‘Reality Capture’ goes long range with Leica Geosystem’s latest laser scanner. Capturing 3D data and HDR imagery, the Leica ScanStation P50 can scan things over 1 kilometer away.

Leica Geosystems, one of four companies to use the Leica branding, has just released a new model of it’s popular ScanStation laser Scanner. Unlike its Leica Camera brethren and its pocket snappers, the ScanStation P50 can capture accurate image data from ridiculous distances.

The P50 is designed for industry professionals taking stock of large structures, often with zones that would inaccessible to conventional scanners. Judging from the product data provided, the P50 could capture the Empire State Building, end-to-end. Twice, and with room for more.

Typically such industrial scanners fall outside All3DP’s sphere, but we couldn’t help but cover this one. Over 1,000 meters of pinpoint 3D data and HDR imagery — crazy. This and the scanner’s footprint is no different to the 270-meter rated ScanStation P40 that came before it.

It’s All About Safety

One of the main reasons to push for an increase in range is safety. Leica Geosystem’s product & applications manager Mike Harvey explains:

“Our customers have requested increased range so that they can capture tall structures and/or far away features without sacrificing the safety of their field crews.”

Another benefit comes in being able to capture the same amount of data with fewer setups. He continues “Due to the extended range, the additional data made scan registration very easy and much faster.”

In terms of accuracy at the upper end of its range, the P50’s spec sheet claims 3mm plus 10ppm (1 ppm equates to 1mm over 1km) from 570m to +1km. It also features an internal 4-megapixel camera producing 17″ square color images. For panoramic captures the P50 outputs a 700-megapixel image.

Coming to a building site near you.

Source: Spatial Source