Are you thinking about buying a 3D scanner and starting your adventure with wide range of virtual reality? Or are you having doubts if laser scanning is the idea you wish to deal with? Maybe, you already have some scanning ideas, but still can’t finalize them? Answer those 10 questions, which will help you make sure about your future decisions.
1. What is your motivation?
Surprised by the question? Fair enough, but although laser scanners are more and more popular and easily available, they are still quite expensive. You have to know if you want to go into scanning because you can do it cheaper, or you have an idea for unconventional use. It is also possible that you want to do the job by yourself instead of commissioning it to someone else. I know the story of the people who were eager to buy a laser scanner, and at the moment, they offer to rent it, because they have lost motivation to search and create new projects.
2. Do you like working on the computer?
To make a scan is extremely easy – these words you can hear from most salesmen (I know because I also was one). But not everybody will mention to you that working with point clouds can be challenging, especially at the beginning of scanning adventure. However, if you like working with a computer and are able to navigate efficiently in extensive applications, you can easily do it.
3. Do you like looking for unconventional solutions?
It often happens that to perform a good point cloud you need to put some effort into it. Especially in industrial plants or mines, where access to some devices is very difficult or even impossible. In such situations creativity is extremely useful. Also, point cloud processing not always goes smoothly, because there is no one perfect software for all applications. In this case you also have to show your creativity.
4. Do you have an idea what to scan?
If so, then you already know what you need scanner for. If you don’t, then you have to think honestly about such investment. It is very important to know what exactly you want to be done with laser scanner, because having an idea or preferences it will be easier for you to choose hardware and software. Currently, most scans are performed in industry and architecture. BIM is also a very famous topic.
5. Do you have a customer for your scanning projects?
If you already know what you would like to scan, do you have a customer for that? Personally I wouldn’t advise you to firstly buy a laser scanner and then look for orders. If you already have experience in scanning, then I strongly advise you to firstly find you first order. When you catch one, do the scanning on a hired device or in cooperation with a friendly company. You can also ask a hardware distributor (small, one-day job should be possible for the first time). Unfortunately, bigger problem you can meet is to find free software. My recommendation is to ask directly or by distributor about trial version of the software you need.
6. What is your budget?
Did I mention that laser scanners are not cheap devices? Cheap is a relative concept, but be prepared for an expense of minimum few thousand USD for a very basic set. It is possible to buy cheaper solutions (still not toys), but it will be the topic for one of my next articles.
7. Do you like travelling or prefer working at one place?
When you decide to perform a scan, you need to be prepared for travel. It depends where you come from, but laser scanning is still not as popular as, for example GNSS surveys. Generally you have to be ready for domestic travels, but you can also find very good opportunities for scanning abroad.
8. Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?
It is a secondary question, because, in theory (practice also) you can do the scanning by yourself. However, be aware that scanner works maximum around 20% of time needed to complete the job. It means that processing the point clouds takes minimum 4 times more than collecting them. Working alone you will not use the full potential of the device. Maybe it is worth joining the partnership?
9. Do You want to expand your business, or start from scratch?
In some cases, it will be easier for you to expand your business than starting from scratch. However, starting as a newbie will cause that you have free mind and no limits (for sure more doubts). In this case maybe someone from your nearest environment would need such services for his business? This is definitely a good starting point for considering your future scanning plans. On the other hand, if you plan to expand your existing business, think about whether you want to do it by yourself or you have to hire someone more? It would be perfect if your customers had previously reported the demand for such a service.
10. Have you ever used the services of companies that offer laser scanning?
Quite a perverse question, because why should you order something that you would like to do by yourself? In many business development books you will find the advice “Sell before you start to produce”. I know it can sound paradoxically, but what prevents you from learning to catch the jobs and delegate them to someone else? In the worst case scenario, you will earn nothing and lose nothing, but for sure save your savings. If you succeed, it is GREAT! Buy a scanner and start working on it. There is a big chance that you will like it very much and you can say 3D SCANNING IS MY PASSION.
What are your answers? Can you see yourself in scanning, or is it still hard for you to make a decision? Share your doubts and opinions in comments below. Please remember that scanner is only part of the equipment, very important is also software. In my previous article I focused on what to look for when choosing laser scanner software (for yet, PL only). I encourage you to read next articles on the blog and ask questions in the comments below. My other article will be about which scanner to buy (for yet, PL only). If you do not want to skip this and future posts, subscribe to the newsletter.
