Hi there.
I´m looking into the posibility to add a laser scanner to our workflow, but I would like to know what is the cheapest option that we could acquire, right now we use just photos, and I would like to add a bit more info with a scanner.
What are your recommendations?
Thanks!
Hi juangea
What sort of subjects are you scanning ? as this help to better define what is good - best for your use case.
I am very interested in this as well. I know this is a huge topic, but maybe some of you experienced laser users out there have a rough overview. I expect lower cost equals lower resolution etc - but combining photogrammetry and a cheap (but supported) laser can hardly make it worse?
As with life, you get what you pay for. before any sort of answer what do you want to be scanning and what purpose the scanner will help with. there are many scanners out there both new and second hand. each will have pros and cons. especially when combining it with pics
I’m going to let the OP get his questions answered first 
I am also very interested in this subject as well 
(Mostly for interior modeling)
Does anyone know if the new Google Tango phone from Asus will be the cheapest? I am thinking about using it (Asus Zenfone AR)
I think tools might export ptx files… but I really dont know for sure.
Leica BLK 360 will be soon on the marker, but not expect miracles and the PRO class quality ( Faro 1xx or Leica Pxx series ) its not there. but still can help in many situations, but later this month will showcase another solutions that can be for pretty good price and with very nice parameters ( close range 0,5 - 5 m )
What would you be your target price for laser quality scanning device that can export PTX data for combo with photogramemtry ?
The Leica BLK 360 is $16000… I would not classify that as affordable by any means. Plus it’s static.
We need a sub 1000 solution for hobbyist. =S
Hi Mike Simone
We need a sub 1000 solution for hobbyist. =S
Then forget on laser scanning. the prices will be NOT there for many years to come. Quality have its price, and with laser scanning the price reflect ( not linear ) quality that you get. If dont want to buy it then better do GOOD planning and lease it for particular work. its how we all do it unless we have so many work that we can afford own laser scanner.
Hi “wishgranter” what did you mean by a product being released later this month with good accuracy from 0.5-5m?
The structure.io scanner isn’t bad for the price… Sold with various apps and under different names as part of a package deal.
There are also the larger scale scanning portable units like the zeb-1 or zeb-revo (geoslam).
The precursor wobble stick version (https://confluence.csiro.au/display/ASL/Zebedee) was cool to watch but can’t help think it would have been a bit embarrassing to carry around (forgoes the rotating scanner system for random sweeping of the volume.)
Tons of these things are around now since so many devices are doing interior mapping/navigation.
The HP david structured light scanners are open hardware… but I’m not sure what they are charging for the modelling software.
Good luck!
Hi Jennifer Cros
zeb-1 or zeb-revo
30+k EUR price, noncompatible data with RC + noise levels of “few” centimeters
all based on Kinect technology with again precision on cm range… so not comparable to laser scanners !!!
Hi Josh Hines
When i have working data for showcase will post it here on the forum…
Wishgranter wrote:
Hi Jennifer Cros
zeb-1 or zeb-revo
30+k EUR price, noncompatible data with RC + noise levels of “few” centimeters
all based on Kinect technology with again precision on cm range… so not comparable to laser scanners !!!
Yes the structure is a consumer, but cute tech.
on the revos - Our geotechs use these for measurements… and we sirovision for underground. The revos were supposed to be the new cheap model - guess the last model must have been _really_ expensive! 
Do we need a data filter script for translation of their point cloud to something RC can read?
I’m starting to get nice results with RC now I’ve had all the pointers and help here!
Anyway, sorry for the distraction
Jen
My solution would also not be below 1000, but certainly cheaper than 16k.
I use a theodolite and measure some well distributed reference points (ground control).
That results in small mm errors for most models ranging from 5 to 50 m of size.
It is really fast and I am sure easier to learn than laserscanning - which is far from just pressing the notorious “button”.
Götz Echtenacher wrote:
…
I use a theodolite and measure some well distributed reference points (ground control)
…
What model of theodolite do you use?
Leica Builder 509…
I guess one could get used ones for 2-3k
Hi Wishgranter,
Any update on that solution you were working on for laser scanning (or structured light) about 6 months ago?