Topography - Terrestrial Laser Scanner Riegl VZ-400

Parameter to be measured:

low power consumption: "internal" + external battery can provide almost a day of scanning
backup-batteries can be added and removed during operation
runs on 12 V, car-battery (adaptor supplied) can be used
extensive function menu accessible directly over scanner display
very quick overview and fine scans
eye-safe IR-laser
flash-design reminding Star-Wars fans of R2D2
optional tilt-mount enables stable non-vertical (up to horizontal) device positions
Laser plummet for precise locating of device
widely configurable automativ recognition of reflective targets in overview scan and subsequent fine scan
built-in Wireless option
high scanning speed, comparatively large range
sophisticated camera calibration options
recording of multiple echos along laser path
cables attached to non-moving part of scanner - no danger of "strangling" during rotation
integrated GPS receiver
support reflective cylinders as targets

bulky and heavy: transport in the original box as ordinary flight baggage not possible; carrying in the field is painful
IR laser has poor reflectivity (shorter range) on moist surfaces and snow
operation via device panel becomes fiddly e.g. when manually selecting non-detected reflectors
PC-software RiScan is complicated and non-intuitive (combines scanner operation, georeferencing and basic analysis); also used for other scanner models, but VZ-400 still missing in some dialog boxes
only selection of rectangular scan areas possible (opposed to polygons)
designed for use with reflective targets - use of non-reflective targets is a hassle
sounds during operation do not match those of R2D2

minimum range ~ 2 m
laser beam can partially penetrate PE target spheres
when using reflective cylinders as targets, the cylinders are assumed to have their axis parallel to z-direction of the scanner. If you use tilted instrument positions, use a calibrated tilt mount to "rotate" the tilted position back to normal, so the cylinders are oriented correctly

with Nikon DSLR and separate carrying case 104000 € (2010, Germany)

Projects that used the above equipment:

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