Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.17559/TV-20250810002897

Methodology for 3D Optimization of the Number and Locations of TLS Stations and Scanner Targets

Kornelija Klječanin ; University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovica 1A, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Marko Pejić ; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The study presents a methodology for 3D optimization of the number and arrangement of TLS stations and scanner targets. A hybrid approach is proposed, integrating the principles of classical geodetic 3D network design with the constraints of terrestrial laser scanning (incidence angle, complete object coverage, minimal overlap between adjacent point clouds), taking into account external obstacles, technical limitations, and the measurement characteristics of the scanner itself (accuracy of distance measurement, accuracy of horizontal and vertical deflection of the laser beam, minimum and maximum range). Previous studies have mostly focused on two-dimensional optimization of TLS station positions, neglecting height and real spatial obstacles. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was validated through application to a complex urban structure - the building of the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy and the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Banja Luka. The results show that the presented optimization/planning methodology can significantly reduce the number of required positions for complete object scanning and the total number of scanner targets needed for reliable registration of all adjacent point clouds, while simultaneously improving the quality of the final 3D model and reducing field work time. This work also aims to contribute to the advancement of terrestrial laser scanning methodology and to lay the foundation for the development of automated tools for TLS data acquisition in urban environments.

Keywords

3D optimization; accuracy; best scanner position; best target position; incidence angle; point cloud; registration; terrestrial laser scanning

Hrčak ID:

348687

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/348687

Publication date:

30.6.2026.

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