Laser scanning is a technology which is utilising laser beams to collect spatial information about surroundings of the scanner. There are many types of laser scanners on the market which can be differentiated based on their range, laser class, speed, data collection style and accuracy. One thing that all laser scanners have in common is the final desired output – a point cloud.
Point cloud is a digital set of points, located in 3D space in pre-defined coordinate system. Each point of the cloud apart from three coordinates (XYZ) which define its precise location can have other associated information such as colour or intensity.