In laser scanning, what is the term for the angle at which the scanner is pointed?

The term for the angle at which the scanner is pointed is known as the angle of incidence. In laser scanning, this angle refers to the angle between the incoming laser beam and a perpendicular line to the surface being scanned. Understanding this angle is crucial for accurately capturing the geometry of the scanned surface and ensuring that the data collected is representative of the actual features in the environment.

Correctly managing the angle of incidence can significantly affect the accuracy and quality of the scan data. If the angle is too steep or too shallow, it may lead to issues such as reflections or insufficient data capture, which can result in incomplete or inaccurate models. Thus, recognizing and controlling the angle of incidence is vital for successful laser scanning operations.