3Dskenning

3Dskenning is the process of capturing the physical characteristics of an object or environment to create a digital 3D representation. It can be performed with non-contact measurement devices such as laser scanners, structured-light scanners, time-of-flight sensors, and photogrammetry based on photography. These methods are typically categorized as active (emitting light or signals) or passive (using ambient imagery).

The typical workflow involves data capture from multiple viewpoints to generate a point cloud, aligning or registering scans into a common coordinate system, converting the cloud into a polygonal mesh, and applying textures or color. Additional post-processing might remove noise, fill holes, simplify geometry, and export to common formats such as STL, OBJ, PLY, or texture maps.

Applications span manufacturing, quality assurance and reverse engineering; cultural heritage and archaeology; architecture and construction; film, gaming, and virtual reality; and medical or dental imaging. 3D scans enable accurate measurements, digital archiving, and rapid prototyping.

Advantages include non-contact measurement, high accuracy, and the ability to capture complex geometries and colors quickly. Limitations involve equipment cost, need for line of sight, occlusions, reflective or translucent surfaces, large data sizes, and the requirement for specialized processing and software. Privacy and licensing considerations may apply when scanning people or sensitive sites.

In recent decades 3Dskenning has evolved from specialized industrial systems to more portable and consumer-friendly tools, with photogrammetry and smartphone sensors expanding access. Ongoing research seeks to improve speed, accuracy, texture capture, and integration with computer-aided design workflows.