W W W . K A A R T A . C O M
2
INTR ODU CTION
Congratulations on your purchase of Kaarta Contour
®
. In this document you will find complete
instructions to use Contour from initial set up to mastery. You’ll learn to operate the scanner, to
interface with a computer, and to customize parameters for best results. This guide also covers
post-processing options, provides tips for optimum data collection, and gives detailed instructions
on working with pointclouds.
This guide answers the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Contour and provides links
to Contour Case Studies. Contour comes with a Kaarta Documentation Drive that contains a copy
of this user guide, as well as training slides.
Visit our web site at
for updates and additional information.
O V E R V I E W
Kaarta Contour is a mobile hand-held scanner that generates 3D models and image data of spaces.
Contour can be used to collect data, review files, and post-process pointclouds to clean, sharpen,
colorize, mesh, and overlay images. The device also has adjustable parameters for modeling and
can transfer pointclouds to an external drive through a USB 3.0 port. These functions are described
in more detail in this manual.
To build a 3D model with Contour, you simply press the scan button and walk through the space
you would like to model. The model is generated in real time on the screen and can be opened in
pointcloud editors and CAD programs when scanning and post-processing is complete.
Contour contains a scanning lidar, touch screen, computer, MEMS-based IMU, feature tracking
camera, colorization camera, and the powerful Kaarta Engine to generate detailed 3D maps while
moving through a scene. Contour is also a computer for viewing data and post-processing data
and can be used with the provided USB wireless mouse and keyboard to improve pointcloud
manipulation.
KAARTA ENGINE
Real-time registered pointcloud generation
Real-time localization
Multi-sensor input (lidar, IMU, feature tracker)
Continuously self-correcting minimal drift techniques
Implicit loop closure
Fast, explicit loop closure at point of scan
Point-of-scan work confirmation
Pointcloud sharpening technology
