This paper studied the measurement method for grain volume in the storage tank with a laser scanning system. This system consists of a laser scanner, a stepping motor, a power supply and frame assembled with slotted angle iron. The laser scanner can be rotated by a stepping motor and be used to measure the distance between the observer and the target. The distance data is stored in one-dimensional array. Through the three-dimensional coordinate transformation, the measured data by laser scanner can be converted into three dimensional coordinate (x, y, z). After filtering and calibration of the position for these coordinates, we can construct the surface model of the grain in the storage tank. The coordinates on the grain surface within the storage tank can be projected on the ground surface. Furthermore, the projected points can be connected into triangular or quadrilateral shapes automatically by the program, and the sum of all areas can be multiplied by the average height to calculate the total volume. The volume is multiplied by bulk density to obtain the weight of grain. According to the results, the maximal relative error is 6.74%, and the average relative error is less than 3%. This system can be used as a substitute for estimating storage by using laser range finder or the flow meter.
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