Transcript
Intro: More Than One Tool for the Job
There’s more than one way to solve a puzzle. And when it comes to reality capture, you can use different tools for different problems.
A lot of people like to oversell their tool or solution. But the truth is: solutions have multiple angles, multiple needs, and different requirements.
In this episode, we’re talking about different sensors in the reality capture space, how we leverage 3D laser scanning, and how to maximize your investment by choosing the right tool for the job.
The Problem with a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
There’s often a tendency in the industry to focus on one brand or sensor—usually the one you already own—because you want to justify the investment. But there’s more than one valid way to scan a site.
So today, I’m sharing five key questions you need to ask before any scanning project.
Question 1: What’s the Scope and Size of the Project?
Is this a small pilot scan or a full-scale facility?
- Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is great for smaller, detail-oriented areas.
- Drones are better for large, open environments.
- Mobile scanners (SLAM) are great for flexibility and coverage.
Different tools serve different scales. Sometimes you’ll need to combine them to get the best result.
Question 2: What Level of Detail Do You Need?
How accurate does your point cloud need to be?
Not every project needs 2mm precision. Some don’t even need 1/10th of an inch. But if you’re delivering detailed BIM models or prefabrication-ready data, that might change.
- TLS: unmatched precision for tight tolerances
- Drones: excellent overviews, but less detailed
Knowing the level of detail impacts which tools you should bring on-site.
Question 3: What Are the Environmental Conditions?
Environmental factors matter. A lot.
I’ve scanned in snowy Canadian winters. Once we were scanning a poultry plant rooftop at -23°C. The scanner froze, snow corrupted the dataset, and we couldn’t capture the rooftop piping properly.
Other examples:
- Drones struggle with wind or GPS loss.
- Bright sun can wash out color scans.
- Rain or snow can ruin your point cloud.
Sometimes black & white scanning is safer. Sometimes mobile scanning helps you avoid weather-based disruptions.
Question 4: How Accessible Is the Site?
You may want to use a drone — but what if it’s restricted?
At one cement plant near an international airport, we couldn’t fly at all. So we used a GeoSLAM mobile scanner and paired that data with TLS scans. It worked great — but only because we knew the site limitations upfront.
Also consider:
- Food plants require sanitized gear
- Some clients need sensor specs and manufacturer documentation
- Not all scanners are suited for every environment
Question 5: What Are the Timeline and Budget Constraints?
This is the one most people forget to ask.
You might want the best scanner and the tightest tolerances — but that costs money. Time, too.
TLS takes time for registration and post-processing. That affects pricing, deliverables, and expectations.
Ask yourself:
- How much can the client actually invest?
- Is your scanner cost-effective for this scope?
- What’s the ROI on accuracy vs. deliverable?
The better you understand the business side, the smarter your scanner choice becomes.
Final Thoughts
This episode is about asking better questions — not just chasing better tools.
The five questions:
- Scope & size
- Level of detail
- Environmental conditions
- Site accessibility
- Timeline & budget
These will help you avoid scanning mistakes, manage expectations, and deliver with confidence — whether you’re building a digital twin, creating a BIM model, or documenting an industrial site.
Thanks for tuning in to The 3D Show. Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments. See you super, super soon!
