ScanSpecsReality capture
Technologies

Reality-capture technologies

Each approach trades accuracy, speed, coverage and cost differently.
Terrestrial laser scanning (static)

Tripod-mounted scanners capture high-density point clouds from fixed setups that are registered together.

≈1–5 mm @10 m
Handheld / backpack SLAM

Mobile scanners that estimate their own trajectory with LiDAR SLAM while walking through a site.

≈5–30 mm relative
Vehicle mobile mapping

Vehicle-mounted LiDAR with GNSS/INS for corridors, roads and rail.

≈5–30 mm absolute
UAV / aerial LiDAR

Drone-mounted LiDAR with GNSS/INS for terrain, vegetation and large outdoor sites.

≈2–5 cm vertical
Photogrammetry / reality-capture software

Software reconstructing 3D models and orthophotos from overlapping images.

Depends on GSD / control
RGB-D / structured light / hybrid

Short-range depth cameras and structured-light scanners combining depth with colour.

≈1 mm (object) to cm (room)
Robot LiDAR sensors

2D/3D LiDAR sensors integrated into robots for navigation, SLAM and mapping.

≈10–50 mm ranging
Motion-based measuring device

Handheld devices that measure distances, areas and plans by tracing them with motion sensors, sometimes with a built-in laser.

≈0.3–0.5% of distance (manufacturer)
Property capture camera

Tripod 360° cameras, often with depth or LiDAR, used for virtual tours and floor plans.

Varies; see each product