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Performing mobile laser scanning

Mobile laser scanning:

The TOPODRONE laser scanner is designed to perform mobile laser scanning (MLS). This process requires a minimum number of permits to conduct field work. You will not need to obtain a flight permit, avoid airspace restrictions, and minimize the risk of equipment damage in the event of a drone drop.


Mobile laser scanning can be done in two ways: using the TOPODRONE backpack or the TOPODRONE mobile car mount. The TOPODRONE backpack allows you to place the TOPODRONE laser scanner together with the external GNSS antenna and power supply on the operator. For more accurate results when using the TOPODRONE backpack it is recommended to use a vehicle such as an ATV, electric scooter or gyro scooter.


When scanning with the TOPODRONE backpack, the operator should walk with a steady gait, minimizing vertical and lateral oscillations. The main objective is to maintain a constant speed and minimize vibrations.

The main steps in performing mobile laser scanning:
  1. Preparing and mounting the equipment on a backpack or mobile mount.
  2. Switching on the TOPODRONE laser scanner and going through initialization (GNSS signal is required).
  3. Performing the calibration maneuver (moving along the infinity or forward-backward trajectory).
  4. Passages with TOPODRONE laser scanner along the main survey area.
  5. When performing long sessions (more than 30 minutes) it is recommended to perform additional calibration maneuvers every 30 minutes without turning off the TOPODRONE laser scanner to improve the quality of the result.
  6. Transfer data and/or turn off the TOPODRONE laser scanner.
General recommendations for mobile laser scanning:
  • Before starting scanning, check the cutoff angles of the TOPODRONE laser scanner as indicated in the corresponding section of the manual.
  • It is necessary to have a base station file that includes all the operating time of the TOPODRONE laser scanner.
  • The GNSS signal should be stable and of high quality during the whole scanning trajectory. A high quality GNSS signal is required for data processing in the TOPODRONE Post Processing program.
  • When using the TopoSLAM filter, the GNSS signal must be of high quality both when calibrating the TOPODRONE laser scanner and when shooting for correct subsequent calibration of offset angles.
  • When driving with the TOPODRONE laser scanner, try to maintain a stable speed without sudden maneuvers and jerks. The optimum speed for best results is between 10 and 60 km/h.
  • When using the car mount, it is recommended to use cars with cruise control function to maintain a stable speed. Soft vehicle suspension, cruise control, and smooth roads will help minimize vibrations for best results.
  • Uneven roads, jerky roads, erratic turns, engine vibrations and stiff suspension, as well as temporary loss of GNSS signal can degrade the quality of the data received.

  • The duration of scanning sessions is not recommended to be longer than 30 minutes, as long sessions can significantly increase post-processing time and degrade the quality of results. If necessary, it is recommended to divide a large shooting area into sections that can be scanned in 30 minutes.

  • Scanning should be done on both sides of the subject (front and back) as indicated in the diagram.

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