Advanced, high-capacity long-range 3D scanners can capture the data, metrics, and geometry of the largest objects, from buildings to landscapes, vehicles to machinery, and are engineered to do so in minimal time. For professional, architectural, and industrial applications, a long-range scanner is far preferable to a smaller-scope model, as processing times reduce from days or weeks to minutes, with data captured at 200,000 to two million points a second for state-of-the-art scanners.

This equates to a scanning speed of up to sixteen frames per second, which means a user could capture an accurate, 360-degree view, or full dome, in as little as 1.7 minutes. Much may depend on the working distance from the area or object being scanned and the resolution of the long-range scanner, but the outcome is hyper-fast scan rates that capture flawless 3D data and HDR imaging.

Long-range scanners are used in varied sectors and applications, including but far from limited to architecture and construction planning, retrofitting and surveying, civil engineering and manufacturing, and in specialized fields such as aerospace. The benefits mean that engineers, technicians, and surveyors can document infrastructure projects, record precise measurements and data points of wide-scope areas, and capture data for larger single-item objects such as vehicles and machinery.

An example of a long-range 3D scanner in action could include developing detailed strategies and resource planning for the creation of a new civil engineering infrastructure installation such as a power plant, roadway, or bridge, with in-depth insights into the exact metrics and dimensions of preexisting land, inclines, structures, and drainage points.

Weather can potentially impact the accuracy of long-range scans completed outdoors, although the scanner’s sensitivity will depend on its sophistication. Many top-of-the-range models from world-leading brands incorporate IP-accredited waterproof casings that protect against dust and particle ingress.

Best practice is to avoid performing an outdoor scan in direct sunlight and to attempt to complete 3D scans in periods without heavy fog or rain, given that they have the potential to interfere with laser beams or can impact the accuracy of the sensors. However, robust and superior long-range scanners are engineered to operate in any environmental conditions and are resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures, moisture, and dust.

Long-range scanners use built-in features to process, align, and clean 3D data, and create accurate 3D modelling from the information scanned. Most of these software programs are compatible and enable users to import scanned data to create CAD models.

Enhanced software solutions are reinforced with internal chips and AI-enabled algorithms that handle the bulk of the data processing. This means users aren’t necessarily expected to have high-capacity GPUs or graphics cards and can use their scanner with their existing hardware and software.

Modern scanners are designed for convenience and tend to be compatible with most popular operating systems, including more recent editions of Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac devices.