Target-accuracy-constrained station planning for terrestrial laser scanning of two-dimensional component contours using a genetic algorithm

Terrestrial laser scanning station layouts for tolerance-controlled dimensional inspection are often based on experience or visibility alone. This study proposes a target-accuracy-constrained planning method for two-dimensional component contours. Controlled measurements convert a prescribed tolerance into feasible distance and incidence-angle constraints, which define accuracy-valid coverage for a genetic algorithm. For a Trimble X12 under a 2 mm criterion, the feasible range was 1–2 m and maximum incidence angle 24.2°. A six-station layout satisfied the 95% coverage requirement and achieved a maximum dimensional deviation of 1.8 mm, outperforming outward-shifted and visibility-based layouts. The method is limited to controlled two-dimensional contour planning.