History of Laser Scanning, Part 2: The Later Phase of Industrial and Heritage Applications

Abstract

The second part of this article examines the transition of midrange terrestrial laser scanning (<small>TLS</small>)–from applied research to applied markets. It looks at the crossover of technologies; their connection to broader developments in computing and microelectronics; and changes made based on application. The shift from initial uses in on-board guid- ance systems and terrain mapping to tripod-based survey for as-built documentation is a main focus. Origins of terms like digital twin are identified and, for the first time, the earliest examples of cultural heritage (<small>CH</small>) based midrange <small>TLS</small> scans are shown and explained. Part two of this history of laser scanning is a comprehensive analysis upto the year 2020.