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An effective laser scanner should have a range of at least 1000 feet. However, line of sight is important. If an object is blocked, the laser scanner will not pick up the image.

An effective laser scanner should have an accuracy of at least 1/16” at 1000 feet.

A laser scanner cannot scan in the rain or fog due to droplets in the air that will interfere with the laser and affect the results. The laser scanner can scan in a breeze and low winds, but if the wind is heavy enough to move the laser scanner, the movement will affect the data.

Single-beam hydrographic surveys are good for shallow to mid-water depths. Multibeam hydrographic surveys are good for mid to deep-water depths. A multibeam hydrographic survey can serve two purposes: berth clearance and condition surveys.

Slips, trips, and falls from the scanning equipment and wires are safety concerns that are commonly associated with the laser scanning process. Also, the laser scanner is not intrinsically safe; therefore, any flash or explosion concerns should be addressed.