Digitizing an aircraft is never a simple task. Winter conditions, limited access windows, and the need for both full-scale geometry and high-resolution detail all add complexity. On a recent aircraft scanning project, Artec 3D paired the Artec Ray II with the Artec Leo to capture complete, reliable data—efficiently and accurately. Below is the proven workflow, along with practical tips and lessons learned, that made the difference.
Planning First: Aligning Goals Before Scanning
Before a single scan was captured, alignment was critical. With two operators on site and one representative from the client, the team spent over an hour on day one reviewing project goals and expected outputs. Key planning decisions included:- Defining which aircraft areas required high-detail capture
- Identifying which zones only needed overall geometry
- Establishing a shared understanding of success before scanning began
Combining Ray II and Leo for Maximum Efficiency
Using both scanners in parallel dramatically reduced total scanning time while improving coverage.- Artec Ray II captured large areas within its line of sight, efficiently collecting full-scale geometry of the aircraft.
- Artec Leo worked simultaneously in areas Ray II could not see, such as tight spaces, occluded surfaces, and regions requiring higher resolution.
Coordinating Shared Geometry for Clean Alignment
Accurate alignment later depends on how data is captured in the field. To ensure clean registration:- Shared areas between Ray II and Leo were kept unchanged until both scanners completed their passes.
- Static geometry common to both datasets was intentionally captured to create clear reference zones.
- This overlap provided reliable alignment anchors during post-processing.
Validate Early, Not After Leaving Site
One of the most important workflow habits was periodic data validation:- Scan data was downloaded to a PC multiple times throughout the day.
- The team checked for completeness, identified gaps early, and corrected them immediately.
- This avoided the costly mistake of discovering missing coverage after leaving the aircraft.
Organized Data = Faster Post-Processing
Project organization started with the very first scan:- Clear naming conventions were agreed upon before scanning
- Area names were simple, consistent, and unambiguous
- Files were renamed methodically when moving between zones
Varying Access and Scan Angles
Aircraft geometry often includes edges, doors, and transitions that are difficult to capture from a single viewpoint. To handle this:- The team varied scan heights using different stair configurations
- Multiple angles were used to capture challenging exterior areas
- This ensured clean data around edges where a single angle is rarely sufficient
The Result: Cleaner Data and Fewer Surprises
By following this structured workflow the ability to complete aircraft coverage with fewer alignment challenges during processing in Artec Studio. For teams digitizing aircraft for:- Inspection
- Reverse engineering
- Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) documentation
Need help digitizing aircraft or other large, complex assets?
Rapid Scan 3D combines the right technology, experience, and workflow to deliver accurate results—even in challenging environments. Contact us to discuss your next project.