Long Range Scanning

Our contract measurement services include a variety of short-range (< 20 feet) and long-range (20 to 900 feet) high definition technologies, which use both contact and non-contact processes.

With over a decade of experience in long range scanner technologies, we have the experience to determine the most affordable approach to your project and the expertise to do the job right. Our tools for long range scanner services include portable CMMs (PCMM) – both touch probes and laser trackers – and 3D laser mapping scanners.

Learn more about long range scanner technology

What is LIDAR and LIDAR Mapping?

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method used to detect objects in 3D space. An accurate and effective surveying method, it uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances (ranges)—similar to the operation of a radar system.

The measurements or data collected can be used to create 3D data including point clouds, topographical models, and maps of both surface terrain or environmental elements and man-made structures or objects.

LIDAR mapping technology started off with laser scanners being mounted to planes and evolved with the integration of GPS, enabling accurate geospatial 3D measurements.

Today, the most typical components of a LIDAR system include:

Laser
Scanner & Optics
Photodetector & Receiver Electronics
Position & Navigation Systems (GNSS/GPS)

LIDAR Mapping puts it all together and combines laser ranges with position and orientation information generated from integrated GPS (Global Positioning System) and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unitsystem) scan angles and calibration data—resulting in a dense, detail-rich group of organized points known as a point cloud. Each “point” combines to create a 3D representation of the target object or area.

LIDAR and LIDAR Mapping are often associated with large scale scanning done by plane or helicopter to survey large plots of land. LIDAR, LIDAR Mapping and terrestrial LIDAR can also mean the same thing as laser mapping, long range or Leica HDS ( High Definition Surveying ). And some people simply use the term long range scanning to cover LIDAR and LIDAR Mapping.

No matter what they mean to you, there’s a need to start with 3D Laser Mapping and a Scanner. Here is a partial list of scanning equipment and software that we use ourselves at Exact Metrology or sell/rent to customers for such long range scanning services: