Through LidArc, we have access to two Riegl VUX-120²³ aerial lidar systems, which represent cutting-edge UAV-based LiDAR technology specifically suited for archaeological and heritage site documentation. Its exceptional 2.4 MHz pulse repetition rate delivers up to 2 million measurements per second, creating ultra-dense point clouds essential for detecting subtle archaeological features. The scanner’s innovative NFB (Nadir/Forward/Backward) scanning pattern alternates between vertical, +10° forward, and -10° backward orientations, ensuring comprehensive data capture of vertical surfaces, facades, and narrow archaeological features that traditional nadir-only systems miss.
With a 100-degree field of view and multi-target capability processing up to 32 returns per pulse, the VUX-120²³ excels at penetrating dense vegetation covering archaeological sites. For heritage applications, the VUX-120²³’s rapid data acquisition – covering large sites in minutes rather than days – proves invaluable for emergency documentation of threatened sites, monitoring erosion at coastal archaeological locations, and systematic regional surveys.
GDH uses two Riegl VZ-600i, which employ time-of-flight laser technology with a 2.2 MHz pulse repetition rate, delivering exceptional data density crucial for heritage documentation. Its 3mm accuracy at 50m range ensures precise capture of architectural details, surface textures, and archaeological features that define cultural heritage sites. The scanner achieves 6mm point spacing at 10m distance in just 30 seconds, producing dense point clouds essential for documenting intricate stonework, decorative elements, and structural conditions.
The integrated RTK-GNSS receiver and IMU sensors provide georeferenced data critical for multi-temporal monitoring of heritage sites and integration with existing GIS databases. Three calibrated cameras capture high-resolution imagery synchronized with scan data, enabling photorealistic texturing of 3D models and orthophoto generation for condition mapping.
The Leica RTC 360 is a highly portable terrestrial laser scanner designed for maximum productivity and portability. The RTC 360 is capable of collecting 2 million points per second with a maximum scanning range of 130 meters. This scanner is highly accurate with a ranging error of less than 0.4mm at 10 meters. Additionally, the RTC 360 has an integrated HDR camera system capable of producing high resolution spherical images used to colorize captured scan data. Data collected by the RTC 360 is aligned automatically using a Visual Inertial System that tracks the movement of the scanner in the scanning environment and registers scans in real-time. This scanner is an excellent choice for documenting cultural heritage worldwide due to is compact size and light weight. Global Digital Heritage currently has two Leica RTC 360 scanners.
The Z+F Imager 5016 is a high-resolution portable terrestrial 3D laser scanner designed to collect highly accurate and extremely dense point clouds at a range of up to 300 meters. This scanner is equipped with an integrated HD camera and lighting system that allows for fast color capture even in difficult lighting conditions. Additionally this scanner is also equipped with an internal positioning system that provides real-time alignment of scans. The data collected with the Z+F Imager 5016 is often merged with terrestrial and drone images to product highly detailed mesh models of structures and large features.
The FARO Focuss 70 is a portable and high-speed phase-shift 3D terrestrial laser scanner designed to capture detailed and highly accurate point cloud datasets of complex objects, environments, and buildings. The Focuss 70 scanner is capable of capturing measurement data at a range of 70 meters and can collect up to 976,000 points per second with an accuracy of up to 1mm. The scanner is equipped with an 8-megapixel HDR camera to capture color imagery that can be merged with the scan data. The point cloud data captured with this scanner can be used in conjunction with multiple 3D software applications to generate a variety of products including, 3D animations and meshes, scaled imagery, CAD-based 2D and 3D digital drawings, and others. GDH uses two Faro Focuss 70 scanners
The FARO 8-axis Design ScanArm and FARO PRIZM laser line probe is a portable 3D scanning system with a scan rate of up to 500,000 points per second, and an accuracy measurement of 75 microns. This scanning system is capable of quickly collecting high-resolution point data in full color useful for creating accurate 3D models, reverse engineering, 3D printing, and Rapid Prototyping. The eighth axis of this scanning system is a turntable that improves both alignments and scanning speed. The data captured with the FARO Design ScanArm is compatible with a variety of 3D software applications that can be used to generate 3D meshes and animations, 3D renders, and other project-related products
Equipped with even greater accuracy, a larger field of view, and the same compact form as its predecessor, the fully automated desktop 3D scanner Micro II allows users to make professional reverse engineering and quality inspection effortless. Activated by a simple click of a button, this 3D scanner for small objects provides a stringent 5-micron accuracy to create highly precise, full-color 3D models of industrial parts, dental, and jewelry. Or, combine scans with photogrammetry data to take hyper-realism to a whole new level, right on your desktop.
The Artec Leo is a portable, wireless structured light 3D scanner designed to capture smaller to mid-sized objects in high resolution and detail. The scanner has an accuracy of up to 0.1mm and resolution of up to 0.2mm and captures full color as well as precise geometry. An integrated touch-screen component allows for a live visual of 3D data collection and its wireless, battery-powered configuration permits for flexible, untethered usage. The data captured with the Artec Leo is compatible with a variety of 3D software applications that can be used to generate 3D meshes and CAD drawings, 3D renders, and other project-related products.
The Artec Space Spider is a portable and metrology-grade structured light 3D scanner ideal for the accurate and high-resolution 3D documentation of small objects with intricate details. The scanner has an accuracy of up to 0.05mm and resolution of up to 0.1mm and captures full color as well as precise geometry. The Space Spider is designed to be hand-held but can also be affixed to tripod for data capture and can work in conjunction with a portable, lightweight turntable. The data captured with the Artec Space Spider is compatible with a variety of 3D software applications that can be used to generate 3D meshes and CAD drawings, 3D renders, and other project-related products.
