stations when attached to a tripod is NOT recommended except when
adjusting the final position of the scanner over a survey point.

Visual Inspection
If you have received a scanner in a damaged case, this may indicate that the scanner has been subjected
to excessive shock during transit, and it may need to be re-calibrated. In such cases, we highly
recommend that you carry out a scanner auto test and an on-site scanner check before starting a project.
If you see any cracks on the scanner cover or if anything is broken or loose inside, we highly recommend
that you to carry out a scanner auto test and an on-site scanner check before starting a project.

Scanner set-up and trouble-shooting

Survey workflow
Latest generation Trimble 3D scanners and accompanying field software allow users to work with
familiar surveying routines, such as known point and resection station setup techniques. Users are
therefore able to establish traverse control on the survey site. Previous generation scanners, such as the
Trimble GS Series, are not equipped with all the features that allow full survey workflow to be carried
out. If Trimble GS users elect nonetheless to perform a survey workflow, user must register by using
resection measurements to three backsight points. For more information, consult the PointScape and
PocketScape User Guides supplied with the scanner.

Tripod use
Use only high quality tripods from reputable manufacturers. Be sure that the tripod itself is stable.
Always make sure that the legs are tightened securely and the feet well spread out on the ground.

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Tips for using a Standard Survey Tripod.
Latest generation Trimble 3D scanners are supplied with a heavy-duty tribrach that is designed to bear
the weight of the device. Do not use alternative tribrachs unless they have been approved by Trimble for
use with the instrument. If you do not have an approved tribrach, or if you are unsure of the acceptability
of your tribrach, you should mount the instrument in a fixed base. Since scan measurements are taken
dynamically with rapid repeated stop-start movements, only the most rugged tribrachs may be used.
Consult your Trimble Distributor.
Check that the screws holding the tripod head are sufficiently tight.
If on soft ground, make sure the feet are firmly pressed into the ground.
If using the scanner without a tripod (e.g. using the mini-tripod, if provided), the surface on which it is
placed must be rough enough to prevent movements. Placing it on surfaces such as polished marble will
allow movement and give poor results.

Tips for using the Gitzo Tripod

This section applies if you have purchased a Gitzo tripod for Trimble 3D scanner operation. The
instrument is most stable when only one section of the tripod legs is extended, and when they are locked
to the first side movement position. The second and third side movement positions are designed for when
the tripod is tilted upwards.
Note: Although this is the best configuration, the legs can be fully extended in length when required.

Adjust the tripod legs so that the scanner is reasonably level. When using the tripod tilted, for example
when scanning a high ceiling of a room, restrict the scan to 20°-30° rotation in the horizontal, and close
to the zenith to get the best results.
Warning: Pay attention to the surface on which the tripod is mounted. It must be rough enough to grip
the feet so that they do not move.

Station setup & scanner status

The station location should be chosen so as to best view the area you wish to scan. Take care to minimize
the effects of shadow caused by any obstruction or undulations on the surfaces. Be sure to cover any area
of shadow from one station with data from another.
If you are using scanning workflow as opposed to survey workflow (see above), maximize the ease of
acquisition of targets, making sure that they cover the area to be scanned, and allow you to have
sufficient common targets. Although a minimum of 3 targets is required to ensure successful registration
of scans, it is always advisable to place additional targets wherever possible. See next section.
Before you start scanning, we recommend performing an autotest 5 minutes after powering on.
(Tools/Systems info/Scanner testing). The scanner should return a ‘Pass’ result before scanning
commences.
Warning: Wait at least 5 minutes after powering on before commencing the autotest in order to avoid a
false "Fail" result.

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Target location
The targets should be placed all around the object to be scanned and at different elevations. (See figure
below.)

Target

Scanner

Although a certain amount of redundancy is recommended, it is time consuming to scan more than 5
common targets per station. The additional time invested in scanning more than 5 may not result in large
increases in accuracy.
Standard targets or spheres may be used at a maximum distance of approximately 80 m, but in poor
observing conditions, for example if people pass in front of targets during scanning, this distance should
be reduced to between 30 m and 50 m.
At longer ranges, large conventional survey targets or larger spheres (150mm) may be used. Their
positions can be confirmed during post processing in RealWorks Survey (registration mode.)
Note that the resolution (point spacing) of the scanner at 100m is 3mm, and although this is at least twice
as good as some competitive scanners, it is significantly lower than many total stations or GPS devices
(typically 1mm or less).
When balancing precision and time saving, a good solution is to use the “measure survey points”
function within PointScape. With this method, the laser of the scanner is pointed directly to any point on
the scan object’s surface, and a DR Total station is used to simultaneously see and measure to that point.
The scanner spot is stationary, and its position stored in PointScape. This method offers considerable
flexibility during station setup. Target measurement time is reduced - because measurements to
conventional targets or spheres are not required.

Survey accuracy and relative precision (including registration)

During post processing, local or site coordinates (control) can be assigned to all targets, and a least
squares adjustment made to give a best fit. Usually, the survey control coordinates are imported via an
ascii file. After this registration with transformation has been done, the scan stations, and associated
scan data will be in the same coordinate frame as the survey control.
Note: The accuracy of the survey control will strongly influence the accuracy of the final datasets, even
when the internal precision of the scan data remains high.

Errors given by the 2 instruments (in this case a scanner vs a single total station) are independent, so we
assume that the errors combine quadratically:

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Accuracy = U SC ² + UTS ²

With USC = scanner combined standard uncertainty

And UTS = Total station combined standard uncertainty

Example : if USC = 4mm and if UTS=3mm

Accuracy = 4² + 3² = 5 mm

We are referring here to the Uc. Typical absolute comparison error is 12mm (2.5x the Uc).
To achieve greater comparison tolerance, one possibility is to reduce the error of the survey points.

Power and Computer use

About the power supply:

If your project will take some hours for 1 or 2 days, you can use battery power, mains power or a
generator.
If your project will take more than 2 days, it is better to use a power generator or any available
mains power supply.
Tip: Often a mains supply is surprisingly easy to find. Just take a 50m cable with you.

If you are using a notebook computer to control the scanner, it is better to plug it in to an external
power source when possible. (e.g. a car voltage converter or power generator). This is mainly due
to the limited battery life of most notebook computers (2-4 hours).
If use the Trimble Recon the battery will last an entire day (8 hours) when fully charged, but you
will need to charge it overnight.

About the notebook or other PC:

If you use your notebook computer on battery power, there are a number of ways to extend the time it
will run. These include
Hiding the 3D windows, (Switches off the graphics card or processor load)
Switching off the screen’s backlight
Using the touch pad instead of a USB mouse
Using only one station per project (because it reduces the time required to load files)
Limiting your manipulation of the point cloud.

About the Trimble Recon

The Trimble Recon can be used without any restriction. It suits users who know the scan parameters they
need, who prefer the flexibility of a pocket sized control unit, and who are content to collect data as fast

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as possible. It includes live 2D views (with 3D z-pic emulation) and real time information on the scan
results.

Troubleshooting

No power available
If the scanner fans are not operating properly, it probably means that you don’t have 24 volts powering
the scanner.
If you are running on battery, check the voltage actually coming out of the battery. A minimum of 18V is
required, and you may not get this with a tired battery on a cold day.
If you are running the scanner from a generator or mains electricity, check the fuses (mains plug, power
box, generator circuit breaker and mains electrical supply).
If the problem persists after performing these checks, contact Trimble Support or your electricity
supplier.

No communication available
Try disconnecting then reconnecting the LAN cable. Try swapping to a different one. Make sure it is a
“crossed” connections cable.
It is always better to have more than one LAN cable on site. Some cables have “smaller than normal”
LAN connectors. Try to avoid those. They cause intermittent LAN connection loss.
Be sure that you are using the correct IP address (192.0.4.100).
Be sure your firewall is disabled (Windows® XP)
In Internet Explorer, be sure you are not working off line. If you are off-line, select File/Work online.
Run a Microsoft test function called “Ping”. It is a function that directly talks to another PC, and it is run
by keying the command directly from Start/Programs/Accessories/Command Prompt. Just key in “ping
192.0.4.10” at the command prompt, and press enter. You should get a response. If a message reports
"Timed out" or "Destination host unreachable", there is no connection or the connection is deficient.

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Framing
Object framing

There are several ways of framing an object in PointScape:

Object type before

Rectangular
Object type after
Image
Object type before
Polygonal
Object type after

Object type before

Rectangular
Object type after
Framing Laser
mode Object type before
Polygonal
Object type after

Object type before

Rectangular
Video Object type after

Object type before

Polygonal
Object type after

There are many ways to do scan window framing; one of the most used is as follows:
• Create a station and launch a panoramic image.
• Select the object type (360°, window, target, or sphere).
• Frame it either on the video or on the panoramic image using rectangular or polygonal framing.

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Rectangular or polygonal object framing?
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages.
Advantage Disadvantage
Rectangular framing Quick. Frame doesn’t always ‘fit’ exactly the
shape of the object to be scan
Simple to use.
Can be easily split into several parts.
Frame size can be easily extended.
Polygonal framing Frame fits perfectly over the object to be Difficult to change the total frame size.
scanned. (Still have to allow for parallax).
Due to the possibility to adjust the frame
Can be easily split in several parts. to the object, the grid is not regular to the
object. This can be time consuming.

Tip: To achieve an even grid, it is sometimes necessary to split an object into several frames, as the
distance between measured points will change with the angle of incidence.

Note: This method will allow you to save on-site time and to generate a scan with “regular” spatial
resolution.

…/…
The choice of method depends on the angle of incidence. The following table describes instances where
one or the other method is more appropriate.
Rectangular framing Polygonal framing
Station setup in front If the building is small, and regular you You only need to frame the area needed to
of a building can take a single rectangle (but the scan cover the building. - Regardless of size or
area will be bigger than that of the any irregular shape, such as with towers or
polygon). spires.
If the building is large or has irregular
shapes, you can make one huge rectangle,
or make several smaller rectangles, to
cover it. Ensure that you keep a uniform
grid size. You will have unevenness at the
overlaps.
Station setup to the You can split the job into several parts You will already have an efficient scan as
side of a building especially if the building façade is not your scan area matches the shape of the
(oblique) square. You can reduced size of the building.
rectangle the further away each relevant
part of the building lies to make as close a You can still split the job into several
fit as possible. This will reduce the parts, based on distance and adjust the grid
acquisition time. for each frame to give a similar point
density in each.
This method also allows you to adjust the
grid for each frame to give a similar point
density in each, which is desirable in many
cases, due to angle-of-incidence issues.

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Target Detection/Framing

Spheres
We recommend two methods to detect and extract spheres – via the video and directly on the point
cloud. The first method is the classic method, while the second method can often prove to be faster and
easier. Users can try both methods to determine which they prefer.
When using the video, you can avoid manually setting a frame by using the following workflow:
• Select the scan type to be sphere.
• With the video displayed, adjust the zoom in order to display the sphere.
• Double click onto the sphere or onto an object close to it. This instructs the scanner to measure a
distance. From that, the system will automatically calculate and suggest the spatial resolution
and the frame size. (Be sure that you point to a large object so that you will measure a distance).
• Validate / accept the frame, and start the scan.

Note: It is essential to make sure that the system measures a reasonably correct distance as this value
is used to set the grid resolution. If the sphere is close, and you “miss”, measuring nothing, the system
will set a resolution for 350 meters, which will take a very long time to scan. Note that the frame location
is less important than the distance as it can be moved (with drag and drop) to better cover the sphere
after the resolution is set.

Tip: Due to the parallax error between the scanner and the laser you may have to increase the size of
the horizontal framing slightly to ensure the whole sphere is scanned.

Spheres can also be detected directly from the point cloud using PointScape. Many users prefer this
method since it is usually faster and easier than framing on the video. The workflow is described
hereafter:
• Scan the object.
• Locate the sphere in the point cloud and click the icon for the 3D sphere extraction tool.
• Then, 2 options are possible depending on whether you have a scanner attached or not:
– If no scanner is attached, the sphere is fitted automatically, and accepted as a target.
– If the scanner is attached, and you do it when the station is highlighted, PointScape will both
scan and automatically create the target.

Flat targets
It is also possible to set the frame with some automation using the following workflow.
• Select the scan type to be flat target.
• On the video display, adjust the zoom in order to display the flat target as clearly as possible.
• Make a frame around the target (not especially close to the targets).

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 • Validate / accept the frame and start the scan.

Scan parameters are not required for measuring to flat targets. This is because the scanner will first of all
make a quick scan in order to locate the target and then perform a second accurate scan to find the
precise location of the target.
The flat targets should be orientated perpendicular to the scanner laser. If the angle of incidence onto the
target is too low, you may not be able to extract the centre precisely.
From PointScape 2.1.4 and above, the frame and parallax correction can also be set automatically by first
double clicking an object at a similar range to the target, then double clicking to the target. But, take
care. If you make the first double click to a target, the laser spot may hit the green area, which gives no
return signal, and therefore the action is ignored.
We suggest that you will work faster if you simply put a large frame around targets manually. Then you
benefit from the two stage automatic measurement process. Not only are the scan parameters optimized
automatically for you, it is also fast. After the first quick scan to locate the target, the second stage
measures only in the exact location of the target with a very fine grid, and high precision.

Automatic snapshot for the current framing

In order to collect as much information from a scene as possible we usually turn on the automatic
snapshot tool. A photo of the framed scene (at a specified zoom factor) will be taken at the end of the
scan. (Turn this function on at: Edit/preferences/auto snapshot).

Scan parameters
General descriptions

Once the frame is made and validated, you have to specify the 2 following main parameters:
• Spatial resolution (Grid resolution)
• Number of shots
You also have the possibility to select advanced parameters:
• Real time coloring

• Focus

• Grid quality

• Scan Range

Setting Scan parameters

The desired spatial resolution is the main parameter. (For example 10mm x 10mm if the object is at
100m).

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The value you set should correspond to the level of detail you wish to achieve.
However, it is also important to consider random errors in the distance meter, which are also called the
“noise”. This is seen as a thickness of the data, especially if measuring a flat surface. For many tasks,
the grid resolution should not be less than the level of noise. This standard deviation of the distance
measurements can be reduced by increasing the number of shots (distance measurements) per grid
position.
Note: As described above, the number of shots reduces the random error, which in turn produces a
cleaner point cloud with more detail visible. A cleaner point cloud will make modeling easier.

Here is a table that could help you to set the correct combination of parameters.
Range 50m 100m 150m
N° of shots 1 4 9 1 4 9 1 4 9
4mm (2.8) (1.4) 0.9 (5.0) (2.5) (1.7) (7.2) (3.6) (2.4)
Grid resolution
(point spacing)

8mm (2.8) 1.4 0.9 (5.0) (2.5) 1.7 (7.2) (3.6) (2.4)
12mm 2.8 1.4 0.9 (5.0) 2.5 1.7 (7.2) (3.6) 2.4)
25mm 2.8 1.4 0.9 5.0 2.5 1.7 (7.2 3.6 2.4

The number in mm inside the table is the precision (std. deviation) for each chosen number of shots.
Note: The visual thickness of the point cloud is approximately +/- 2.5x the standard deviation, so when
the standard deviation is 1.4, the overall thickness is +/- 3.5mm, which is 7mm. (5 x 1.4).

Where figures are NOT shown in brackets, the noise level (or visual thickness of the cloud) is less than
the grid resolution. By using these parameters, many data editing tasks such as line fitting and modeling
will be accomplished more easily.
Example.
Required grid resolution: 8mm at 50 meters. Can I measure with single shot or should I take 4 shots ?
On single shot, the noise will be 5 x 2.8, which is 14mm. This is more than 8mm.
On 4 shots, the noise will be 5 x 1.4, which is 7. This is less than 8mm. Use 4 shots.
You can of course take more shots even if the grid density is high, but you may not gain overall precision
on the subject.

Scan parameters FAQ

Q: Will taking more shots increase my scan time?
A : Yes it will, but it simplifies post-processing work. The acquisition time increases by approximately
2.5x with 4 shots, and 5x with 9 shots. You may be able to compensate by adjusting the maximum range
limits and adjusting your frame size over the object if you have no already done so.

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Q: Do I have to use the non-bracketed values only? Do I have to always use at least 4 shots?
A: No. It depends on your survey task and accuracy requirement. Usually you should respect the
recommendations in the table. For rough volume and surface calculations, single shot is usually
sufficient. That is also usually sufficient when the task is to produce an ortho-image as the scanned data
is projected onto a 2D plane (although a precise grid is preferred for that task).
…/…

Advanced parameters
The use of the advanced parameters is shown in the table below.
Parameter Function Why and when Time influence
Real time Colors the point This tool will generate a colored image in real Small, but sometimes
coloring cloud during the time. This gives a better visualization for the worth considering if
acquisition. It survey scene in the field and in the office, even color data is not needed,
automatically when no photos are stored. Use it when you need and the highest speed is
attributes RGB to have the color view instantly, or don’t want to needed.
information to fit photos later. It is an impressive feature useful
each point. for demonstration to your customers.
Note: Selecting “target scanning” will turn off this
function. Be sure to put it back on if you wish to
use it.
AutoFocus Focuses the Autofocus increases the precision when you scan Small but typically
beam spot objects that are at varying distances from the almost none, because it is
(3mm) on a scanner, and less than 25m. usually combined with
specific Activate the AF tool when you are interested in measuring a large
distance. It capturing, for example an ornate statue, a number of shots (9) so
works for close building, a Valve, a Flange…) the time to focus is
ranges only (up proportionately less.
Note: It is essential the number of shots versus
to 25m). spatial resolution rule is respected. If the object is
at a fixed distance, take fixed focus at a distance
a little beyond that distance. See note below.
Grid quality Creates a real Improves the precision of the grid positions, and Small increase in time
square spatial therefore absolute accuracy of points, especially due to synchronization of
resolution, and in vertical. Mostly used when taking less than 4 lines.
improves the shots as then the synchronization to the grid lines
visual result and is made “on the fly” and points do not exactly
accuracy. align from one line to the next. This is mainly
visible at the beginning of each line. With 4 or
more shots, the difference is hardly noticeable.
Scan Range Limits the Mainly used as a filter e.g. if you want to discard Significant if the frame
range. This acts points at a distance greater than 50m. It is also covers an area where no
like a distance used as a time saving tool, because when you return signal for the
filter. reduce the range, it also reduces the time the distance meter will be
scanner needs to wait before determining that no found (e.g. sky).
distance will be measured.
…/…

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Autofocus and fixed focus
Generally speaking, if the scene contains intricate surfaces at various ranges up to 25 meters, autofocus is
the correct choice.
If however, the task is to scan an object which is at a constant range from the scanner, you will typically
get the best results by using focus fixed at a specific range. This gives a more consistent result, and the
measurement will be completed in less time.
If the subject has an indifferent or unknown surface reflectance, it will be best to set the fixed focus
range to be approximately 2 meters beyond the known distance to the object. This is because of a
phenomenon called laser speckle, which is the interference between the transmitted and reflected laser
beams colliding at the point of focus. This generates noise in the data. By focusing at a slightly different
range, the effect of speckle is reduced. Autofocus already makes some correction for this, but on an
averaging basis.
If you need the highest quality result, it may want to consider dual scanning with both settings, and
choose the setting that gives the best results. This is because the effect of speckle can offset the benefit of
autofocus in some conditions.

Data acquisition
Project management
Once the object is framed, and the parameters set, you are ready to scan, but you should give some
consideration to workflow, and the names you will give to stations, scans and targets.
Here is the workflow we recommend:
• Make a Panoramic Snapshot.
• Scan 1 target. This object will not be used for registration in RealWorks Survey, but it can be
used as a control point.
• Scan your object.
• Scan all your targets, including the first one.
Tip: Give a specific name for each target. It helps during the registration process.

The advantage of scanning the object before the targets is that it allows you to use the automatic spheres
extraction function to set up the frames. By doing this, you save time because you will not have to frame
the target.

Save
Do several saves of the data with different names during each station setup. This will help prevent any
loss of data. At the end of the day it is easy to delete unnecessary saved files.
Possible naming conventions: XYZ_ver1.ppf ; XYZ_ver2.ppf ; XYZver3.ppf ….

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Glossary
• Spatial resolution
• Number of shots
• Averaging
• Real time coloring
• Autofocus
• Grid quality
• Recon
• Combine Standard Uncertainty
• Panoramic image

DocRef: TRMB_Survey_SprtNote_3D Scanning_BestPractices_RevD.doc SF/DH/PB.Ed.PB

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