Cost Comparison: Scanning Methods

Scanning Method Cost Comparison

# Interior Scanning Methods

| Method | Speed | Accuracy | Cost/sqft | Best For |
|--------|-------|----------|-----------|----------|
| Tripod Scanner | 500 sqft/hr | ±2mm | $0.20-0.40 | High precision |
| Mobile Mapping | 6,000 sqft/hr | ±5mm | $0.10-0.20 | Large facilities |
| Matterport | 3,000 sqft/hr | ±1% | $0.08-0.15 | Virtual tours |

# Exterior/Large Area Methods

| Method | Speed | Accuracy | Cost/acre | Best For |
|--------|-------|----------|-----------|----------|
| Drone Photogrammetry | 50 acres/day | ±3cm | $300-600 | Construction, mining |
| Drone LiDAR | 30 acres/day | ±2cm | $600-1,200 | Vegetation, survey-grade |
| Terrestrial (large site) | 1 acre/day | ±2mm | $2,000-5,000 | Precision exterior |

# Cost Factors by Method

Tripod Terrestrial Scanning
- Equipment: $40,000-120,000
- Operator time: $80-150/hr
- Processing: Moderate
- Best accuracy: Sub-2mm

Mobile Mapping (NavVis)
- Equipment: $100,000-180,000
- Operator time: $100-175/hr
- Processing: Lower (automated)
- Best accuracy: 5mm

Drone Photogrammetry
- Equipment: $10,000-30,000
- Operator time: $100-200/hr
- Processing: High (compute-intensive)
- Best accuracy: 2-3cm with GCPs

# Choosing the Right Method

Budget Priority: Matterport or drone photogrammetry
Accuracy Priority: Tripod scanning
Speed Priority: Mobile mapping or drone
Large Areas: Drone (10-100x faster than terrestrial)