.png)
NEW CAPABILITIES FOR MLS IN TOPODRONE POST PROCESSING
Contents
- Mounting and Supporting the Insta360 X4 Camera
- Point Cloud Colouring for MLS in TPP
- Practical Benefits for Professionals
The TOPODRONE team is expanding its ecosystem of Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) solutions, making specialists’ work more convenient and efficient. The latest updates cover several areas at once: the outfitting of TOPODRONE MLS scanners and the enhanced capabilities of TOPODRONE Post Processing (TPP) software.
Figure 1. Vehicle mount for MLS based on the TOPODRONE LiDAR scanner with Insta360 X4 camera support.
Vehicle Mount and Insta360 X4 Camera Support
A specialised vehicle mount has been developed to enable the use of TOPODRONE 100, 100+, and 200+ LiDARs for mobile laser scanning. This solution extends the capabilities of handheld scanners, allowing rapid surveying of large linear objects.
The mounting bracket is compact (195×73×28 mm) and features two mounting holes: the upper hole is for a standard screw for a GNSS antenna, while the lower hole allows the camera to be attached to the bracket, which can then be fixed to a survey pole or vehicle mounting system.
Key features of the mounting kit:
- Camera installation without modification or replacement of standard MLS components;
- Retains standard scanner operation while simultaneously recording spherical video with the camera.
Figure 2. Insta360 X4 Camera
Figures 3–9. Camera Bracket
Mounting the Bracket
The mount is simple to install — a bracket with the Insta360 X4 camera is added between the pole and the antenna. When setting it up, it is important to orient the camera so that the lens facing the display points along the scanner’s direction of travel. This allows for synchronised data capture, combining laser scanning with panoramic video recording.
Figures 10–12. MLS kit with installed Insta360 X4
Video 1. Filming using the bracket with the Insta360 X4 camera.
Point Cloud Colouring for MLS in TPP
TOPODRONE Post Processing now includes a point cloud сolorizing feature for data acquired through laser scanning. 3D models are not only geometrically accurate but also visually informative, facilitating quality control and data analysis. This is particularly valuable for projects in infrastructure, construction, and land monitoring.
Stages of the Colouring Process
The point cloud colouring process comprises three main stages:
- Determining the scanner trajectory. Using GNSS and inertial sensor data, the scanner’s actual path is calculated. A precise trajectory ensures correct positioning of each point and forms the basis for further processing.
- Determining calibration parameters. At this stage, angles and offsets between the scanner and the camera are calculated. Accurate calibration ensures all measurements align correctly within a single coordinate system.
- Generating the point cloud in the working coordinate system. After trajectory correction and calibration, a dense point cloud is generated. It is immediately transformed into the chosen coordinate system (national or local), eliminating the need for additional conversions and facilitating further work in CAD, BIM, and GIS environments.
Point Cloud Colouring
For the colouring process, a point cloud obtained during MLS is required. This cloud serves as the spatial foundation onto which colour information is applied.
Input data for colouring includes:
- Scanner trajectory file – contains the scanner’s path, allowing spatial coordinates to be matched with timestamps;
- Inertial measurement unit (IMU) data – records scanner orientation angles, ensuring accurate projection of images onto the point cloud;
- Video from the Insta360 X4 camera containing colour information, which is mapped to each point in the cloud during processing.
Once all input data is prepared, the system performs:
- Automatic temporal synchronisation – matching images with point coordinates by timestamp;
- Spatial projection – applying colour information to each point.
The result is a coloured point cloud with assigned RGB values, ready for further analysis or visualisation.
Upon launch, TPP automatically:
- Temporally synchronises scanner and camera data;
- Projects image colours onto the point cloud, assigning each point an RGB value.
Video 2. TPP interface – example of point cloud colouring
Practical Benefits for Professionals
Visual Data Verification
Coloured point clouds allow specialists to quickly assess survey quality and immediately identify gaps or defects. By overlaying colour information onto the point cloud, areas requiring further inspection or resurvey can be identified promptly. In addition, this enables more accurate interpretation using the coloured cloud.
Flexibility of Use
The solution works across multiple mobile platforms: vehicles, ATVs, drones, or portable setups. The system’s versatility allows use in various conditions and projects without major adaptation.
Easy Integration
The camera and bracket can be easily added to existing equipment without modifications. The system is simple to install and does not require extensive operator training, enabling rapid expansion of existing MLS setups.