Riegl Laser Measurement Systems, the Austria-based manufacturer of laser scanners for industrial applications including mining, presented a range of new products at INTERGEO 2011 held in Nuremberg from 27-29 September. The model most applicable to large mines is the Riegl VZ-4000, a new compact high speed, high resolution 3D VZ-Line Laser Scanner, which offers a wide field of view and an extremely long range of up to 4,000 m. The scanner is characterised by high accuracy (15 mm), a laser pulse repetition rate of up to 200 kHz, echo digitisation and online waveform processing for multiple target capability and an optional waveform data output. User friendliness is ensured by a robust and compact design, built-in camera, on-board inclination sensors, integrated L1 GPS receiver with antenna, and built-in SSD data storage media.
Other models include the Riegl VMX-450, a fully integrated Mobile Laser Scanning System in a new design, which according to Riegl ensures “excellent aerodynamics and protection of cabling.” Two Riegl VQ-450 Full Circle Laser Scanners providing a scanning rate of up to 400 lines per second and a laser pulse repetition rate of up to 1.1 MHz, are combined with an IMU/GNSS unit and assure very fast acquisition of survey-grade 3D data. Just like its sister model VMX-250, it operates at eye-safe laser class 1 and is capable of multiple targets, guaranteeing a high penetration rate of obstructions. In combination with an optional modular camera system, scan data and precisely time-stamped calibrated images can be acquired simultaneously for seamless storage and processing in the same project structure. User friendliness is enhanced by its light weight and compact design. Therefore, it can be mounted and installed on various mobile platforms easily.
The Riegl VQ-580 Airborne Laser Scanner is especially designed for measuring on snow and ice, and delivers excellent data in the areas of snowfield and glacier surveying, which can be applicable to high altitude mines. It distinguishes itself by means of a laser pulse repetition rate of up to 380 kHz and a range of up to 2,350 m. The combination of echo digitisation and waveform processing allows for multiple target capability. A field of view of 60° and a scanning rate of up to 150 lines per second and hence an evenly distributed high resolution point grid.