Qualitative testing of an advanced terrestrial laser scanner simulator: Users experience and feedback

Abstract

The current situation, namely the Corona crisis in 2020, has demonstrated that digitalization of teaching is not only an option, but also the indispensable necessity of present reality. The pandemic has particularly affected those academic programs where classroom teaching is unavoidable, for example, in practical courses with surveying equipment. Within the project VirScan3D, a terrestrial laser scanner simulator has been developed as educational tool for teaching and learning practical laser scanning processes. This article describes the functionality of the newly developed software and simulator, the evaluation of the simulator by qualitative testing as well as usability testing results conducted by independent users recruited in university courses.