Sodex Mobile: Lidar vs Photogrammetry processing

Summary

This article gives an overview of the two processing methods relevant to 3D scans captured in Sodex Mobile: Lidar processing and photogrammetry processing. It highlights how the results differ, when each processing method is the better fit, and which limitations you should expect.

Introduction

Sodex Mobile 3D-Scan captures are processed after upload in SDX-Cloud. The final result depends on whether the data is processed with Lidar processing or photogrammetry processing and are available as Data Models.

Lidar processing is mainly useful when speed matters and the job is short range. Photogrammetry processing is the recommended option in general because it covers the same use cases as Lidar processing while usually providing broader coverage and better detail.

Prerequisites

• You are working in Sodex Mobile with a connected SDX-PocketScan device.
• The relevant processing path is available for the connected device and active license.
• Automatic photogrammetry processing requires a Mapping Pro license.
• You know the approximate size of the area, the required detail level, and the expected accuracy for the final result.
• For short-range captures that rely on Lidar processing, the RTK Receiver, GNSS, and NTRIP tiles should stay green throughout the capture.
• For photogrammetry processing, strong RTK quality is still recommended.

Processing differences

Lidar processing

Lidar processing is the faster option and works best for short-range jobs.

• Typical range: under 3 m
• Typical accuracy: 2 to 3 cm
• Best fit: short, narrow jobs where fast turnaround matters more than maximum detail
• Typical examples: small street sections about 3 to 4 m wide, sidewalks or curbs, trenches under 1 m deep, and small utility installations
• Main advantage: faster processing and quicker usable results
• Main trade-off: less detail than photogrammetry processing

Photogrammetry processing

Photogrammetry processing is the better fit when you need more detail or need to cover larger and more complex areas.

• Typical range: up to about 7 m
• Typical accuracy: 3 to 6 cm
• Best fit: larger areas, deeper areas, and jobs where detail matters more than speed
• Typical examples: small stockpiles, parking lots, backyards, streets up to about 10 m wide, trenches up to 3 m deep, and larger utility objects such as sewer structures
• Main advantage: broader coverage and more detailed results than Lidar processing
• Main trade-off: slower processing than Lidar

Limits and notes

• Lidar processing is most useful for short-range work where fast turnaround is the main priority.
• Photogrammetry processing is generally the recommended choice when the final model needs more detail.
• Automatic photogrammetry processing depends on the active license.
• Accuracy can vary depending on site conditions, capture quality, and object complexity.
• Reflective, transparent, or very thin objects are more challenging for Lidar processing.
• If you need the highest accuracy and best detail, use photogrammetry-based processing rather than relying on Lidar processing alone.

Related articles

• Article: Sodex Mobile: SDX-PocketScan Licenses
• Article: Sodex Mobile - How to work with and measure up GCPs