3D Laser surface mapping

Abstract

The 3D laser surface mapping project aims to build a 3D model of an unknown environment that is to be scanned. In the project, laser distance meter and synchronized motion control is used to record accurate distance measurements between the device and a specific point on the surface to be scanned. A rotating mechanical assembly is constructed which is used to move the laser distance meter in two degrees of freedom. This is done with the help of two stepper motors, which provide incremental movement in azimuth and inclined plane. With the help of an interfacing board, distance measurements are sent from laser distance meter to a personal computer through USB port and processed. The incremental motion of the distance meter in three dimensional spaces is translated into an appropriate coordinate system. The processed data is then exported to MeshLab, a 3D modeling software, which is used to construct a 3D representation of the surface. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is created to provide users control of the system and produce surface scans according to their requirement.