Three-dimensional measurements: a review of technologies and applications

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of three-dimensional (3D) measurement technologies and their applications. Design/methodology/approach - This paper first describes 3D measuring techniques and then considers a selection of key applications, citing a number of specific examples. Reference is also made to certain new developments and research activities. Findings - It is shown that both active and passive techniques are used to conduct 3D measurements. The former includes various forms of laser scanning such as time of flight, triangulation and phase measurements and photogrammetry is the main passive method. Laser-based Doppler shift techniques are used to monitor dynamic phenomena, notably vibration, in three dimensions. These methods are used across a diversity of industries and disciplines in a wide and varied range of applications. Originality/value - The paper provides a technical review of the leading 3D measurement technologies and their uses.