Leica Geosystems announces the HDS7000, a new phase-based laser scanner that lets users take advantage of ultra-high speed scanning for more scanning applications on more sites. The HDS7000 features key enhancements over its predecessor thanks to its rugged design, excellent environmental specs, and low-noise data:
- Longer range at which vertical surfaces can now be detected over 100m
- New, graphical on-board user interface
- Reduced range noise at longer ranges
- Class 1 laser for sites that require this classification
Increased range enables broader use
Phase-based scanners are known for their ultra-high scan speeds and corresponding high scan density, but have long been relegated to short range.. With scanning speeds up to >1 million pts/second, the new HDS7000 phase-based scanner extends the practical range at which phase-based lasers can receive detectable laser returns – especially from vertical surfaces. In the past, such practical maximum return limits were around 60m – 70m. For the HDS7000, this range is more than 100m.
This extended range adds additional, valuable context for scanned sites and, depending on a project’s accuracy requirements, the HDS7000 can also extend the range at which usable, accurate data – such as taller building facades - can be captured with a phase-based scanner. Depending on site logistics, extended range can reduce the number of scanner setups needed on certain projects.
Additional enhancements
The compact HDS7000 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor. It also features two data storage/transfer options: on-board memory or two convenient USB sticks. A new, embedded tilt sensor allows averaged, batch-style tilt compensation after each scan that opens up the potential use of convenient traverse and back-sight field methods, in addition to the traditional use of standard target-based registration and geo-referencing methods.
The new HDS7000 will be a key part of the Leica Geosystems’ family of laser scanners and software. The family includes the Leica ScanStation C10, the industry’s most versatile and popular laser scanner, a dedicated long range mine scanner, and the most popular and comprehensive suite of point cloud processing software for processing laser scan data into client deliverables.
