Z+F SynCaT® is the software bridge between a Z+F PROFILER laser scanner and the positioning systems that turn raw scan lines into survey-grade georeferenced point clouds. Its name encodes the three functions it performs — Synchronization, Calibration, and Transformation — each delivered as a modular package that can be combined according to the mobile mapping system architecture.

How does SynCaT synchronize scanner data with trajectory information?

In mobile mapping, the laser scanner and the GNSS/IMU positioning system operate on independent clocks. SynCaT's Synchronization module time-aligns the Z+F PROFILER 9012 scan data with the external trajectory file, associating each laser pulse with its correct geospatial position and orientation. Without this step, the point cloud would be spatially incoherent — individual scan profiles would be misplaced by meters relative to each other at typical vehicle speeds of up to 120 km/h.

How does calibration correct for physical mounting offsets?

Every mobile mapping installation has unique physical offsets between the scanner's reference point and the navigation unit's reference point — translation offsets in X, Y, Z and rotation offsets in roll, pitch, yaw. SynCaT's Calibration module processes these mounting parameters so the point cloud is generated in a consistent coordinate frame. The complementary Correction module refines these offsets against surveyed Ground Control Points (GCPs), applying local or global height correction models including geoid correction files for high-accuracy infrastructure surveys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Z+F scanners does SynCaT support?

SynCaT is designed for the Z+F PROFILER 9012, a high-speed 2D laser scanner purpose-built for mobile mapping. It is also compatible with the PROFILER 9020. The software is not designed for Z+F's terrestrial 3D laser scanners (IMAGER series), which use the Z+F LaserControl software suite instead.

What types of mobile mapping applications use SynCaT?

SynCaT-processed data supports railway corridor surveying, road and highway infrastructure mapping, tunnel profiling and clearance analysis, and urban asset inventory. The modular architecture allows system integrators to tailor the software to the specific vehicle platform — whether a road vehicle, rail trolley, or specialist inspection car.

What output formats does SynCaT produce?

SynCaT outputs georeferenced 3D point clouds in standard formats compatible with Z+F LaserControl and third-party point cloud processing software. The Transformation module supports conversion between local coordinate systems and application of height correction models.