Ultra High Performance 3D Laser Scanner®

RIEGL VZ-400i• high laser pulse repetition rate of up
to 1.2 MHz

The RIEGL VZ-400i is a cutting-edge 3D Laser Scanning System• high speed data acquisition withup to 500,000 measurements/sec

which combines a future-oriented, innovative new processing
architecture and internet connectivity with RIEGL’s latest waveform processing LiDAR technology.

• eye safe operation at Laser Class 1

This real-time data flow is enabled through dual processing• wide field of view 100°x360°

platforms: a dedicated processing system for data acquisition,
waveform processing and system operations, and a second
processing platform which enables on-board data registration,• range up to 800 m, accuracy 5 mm
• high accuracy, high precision
ranging based on echo digitization,
online waveform processing, andmultiple-time-around processing• new, innovative processing
architecture for data acquisitionand simultaneous geo-referencing,in real-time• easy to use – easy to train(user friendly touchscreen interface,
single touch operation, etc.)• automatic scan dataaregistration with RiSOLVE
OLV
VE• cloud connectivity via
a Wi-Fi
Wii-Fi- Fi
F
and 3G/4G LTE• fully compatible with
the
h th
he
RIEGL VMZ Hybrid Mobile
obilile
obil
ob
i le
Laser Mapping Systememm• multiple target
capability• optional waveform
data output• orientation sensor forrpose estimation• integrated GNSS receiver
eivvergeo-referencing, and analysis to be executed simultaneously. Future improvements by continuous development will beavailable via online firmware updates. The VZ-400i provides anintegrated 3G/4G LTE modem, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet communications hardware.
With its integrated orientation sensor (MEMS IMU, compass, andbarometer), the VZ-400i’s up to 1200 kHz pulse repetition rate
can be fully utilized in many environments and orientations. The
system provides a high range of flexibility by supporting numerous
external peripherals
periphand accessories via its integrated USB ports
mounting points.
and stable mo

Typical applications include• As-Built Surveying• Architecture & Facade Measurement• Archeology & Cultural Heritage
Documentation• Building Infrastructure Management (BIM)• Forensics & Crash Scene Investigation• City Modeling• Tunnel Surveying• Civil Engineering• Forestry• Research• Monitoring

visit our website
www.riegl.com

Terrestrial Laser Scanning

Preliminary Data SheetVZ®-400i Optional Equipment and Software
Camera Option
A high-precision mount enables the integration of an optional DSLR camera. The camera can be easily integrated into
the mount by means of two screws. Precise position and orientation of the camera is enabled by three supporting points.
Power supply and a USB 3.0 interface are provided via the scanner directly. The combination of
scanner, software, and camera results in photorealistic 3D data, exact identification of details,
positions, and distance measurements, as well as a re-creation of any virtual point of view.

External GNSS Receiverwith Bluetooth Connection
To support precise global scan data registration, the RIEGL VZ-400i offers an interface for ant.
high-end external third party GNSS receiver that is to be mounted on top of the instrument.
For smooth operation in the field, GNSS data is transferred to the scanner via Bluetoothtransmission or cable.

Lightweight Carbon Tripod
RIEGL offers a lightweight carbon tripod to support a quick and smooth
workflow in data acquisition.

Power Supply
via Rechargeable Batteries
The RIEGL VZ-400i can be connected to the following optionally available
rechargeable batteries:>> RIEGL Add-On NiMH Rechargeable Battery (97.2 Wh)>> NiMH Battery (235 Wh)
Use of other battery types to be discussed with RIEGL support.

Waveform Data Output Option

RIEGL Add-On NiMH
Rechargeable Battery

NiMH Battery

The digitized echo signals, also known as full waveform data, acquired by the
RIEGL VZ-400i are the basis for waveform analysis. This data is provided via
the optionally available waveform data output and accessible with the associated RIEGL software library RiWAVELib foradvanced research and analysis of digital waveform data samples acquired in multiple-target situations.

RIEGL Software Packages for Users>> RiSCAN PRO standard processing softwarefor efficient data acquisition and registration in terrestrial laser scanning>> RiSOLVE
for automatic registration, colorization, and 2D-map generation>> RiMINING
optimized workflow for open-pit mining

RIEGL Software Packages for Software Developers>> RiVLib
library for developing customized software to acquire and process .rxp data
streams>> RiMTA TLS
for automated resolution of range ambiguities

2

Preliminary Data SheetVZ®-400i Cloud Connectivity
The RIEGL VZ-400i provides cloud connectivity by internet connection via either the 3G/4G LTE or Wi-Fi network.
The content to be uploaded to, stored in, and downloaded from the cloud, as well as the appropriate cloud storage
provider or ftp server are user definable. The defined data then is transferred to the cloud after finishing each scan
position.
Supported cloud storage currently includes Amazons S3 and Microsoft Azure.

Cloud Storage(Data stored in VZ-400i project structure)
Compatible Cloud Storage Options:Amazon S3
FTP Server
Microsoft Azure

Internet
3G/4G LTE
Wi-Fi

3G/4G LTE
Ethernet
Wi-Fi

data
email
e.g. .kml filee.g. .json filescan
position 5

scan
position 4

scan
position 3

scan
scan
position 2 position 1

data
email
e.g. .kml filee.g. .json file

RIEGL VZ-400i in the field transmits
the data after each scan position

smart phone

tabletRIEGL VZ-400i GUI

esriscan position
overview,
e.g. via ArcGIS Earth - esri
laptopdata upload
selection

cloud storage
selection

KML: Keyhole Markup Language (.kml file)
JSON: JavaScript Object Notation (.json file)

Transferable data includes>> the scanner‘s position in WGS84 geographic coordinates as *.kml and *.json>> scan data preview as *.png image>> thumb-nails of the images as *.jpg>> scan data itself as *.rxp>> image data itself as *.jpg>> error messages
Please note: Adequate data transmission bandwidth is required.

Preliminary Data Sheet

3

VZ®-400i Highly Informative Scan DataRIEGL‘s sophisticated LiDAR technology is the basis for highly informative scan data. Every laser pulse received provides
videssd withhseveral attributes in addition to the range measurement information. By using different features and filters provided
the scanner’s software, this information can be used to significantly improve the informative content of point clouds..

Multi Target Capability - the basis for High Penetration Capability
Utilizing the pulsed time-of-flight method for laser range measurements, the VZ-400i enables determination of the rangenge
to all targets a single laser pulse is interacting with. Depending on the measurement program used, the maximumum
number of targets, which can be detected, is varying.
rdPulse Shape Deviation Output
Even if the distance between two targets is too short to discriminate between two echoes, valuable information aboutout
the pulse shape of the return pulse is given. That allows to discriminate whether the return echo originates from a single
gletarget or from two nearby targets. A simple thresholding with respect to the pulse shape information can remove mostof „invalid“ points and keep only the reliable „real“ targets.

original data

automatic selection of „invalid“ points
using the pulse shape deviation
attribute informationts
data after elimination of „invalid“ points

Calibrated Reflectance Output
This feature allows displaying the scan data colored by range-independent reflectance of the scanned object for
better data classification.

point cloud colored by therange-depending amplitude

4

point cloud colored by therange-independent reflectance

Preliminary Data SheetVZ®-400i Highly Informative Scan Data
Rain and Haze Penetr
Penetration
rationra
rat
Using deviation and reflectareflectanceanc
ce filter
filters,ers,
ers range measurements caused by rain drops and haze can be identified,selected, re-classified, or deleted,delletleted,
lete resulting
reessulting in a clear and clean point cloud of the relevant szene.
escanning
sccanannning in thet e ra
th
rain

point
p
po
intt c
in
cl
cloud
loud
d be
beforeefo
fore
re filfilterillt r application
ilte

automatically cleaned-up point cloudVZ-400i – a NEW Standard in User-FriendlinessOp
Operation
peration of the R
RIEGL
IE
EG
GL VZ-400i
VZZ-404 0i
0i iiss ea
easy
ssyy wwithitth tthe
he integrated G
Graphical User Interface (GUI) via touchscre
r en, or by remotereremmote control
con
ntr
trol
ol of
of tthhe sscannerhecanner vvia
ia VNC Viewer with any tablet PC or mobile device using
screen,the
Wi-Fi connecti
to
on
n.
Wi-Fi
connection.
S an data regist
Sc
trarattionon iiss ssu
up
pp
porte
ed byy on--board orientat
Scanregistration
supported
on-boardorientation sensors, integrated L1 GPS receiver,a interface for a high-end
high
h-e
end
nd e
x ter
xt
erna
ern
nal GNGSS receiverr on top
to of the scanner (now also via BluetoothanexternalGNSS
c nnection),co) a digital
digitaditall co
omp
mpas
asss,
as
s, andandnd a built-in
built-in SSD data storage media.
connection),compass,

Scanner Motion Detection
Several pre-defined data acquisition workflows (e.g. Default, Forensics, OneTouch) are available. These pre-defined
workflows allow the operation of the scanner by pushing just one icon on the screen per scan position. Once the tripod
is re-arranged, a new scan position will automatically be generated. Modifications or creations of own workflows to meet
individual user requirements are possible.

selectt thee appropriateapppro
r priaate
scanning
g parametersparram
amet
eter
eter
e rs
ers
and start thee fiffirstrsst scansca

move
move sscanner
canner to next
ca
scan
scan
an positionposositiittio
tio
ion
on

to start the next scan just press the START-button
toUser Applications
Appllic
cat
atio
ions
io
User develo
developed
oped aoped
applicationspp
plilications
li(written in Python software
softwarre language)laangguage) for further improvementimof processprocessing
sing ofof surveying
sururve
veying missions can be uploadedved intot thee scanner.

RIEGL VMZ Hybrid Mobile Laser Mapping System
Mobilization of the RIEGL VZ-400i
The RIEGL VMZ Hybrid Mobile Laser Mapping System with fully integrated IMU/GNSS
unit supports the VZ-400i scanner for kinematic data acquisition. A well provenplatform design enables quick transition from mobile to terrestrial applications, andvice versa, without losing system calibration. Flexible installation options and fully
integrated optional cameras complement this user-friendly solution.

Preliminary Data Sheet5Automatic Registration with RIEGL RiSOLVERiSOLVE enables a fully automatic registration and colorization of scan data. This stream-lined process enables anefficient and fast workflow to acquire, register, and colorize outdoor 3D scan data. With additional tools for filtering, scene
animation and measurements, RiSOLVE enables a rapid turnaround of critical information.

Scan• 20+ million measurements• 5 high-resolution images• precise inclination data
• GNSS position• compass bearing

ImportWorkflow: 5 easy steps• download project• import from USB flash drive• create project structureWith the new VZ-400i*:
75 seconds
per position

1 minute
per position

Register

Automatic Registration:1) position estimation via:
inclination, GPS & compass2) coarse registration3) fine adjustment

Color

One-Click Color:• utilizes calibrated images• automatically adjusts frame• colorizes point cloudless than
1 minute
per position

less than
1 minute
per position

Plot• automatically selects region• exportable to PDF• plot to image* @ scan resolution= 0.05 deg

RiSOLVE Key Features:>> fully automatic registration and colorization of scan data>> fast and easy solution to acquire, register, and colorize outdoor 3D scan data>> rapid turnaround of critical information with additional tools for filtering, scene
animation and measurements>> takes the complexity out of the registration process by utilizing positioning
information provided by sensors integrated into VZ-Line scanners>> enables a final, fine adjustment of all scans to produce a seamless,fully registered point cloud6

Preliminary Data SheetRIEGL VZ-400i High Speed Data Acquisition
Field Experience
The VZ-400i‘s high performance scanning technology provides high pulse repetition rates and high line scan speeds aswell as user-friendliness, enabling a significant reduction of scanning time in the field.

1 operator

8 hours

500+ scans

More than 500 scans (50mdeg) of approx. 5 km of city center roads with adjoining buildings have been taken by just one
operator within 8 hours of full acquisiton time in the field. The mission was done during night, the data of the whole scene
was acquired by taking individual scan positions with approx. 10 m distance in between.

RIEGL VZ-400i night scan

scan positions overview

scan data detail, reflectance-scaled

Preliminary Data Sheet7Max. Measurement Range RIEGL VZ®-400i
standard clear atmosphere: visibility 23 km
clear atmosphere: visibility 15 km
light haze: visibility 8 km

80

85

200

100

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

0

90

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

MTA 1

100

50

white plaster work, limestone

150

white marble

200

80

85

300

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

50

55

60

65

70

75

85

90

60

65

70

75

terra cotta

dry asphalt

250

MTA 2

200

150

MTA 1

100

50

0

0
5

deciduous trees

350

dry snow

400

250

0

wet ice, black tar paper

cliffs, sand, masonry

construction concrete

terra cotta

deciduous trees

dry asphalt

MTA 2

Max. Measurement Range [m]300

dry snow

wet ice, black tar paper

350

coniferious trees

450

400

45

1200 kHz Laser Pulse Repetition Rate
coniferious trees

600 kHz Laser Pulse Repetition Rate
450

40

Target Reflectivity [%]Target Reflectivity [%]white marble

15

white plaster work, limestone

10

cliffs, sand, masonry

5

construction concrete0Max. Measurement Range [m]

80

0

0

90

Target Reflectivity [%]8construction concrete

terra cotta

300

MTA 1

white marble

100

400

white plaster work, limestone

200

500

cliffs, sand, masonrycliffs, sand, masonry

300

white marble

400

white plaster work, limestone

500

600

deciduous trees

700

dry asphalt

800

dry snow

wet ice, black tar paper

terra cotta

construction concrete

dry asphalt

MTA 1

Max. Measurement Range [m]600deciduous trees

700

dry snow

wet ice, black tar paper

800

coniferious trees

900

900

Max. Measurement Range [m]300 kHz Laser Pulse Repetition Rate
coniferious trees

100 kHz Laser Pulse Repetition Rate

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

Target Reflectivity [%]The following conditions are assumed:

MTA (Multiple Time Around) zones:• flat target larger than footprint of the laser beam
• perpendicular angle of incidence• average brightness• ambiguity resolved by post processing within RiSCAN PRO

MTA 1: no ambiguity / 1 pulse „in the air”
MTA 2: 2 pulses „in the air”

Preliminary Data SheetOperating Elements and Connectors RIEGL VZ®-400i
WLAN antennas (2x, female)
GNSS antenna
3G/4G LTE antennas (2x, male)carrying handles (2x)high-resolution (800x480px)
5” color display with touchscreen
308

Ø 172
All dimensions in mm.

Communication and Interfaces

206

mounting threads inserts (2x)• LAN port 10/100/1000 MBit/sec

mounting points (3x)mfor external digital camera
fo• integrated WLAN interface with high-gain-gain
MIMO antennas

connector for externalc
GNSS receiverG• integrated multi-mode cellular moduleulewith MIMO 3G/4G LTE antennas

interface for external camera:in
GigE, USB 3.0, power supply,G
trigger, exposure timetri

• GigE and USB 3.0 for connecting
an external digital camera• connector for GNSS antennaconnector for GNSS antennaco(internal
receiver)(in• two external power supply ports

desiccantdecartridge• connector for external GNSS receiver andsynchronization (1PPS)

WLAN
antennas (2x)W• Bluetooth connection to GNSS receiver

Nano
Na SIM card holder
3G/4G LTE antennas (2x)

Scan Data Storage• internal 256 GBytes SSD (Solid State Disc)c)• external storage devices(SDXC cards up to 512 GBytes orUSB 3.0 flash drives)

Preliminary Data Sheet

SDXC card slot forexternal storage devices
USB 3.0 connector
connectors for power supply
and LAN interface
10/100/1000 MBit/sec,
power off/on button

9Technical Data RIEGL VZ®-400i
Laser Product Classification

Class 1 Laser Product according to IEC60825-1:2007
The following clause applies for instruments delivered into the United States:
Complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for deviations pursuant
to Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007.

Range Measurement Performance 1)
Measuring Principle / Mode of Operation

time of flight measurement, echo signal digitization, online waveform
processing, multiple-time-around processing, full waveform export
capability (optional) / single pulse ranging

Laser Pulse Repetition Rate PRR (peak) 2) 3)

100 kHz300 kHz600 kHz

1200 kHz

Effective Measurement Rate (meas./sec) 2)

42,000125,000

250,000

500,000

Max. Measurement Range 4)
natural targets ≥ 90 %
natural targets ≥ 20 %

800 m
400 m

480 m
230 m

350 m
160 m

250 m
120 m

Minimum Range

1.5 m

1.2 m

0.5 m 5)

0.5 m 5)

15

15

8

4

Max. Number of Targets per PulseAccuracy
Precision 7) 8)
Laser Wavelength
Laser Beam Divergence

5 mm
3 mm
near infrared
0.35 mrad 9)

1) With online waveform processing.
2) Rounded values.
3) In order to minimize multiple-time-around issues it is crucial tocarefully select the laser pulse repetition rate according to theapplication in question.
4) Typical values for average conditions. Maximum range is specified
for flat targets with size in excess of the laser beam diameter,
perpendicular angle of incidence, and for atmospheric visibilityof 23 km. In bright sunlight, the max. range is shorter than underovercast sky.

5) Minimum range specified for vertical zenith angles from 30 deg to 120 deg, resp. 90° vertical field of view.
6) Accuracy is the degree of conformity of a measured quantity to its actual (true) value.
7) Precision, also called reproducibility or repeatability, is the degree to which further measurements show
the same result.
8) One sigma @ 100 m range under RIEGL test conditions.
9) Measured at the 1/e2 points. 0.35 mrad corresponds to an increase of 35 mm of beam diameterper 100 m distance.

Scanner Performance
Scan Angle Range
Scanning Mechanism
Scan Speed
Angular Step Width 10)  (vertical),  (horizontal)

Vertical (Line) Scan
total 100° (+60° / -40°)
rotating multi-facet mirror
3 lines/sec to 240 lines/sec
0.0007° ≤   ≤ 0.6°

Horizontal (Frame) Scan
max. 360°
rotating head
0°/sec to 150°/sec 11)0.0015° ≤   ≤ 0.62°

Angle Measurement Resolution

better 0.0007° (2.5 arcsec)

better 0.0005° (1.8 arcsec)

Orientation Sensors
GNSS Receiver
Laser Plummet
Internal Sync Timer
Scan Sync (optional)
Waveform Data Output (optional)
Cloud Storage
On-board registration

integrated 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope,3-axis magnetometer (compass), barometer
integrated L1, concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
integrated
integrated, for real-time synchronized time stamping of scan data
scanner rotation synchronization for operating several scanners
providing digitized echo signal information for specific target echoes
Amazon S3, FTP-Server, Microsoft Azure
available approx. end of 201610) Selectable.

11) Frame scan can be disabled, providing 2D scanner operation.

6) 8)

between consecutive laser shots

between consecutive scan lines

General Technical Data
Power Supply Input Voltage
Power Consumption
External Power Supply
Main Dimensions
WeightHumidity
Protection Class
Temperature Range
Storage
Operation
Low Temperature Operation 12)

11 - 34 V DC
typ. 58 W (max. 80 W)
up to two independent external power sources can be connected
for uninterrupted operation, in addition to the RIEGL add-on NiMH battery
206 mm x 308 mm (width x height)
approx. 9.7 kg (with antennas)
max. 80 % non condensing @ +31°C
IP64, dust- and splash-proof-10°C up to +50°C
0°C up to +40°C: standard operation-20°C: continuous scanning operation if instrument is powered on
while internal temperature is at or above 0°C and still air-40°C: scanning operation for about 20 minutes if instrument is powered on
while internal temperature is at or above 15°C and still air12) Insulating the scanner with appropriate material will enable operation at even lower temperatures.

RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GmbH
Riedenburgstraße 48
3580 Horn, Austria
Phone: +43 2982 4211 | Fax: +43 2982 4210
office@riegl.co.atwww.riegl.com

RIEGL USA Inc.
Orlando, Florida | info@rieglusa.com | www.rieglusa.com
RIEGL Japan Ltd.
Tokyo, Japan | info@riegl-japan.co.jp | www.riegl-japan.co.jp
RIEGL China Ltd.
Beijing, China | info@riegl.cn | www.riegl.cn

www.riegl.com

Information contained herein is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility
is assumed by RIEGL for its use. Technical data are subject to change without notice.

Preliminary Data Sheet, RIEGL VZ-400i, 2016-09-28