Well, I was recently looking at buying a 3D scanner (the CR-Scan Ferret) to speed up the 3D modeling process for model locomotives and the like. Something that I thought about were the potential inconveniences and impracticalities of trying to scan a full-sized locomotive, due to the large size. I was, therefore, wondering about the possibility of mounting a 3D scanner on a drone, which, I suspect, would make scanning a locomotive much easier and faster. A quick search of Amazon turned up this drone: Amazon.com: Mini Drone With Camera Remote Control Drones With Screen Display 2.4G Headless Mode, One Key Take off/Landing RC Quadcopter Altitude Hold For Adults Fpv Drone Birthday for Men Women : Toys & Games . However, as someone who has neither a 3D scanner or a drone (excepting one of those stunt drones, but that doesn’t really count), I was wondering if someone here had tried this or maybe if there were any possible issues. I did think of a few while I was here, though.
Obviously, weight is a potential issue. The Ferret is supposed to weigh about 105 grams, which equates to about .24 pounds. Since I was unable to find any specification on what kind of payload that drone can carry, it’s uncertain if it would even be able to lift the scanner or have a reliable flight pattern with it. Another possible issue is whether the drone would be stable enough for the scanner to work well, for that matter. Additionally, the flight time of the drone could be a constraint as well.
