Skip to main content

Picture perfect from Leica

Advanced imaging capability has been added to the Leica ScanStation C10 laser scanner. The new option consists of a direct digital camera mount on the ScanStation C10 scanner and tight, automated integration of external camera images into the scanner’s on-board controller and data storage system. Cyclone v7.4 supports the new option.
July 18, 2012 Read time: 2 mins

Advanced imaging capability has been added to the Leica ScanStation C10 laser scanner.

The new option consists of a direct digital camera mount on the ScanStation C10 scanner and tight, automated integration of external camera images into the scanner’s on-board controller and data storage system. Cyclone v7.4 supports the new option.

265 Leica Geosystems (LG) said ScanStation C10 users will continue to have the option of using the scanner’s convenient, embedded camera for taking precisely aligned, high-resolution digital pictures of the surrounding scene.

The company’s ScanStation C5 with internal camera option can also be used with the new external camera option.

With the growing popularity of powerful point cloud viewing software capabilities like TruView, Cyclone TruSpace, and fly-through movies, users are said by LG to be increasingly taking advantage of high-end external camera imagery with point cloud data.

Previously, applying such quality external imagery involved removing a scanner head from its tripod; placing a high-end camera on the same tripod; taking 360º full-dome pictures; and then using third party software tools to apply the full dome imagery to the point cloud data. This method added up to15-30 minutes per scanner setup. The new integrated, automated external camera option is said to cut the total time to less than 5 minutes per setup. With dozens of setups a day typical, the new option saves many hours each day. New commands for the integrated, external camera facility are in ScanStation C10 firmware v2.70.

Meanwhile, optional external camera support exists for an 18 Megapixel Canon EOS 60D camera. An External Camera Mounting Kit includes a bracket for this camera that conveniently attaches to the ScanStation C10’s removable carry handle slot, plus a USB cable that connects the camera to the scanner for camera control from the scanner and for automatic image transfer.

In addition to supporting the new External Camera option, Cyclone 7.4 also has the ‘Gradient Display’ point cloud display feature. It provides users with several gradient display backgrounds for point clouds, such as a blue sky and brown ground in places where there is no point cloud data, making the appearance of point cloud data more familiar to new users.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Smart cameras for tough installations
    September 15, 2015
    Intercomp CS1500 LED Crane Scale avatar suits duties in a wide array of industrial applications. With capacities ranging from 250kg to 10tonnes, this National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) certified scale is offered as standard with a five-digit LED display and Intercomp’s RFX Wireless Weighing Technology. This allows users to view and record weights remotely. Along with making the display larger, battery life has also improved, offering 500 hours of continuous use and 9,000 hours in standby mode. The L
  • Using machine control in earthmoving boosts efficiency
    December 19, 2017
    The use of new machine control tools has made a significant boost in earthmoving efficiency. Automated grade control using GNSS signals has transformed how earthmoving contractors get work done. Through the engineering efforts of its innovators and developers, machine control technology has been improved and refined over the years. A development in the ongoing evolution of machine control technology is Topcon Positioning Systems’ introduction of its 3D-MCMAX integrated 3D dozer system. Most notably, the
  • Sophisticated machine control for slipforming
    March 10, 2021
    The use of 3D stringless controls in large concrete paving work is very well established. However, the lower cost of these systems means that the technology is now being used widely for smaller slipforming works, such as kerbing or drain construction
  • Bentley boosts its OpenRoads CONNECT construction software
    November 1, 2016
    Construction software solutions provider Bentley Systems announced that its OpenRoads Designer CONNECT Edition will be available from December. OpenRoads CONNECT Edition is the successor to Bentley’s civil engineering brands InRoads, GEOPAK, MX, and PowerCivil. OpenRoads Designer is a multi-discipline 3D modeling application for roadway projects from conceptual design through construction stages. Bentley Systems said that it “blends traditional engineering workflows for plan, profile and cross-section