ScanLook 2.0(~Snoopy)
For a simple introduction to Snoopy please click here.
ScanLook 2.0 is the result of extensive study of user needs and requirements and the shortcomings of existing systems. Believing it is not enough to have an amazing technology priced beyond the reach of the small business, ScanLook was designed and developed to deliver what is needed by the surveyor, engineer, and multipurpose mapper (GIS, VFX, Forensics, etc.) at a price that is affordable by even a very small business with a good business plan.
It is designed for the user requiring an easily portable, highly configurable, and very extensible mobile LiDAR solution. The system comes in a large variety of configurations starting with the extremely handy Snoopy.
Snoopy can easily be carried in one hand and mounted in more ways and on more vehicles than any other system available. And yes, it can be even smaller than shown with a different IMU, scanner, and antenna — all selectable per application.
Additional models generally increase in size while maintaining most of the mounting versatility. In all cases, being able to easily transport (without great cost and burden) between distant jobs is imperative. The configuration of sensors is far reaching and literally limited only by your imagination (and possibly your pocket book).
ScanLook 2.0 supports the FARO Focus 120 and X330, Velodyne HD32 and Puck, the new (mid 2015) Tyto OWL, and Z+F scanners. Other scanners are being added as they become available.
ScanLook 2.0 continues to address the traditional mobile mapping markets of GIS, mapping, surveying and engineering but also provides tremendous opportunity for alternative projects that are somewhat less demanding (i.e. lower-end in terms of accuracy) and often staffed by users skilled in areas other than mapping. This includes accident scene reconstruction and special effects where:
- Precise geo-positioning is not an issue
- Extended GPS outages are not expected or irrelevant
- Strict mapping requirements are not enforced
- Affordability is absolutely essential
- The low-end INS is dictated by necessary performance requirements, interfaces available, and size limitations.
The high–end system naturally supports improved positioning, handles GPS outages much better, and generally delivers a better product by being much more reproducible. Both solutions can optionally be equipped to work in RTK mode rather than the traditional post-processing (PP) mode of operation. RTK mode is definitely a bit risky but for some applications it is good enough and for others it may be the only viable solution (military - where time is of the essence!). The high-end INS is also dictated by size.
For systems involving a NovAtel INS the post processed trajectory is generally determined using NovAtel’s Inertial Explorer software. Since other INS packages are also supported, the appropriate software for each product, model, and vendor is employed to compute the trajectory.
The duration of scanning is not strictly limited as there are many options available to provide for days filled with long hours of scanning. The time is a direct function of the scanner and storage devices selected. Generally mobile scanning for one or two hours is a rather large collection. Of course, we've done weeks of scanning every day for 12 to 14 hours per day. Most often the drivers are going to have to take a break before the scanners will have to stop.
Snoopy is a low power consumer and optionally can be equipped with more than one means of power. Normally we use simple batteries, often a deep cycle marine style car battery. For the lighter weight Snoopy a lawn tractor or motor cycle battery is far more than enough and a pocket sized battery would also work for a few hours. Obviously a system built with a Z+F Profiler would require more power and consequently a bigger battery or connection to the host electrical system.
Each system is factory calibrated and bore sighted. In some cases the scanner can be removed while in others this is not the case. The Velodyne cannot be detached but the FARO scanners can be. Basically, the larger the scanner the more likely it is to necessitate detachment (for shipping).
There is no specific size, dimensions, or weight for ScanLook 2.0 as it varies greatly with the components selected. Snoopy with the Velodyne and full set of legs weighs roughly 14 pounds ready to work and mount on almost anything.
A full 360° FOV camera can be easily mounted to Snoopy and used for a variety of purposes.
Essential Components
The ScanLook system is composed of three essential components: the INS, laser scanners, and camera system. For a complete brochure click here.
A fourth and extremely important component is the overall packaging and framework. Snoopy is small, light, configurable, rugged, maintainable, and just plain simple. This, together with the right components, makes Snoopy the mobile mapping system of choice.
INS
The Inertial Navigation System is built around the SPAN system from NovAtel. This includes all SPAN supported IMU's, a GPS/GNSS antenna, a DMI (high tech odometer) and IE (Inertial Explorer). The IMU quality is important and we highly recommend the best IMU you can afford (such as an FSAS). For forensics and less geographically demanding applications the ADIS or CPT will work fine at a great price savings.Click here to visit the NovAtel site or here to compare the IMU's directly.
Additional INS solutions are under investigation. We welcome your suggestions and preferences and will gladly entertain new or different solutions you may suggest.
Lasers
ScanLook continues to support more scanners. Currently the FARO 120 and X330, along with the Velodyne HD32 and Puck are fully supported. Z+F scanners can also be used. The new Tyto OWL is an exciting addition to the scanners being offered. There are several others expected to be added soon as well.
A ScanLook system is not limited to a particular configuration or number of scanners.
FARO
We use the FARO FOCUS 3D because we could foresee that it was going to be a disruptive product in the static scanning marketplace. It is small, light, affordable and, just as importantly, very accurate. It doesn't lose any of these characteristics as a part of ScanLook. Click here to visit the FARO site.
Velodyne
The Velodyne HD32 is beautiful piece of forward thinking technology. Small, light, durable, plenty of points, a great FOV ° perfect for GIS collection. Click here to visit the Velodyne site.
Cameras
We now have GoLook, a 7–camera single pod configuration, with a 360° HFOV with just a small cone above and below being blind. Each camera captures 1080p30fps HD video onto its own 64GB microSD card allowing for up to 10.5 hours of data capture. The cameras are very rugged but not submersible.
The Ladybug (5 or 3) camera is now supported giving more options for full 360 imagery. Other 360 cameras are under consideration as well as single cameras, IR, thermal, etc. systems.
The cameras are all very accurately GPS time stamped for exact geo-referencing, colorization, and pano generation.
Applications: surveying and mapping, roadways, railways, civil site, topos, signage, quarries, mines, oil and gas, forestry, forensics, accident reconstruction, special effects, agricultural, corridor mapping and much, much more.
Click here if you would like to know more about the ScanLook system.
