Definition
A survey target is a specially designed marker placed in a scene to serve as a precise reference point for surveying or laser scanning. Because targets are easy for instruments and software to identify, they provide reliable, exact locations to measure from or align to.
Targets help tie measurements together and improve accuracy, especially when combining multiple scans. They are a small but important tool in producing consistent, well-aligned data.
In simple terms, a survey target is a clear marker that gives instruments a precise point to lock onto.
How It Works
Survey targets come in forms such as flat printed patterns, checkerboards, or spheres, each designed to be recognised precisely. Placed within a scene, they are captured along with everything else during scanning or surveying.
When multiple scans are taken, matching targets that appear in overlapping scans lets software align, or register, the scans accurately into one dataset. Targets with known coordinates can also georeference the data, tying it to the real world.
Applications
Survey targets are used in laser scanning, surveying, and photogrammetry. They support accurate registration of multiple scans, provide control for georeferencing, and act as checkpoints to verify accuracy, helping deliver reliable, well-aligned 3D data.
Benefits
- Precise, easily identified reference points.
- Accurate alignment of multiple scans.
- Support for georeferencing to real coordinates.
- A means to check and verify accuracy.
- More consistent, reliable datasets.
Related Terms
- Control Point
- Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)
- Cloud-to-Cloud Registration
- Georeference
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a survey target used for?
It is used as a precise reference to align multiple scans, georeference data, and verify accuracy in surveying and scanning.
What are the types of survey targets?
Common types include flat printed patterns, checkerboards, and spheres, each designed to be recognised precisely.
How do targets help register scans?
Matching the same targets across overlapping scans lets software align them accurately into one combined dataset.
Do survey targets need known coordinates?
Not always, but targets with known coordinates can also be used to georeference the data to the real world.
About Track3D
Track3D helps teams turn accurately registered scans into digital twins and reality capture insights. Learn more at Track3D.
