Recommendations for choosing the right 3D measurement type 

In this article:

• Experts explain how choosing the right 3D measurement type depends on the defect geometry and inspection task—such as length, depth, area, angle, or missing material—to ensure accurate results in remote visual inspections. 
• The article maps common industrial use cases (e.g., turbine blade damage, corrosion, welds, gaps, radii) to recommended Real3D™ measurement methods for consistent, repeatable evaluations. 
• It shows how the correct measurement selection improves decision-making, reduces inspection time, and increases confidence in asset condition assessments. 

What are the experts' recommendations for choosing the right 3D measurement type?

While multiple measurement types may be used for certain applications, this overview is intended to show the expert recommendation.

Length

• Simple measurement of features or components

Point to Line

• Turbine blade edge damage
• Gap width
• Weld width

Depth

• Pits or dents from corrosion, erosion, or FOD impact
• Pipe inside diameter
• Weld height
• Gap width

Area Depth Profile

• Corrosion, erosion and pitting
• Maximum weld height
• Maximum wear groove depth

Angle

• Angle on flat surfaces

Surface Angle

• Blade tip curl
• Angle between two surfaces

Missing Corner

• Missing blade corners

Area

• Coating loss
• Surface area of pitting or corrosion

Auto Area

• Repetitive, complex area measurements
• Oxidation, missing material, etc

Multi-Segment

• Total length measurement on curved or irregular surfaces

Depth Profile

• Quick assessment of height or depth

Measurement Plane

• With Area or Missing Corner for blade missing corners
• With Point to Line for blade edge damage
• With Depth for blade tip to shroud gaps
• With Length or Point to Line for small features
• With Area Depth Profile when measuring in a field of pits
• With Radius Gauge to evaluate blended blade radii

Blade Tip Clearance

• Compressor and turbine efficiency checks

Radius Gauge

• Boroblending radius