[Excerpt]
US: The 3D Laser Scanning market including hardware, software and services will grow with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4 percent according to a new ARC Advisory Group study. In addition, the report forecasted that the market will be double in size by 2015.
3D laser scanning equipment senses the shape of an object and collects data for the location of the outer surface. This distinct technology has found applications in many industries including discrete and process manufacturing, utilities, construction, archaeology, law enforcement, government and entertainment.
…
There are three market sub-segments based on range (distance) for the laser scan. The segment for short range equipment and software is experiencing both rapid technological innovation and revenue growth. In the medium range sub-segment, the hardware is more stable with software providing increasing value-added business benefits. The long range sub-segment has some very interesting application areas, but has relatively expensive equipment.
See the full story here: http://www.geospatialworld.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22771:3d-laser-scanning-market-to-double-by-2015&catid=72&Itemid=1