Laboratory for Engineering Measurement Techniques

The  Laboratory for Engineer Measuring Techniques is used to support teaching in the Bachelor's degree programs "Surveying and Geoinformatics" and "Information Logistics", as well as in the Master's degree programs "Surveying" and "Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics". For this purpose, laboratory tests for sensor calibration and laser scanning are permanently installed. In addition, the equipment is usually used on site for project, bachelor and master theses.

One focus of the laboratory is the teaching of strategic competence in engineering measurement applications. Usually, various sensors are integrated for this purpose. The planning and implementation of such projects requires systems thinking, process competence, methods and problem-solving skills and promotes social competence in group work.

In addition, the laboratory supports the implementation of research-related projects for which corresponding third-party funds are raised.

The Laboratory's fields of activity are especially in the field of technological innovation in engineering metrology, focused on surveying and geoinformatics:

• LIDAR technology: terrestrial, airborne and mobile laser scanning
• Digital 3D TOF Technology: 3D cameras for real-time object detection
• Inertial measurement technology: GPS/INS sensors for positioning and orientation of platforms
• Calibration of laser scanners, 3D camera systems and inertial systems
• Methods and evaluation techniques for positioning, orientation, filtering, localization, scanning, fusion, analysis, modeling and object reconstruction

Laser scanning has been used successfully at the HFT Stuttgart since about 2000, since 2003 also with an own scanner (Leica). Currently, two laser scanners (Leica BLK360, Z+F Imager 5016) are available, but scanners from other companies are also used for individual projects. Two mobile mapping hand-held scanners (GeoSLAM ZEB1, Faro Focus Freestyle) expand the scanner fleet with their special features. 10 Z+F LaserControl licenses and numerous AutoCad and CloudWorx licenses can be used for processing the laser scan data. In addition, a digital SLR camera with a panoramic head is available, with which high-quality panoramic images can be mapped to the point clouds.

All the equipment is used very intensively for training students in laser scanning technology. Equally extensive is the use for Bachelor, Master and research projects.

Four scanner cameras from Mesa Imaging (SR4000) are available in the laboratory. With this still relatively new 3D TOF technology, object detection experiments are carried out in real time. The camera systems are also calibrated in the laboratory.

In the laboratory experiments are carried out to combine inertial measurement sensors with GNSS sensors, laser scanners, hyperspectral and thermal cameras for different applications. For a research project, for example, an infrared image flight with a gyrocopter will allow control and flight path calculation using GNSS/INS. INS sensors such as APPLANIX, OXTS and XSENS are available