Investigating terrestrial laser scanner position accuracy based on scanning angle and distance

The terrestrial laser scanning systems are a relatively new measurement technology. Along with technological advances, these systems are gaining popularity and have been increasingly used in many different fields. With terrestrial laser scanning technology, three- dimensional (3D) information and images of objects can be obtained more practical, easy and with high accuracy compared to conventional methods. Additionally, measurement of an object is performed without being in physical contact. In this study, effects of Optech Ilris 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanner' s scanning distances and position accuracy of the scan angle according to the object were investigated. Our test area, 2.10m × 2.80m in vertical position, was scanned at 10m intervals within 100m area from different directions (front, left and right). By switching Y and Z coordinates obtained from laser scanning, test area was changed to horizontal position. In this case, expected a half rectangular prism' volume and volumes obtained from laser scanning were calculated. Based on our volume differences evaluation results, it was found that within scanning distance of 100 meters position accuracy of this laser scanner is between 5.8 mm and 12.2 mm. In addition, the optimal laser scanning for front measurement was 40-50 m.