Terrestrial laser scanner calibration and performance evaluation using the network method

Published

July 30, 2020

Author(s)

Shendong Shi, Bala Muralikrishnan, Daniel S. Sawyer

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss two aspects concerning terrestrial laser scanners (TLSs) - error model calibration and performance evaluation. Error model calibration is the process of determining parameters of an error model to improve the accuracy of TLSs. Performance evaluation, on the other hand, refers to a series of tests to determine if a TLS meets specifications provided by the manufacturer. Both procedures can be accomplished using a network of stationary targets whose locations are known from a prior calibration using another method/instrument. This paper explores the question of whether the network (i.e., target locations) should be calibrated using an instrument of higher accuracy such as a laser tracker (LT) or whether the TLS under study is itself suitable for network calibration. Regardless of whether an LT or a TLS is used, this calibration is performed from target measurements made from multiple locations of the instrument to average out systematic errors and reduce the uncertainties in target coordinates. Such multi-position measurements on stationary targets is referred to as the network method. We provide guidance on when the TLS is sufficient for network calibration and when an LT may be necessary for performance evaluation purposes.

Citation

Optics and Lasers in Engineering

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

error model calibration, network method, performance evaluation, self-calibration, terrestrial laser scanner

Citation

Shi, S. , Muralikrishnan, B. and Sawyer, D. (2020), Terrestrial laser scanner calibration and performance evaluation using the network method, Optics and Lasers in Engineering (Accessed January 10, 2026)