3D Reconstruction of Real World Scenes Using a Low-Cost 3D Range Scanner

This article presents a 3D reconstruction technique for real world environments based on a traditional 2D laser range finder modified to implement a 3D laser scanner. The article describes the mechanical and control issues addressed to physically achieve the 3D sensor used to acquire the data. It also presents the techniques used to process and merge range and intensity data to create textured polygonal models and illustrates the potential of such a unit. The result is a promising system for 3D modeling of real world scenes at a commercial price 10 or 20 times lower than current commercial 3D laser scanners. The use of such a system can simplify measurements of existing buildings and produce easily 3D models and ortophotos of existing structures with minimum effort and at an affordable price.