RIEGL was recently featured in a compelling episode of The 3rd Dimension YouTube series, hosted by Shea Gleadle, where the spotlight was placed on the innovative capabilities of the RIEGL VZ-600i terrestrial laser scanner, specifically its kinematic mode. The episode offered a hands-on look at how the RIEGL VZ-600i is redefining mobile laser scanning, and the results were nothing short of remarkable.

The full video is available now on The 3rd Dimension’s YouTube channel, well worth a watch for anyone interested in high-performance mobile scanning. Watch here.

Precision on the Move

In the video, Shea joined Tanner Dutton of RIEGL USA at a testing site location in Winter Garden, FL to explore the RIEGL VZ-600i’s ability to operate without a tripod. Mounted on a backpack rig, the scanner captured the exterior of a multi-level parking structure in two passes, one in radar mode and one in fixed-frame mode. Despite light rain and wet surfaces, the scan was completed in under 15 minutes, producing a dense and highly detailed dataset.

The RIEGL VZ-600i’s kinematic mode enables data capture at speeds of up to 25 km/h, with a staggering 2.2 million points per second. This allows users to cover large areas quickly while maintaining exceptional point cloud fidelity.

A Unique Approach to Trajectory Correction

Unlike systems that rely solely on environmental geometry, the RIEGL VZ-600i uses a combination of GNSS (RTK or PPK) and inertial navigation systems to correct its trajectory. As the scanner rotates 360° during capture, it observes features from multiple angles, adding another layer of correction and enhancing overall accuracy.

This method allows for efficient outdoor scanning without the need for constant loop closures. For projects that include both exterior and interior environments, users can easily switch between kinematic and static modes, merging datasets with overlapping control points.

Purpose-Built for Surveying Excellence

The RIEGL VZ-600i is designed from the ground up for surveying and mapping. Its optimized beam divergence ensures crisp edges and the preservation of fine features, even when scanning in motion. Shea noted that the dataset retained remarkable detail, with no smoothing of corners or loss of small elements, even during rapid capture.

The scanner’s ability to operate in both radar mode (continuous rotation) and fixed-frame mode (focused orientation) gives users control over how and where data is collected. This flexibility allows for targeted scanning of specific features or broad panoramic coverage, depending on project needs.

Visual Results That Impress

Shea’s visual comparison between static and kinematic datasets revealed minimal differences in quality. While some noise is expected in mobile scanning, the fidelity of the kinematic dataset was strikingly close to that of the static scan. The alignment between the two datasets showed no obvious discrepancies, reinforcing the scanner’s precision and reliability.

Versatility and Value

A standout feature emphasized in the episode is the RIEGL VZ-600i’s versatile multi-configuration design. Whether deployed on a backpack, vehicle, boat, or bike, the scanner seamlessly adapts to diverse environments, as long as a reliable GNSS signal is maintained. This flexibility eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices or software platforms, delivering a streamlined and cost-effective solution for professionals who prioritize speed, precision, and operational efficiency.

RIEGL extends its thanks to Shea Gleadle and The 3rd Dimension for showcasing the RIEGL VZ-600i in action. The episode offers a clear look at how advanced kinematic scanning can transform workflows and deliver high-quality results in a fraction of the time.

To watch the full episode, visit The 3rd Dimension on YouTube and see the RIEGL VZ-600i in motion.