The introduction of LiDAR scanners in land surveying was a revolutionary step that made mapping a whole lot easier. Compared to traditional surveying and rangefinders, LIDAR scanners are able to measure distance up to 20 km with precision within a meter. They are capable of measuring much more besides the basics and can capture things like speed, distance, and 3D positions. They are capable of creating detailed point cloud maps that have now become standard in each point of surveying.
Of course, there are differences between these types of devices, and it is not only in price and quality. A surveying professional now needs to think about whether to choose a handheld LiDAR scanner and go for increased mobility, or stick with a stationary LiDAR scanner and opt for increased precision.
There are a lot of things that need to be considered here, and we are here to discuss them all, as we provide you with a thorough breakdown between a handheld LiDAR scanner vs. standard LiDAR scanner and show you how they compare to each other.
What is LIDAR and How it Works?
LiDAR is a type of technology that comes with its own energy source, a laser light, to measure objects found on the ground. Its main components are a laser scanner, capable of sending quick pulses, usually between 50-100 kHz per second, an optical receiver capable of catching the returning light, a positioning system used for geographical reference, and a processor needed to calculate the data.
The way the technology basically works is that the laser pulses sent out by the device bounce off the surface of the measured objects and return to the sensor, where the system records and calculates all the information gathered. It actually calculates the distance and the angle of the returning light to come out with precise digital 3D models, eventually offering us a detailed representation of a targeted object in a digital world.
Modern LiDAR systems come with GNSS and orientation information from IMU. The combination of these allows for precise pinpointing of coordinates for every measured point in three-dimensional space, or better referred to as a point cloud. It is basically millions of measured points collected together to form a detailed 3D picture of the scanned area.
Point clouds are good as they not only hold spatial coordinates, but they also provide some additional details like the amount of light energy the sensor was able to pick up. Besides this, LiDAR scanners also include different types of technology, like laser triangulation and structured light. These types of technologies are able to capture more details than other types of scanners, making LiDAR suitable for various types of applications.
Handheld LiDAR Scanner vs. Standard LiDAR Scanner
When comparing handheld LiDAR scanners vs. standard LiDAR scanners, the most obvious differences come in mobility, accuracy, and the way these scanners are applied. Stationary scanners stay in one place when taking measurements, meaning that the results are going to be more stable, providing you with better results with less risk of distortion. Terrestrial LiDAR scanners are usually placed on tripods, mechanical arms, or turntables, making sure they are stable, which is advantageous for taking measurements in controlled spaces.
On the other hand, handled LiDAR scanners offer better mobility and flexibility. They are excellent to use in tight spaces or in areas where you can’t fit the equipment needed for a standard LiDAR scanner. The interfaces on these systems are also more accessible, making them easy to use even by people who are not experts in the field.
However, handled scanners are capable of providing you with centimeter-level accuracy, while stationary systems are much more precise and have millimeter-level accuracy. The difference lies in the most obvious place, and that is due to the hand movement of scanners, as sometimes even a small shift can cause discrepancies or inconsistencies in measurements to occur.
But let’s analyse both of them separately and see which are their greatest strengths and weaknesses in more detail.
Handheld LiDAR Scanner
Handheld LiDAR scanners are ideal if you are looking for flexibility and mobility. They are lightweight tools that you can move around and scan any object, no matter its shape or size. Their main purpose comes when you need to access tight spaces, which you can’t access with any other type of equipment. It makes handheld scanners advantageous in remote outdoor locations where standard scanners are practically unusable.
More so, the design of handheld LiDAR scanners makes them easy to use even to people who are amateurs. They usually come with user-friendly software, making data data-capturing process as easy as it gets. The usability of the equipment is particularly important in construction or archeological sites, where you will be able to save time and effort. Not only that, but it has a widespread application, making it suitable for various types of surveying processes.
Limitations of Handheld Scanners
Unfortunately, even though they seem pretty useful, handheld LiDAR scanners do come with their limitations. They don’t provide the same level of accuracy as their stationary counterparts. This is mainly due to the operator having to hold a steady hand while scanning, which can often lead to discrepancies in results.
These challenges can greatly affect the captured data, making handheld scanners unusable in projects where you require high resolution and extreme accuracy. Their value stems from flexibility and ease of use, but you can’t sacrifice precision if precision is of utmost importance.
Ideal Uses for Handheld Scanners
There are many benefits of using handheld LiDAR scanners, but they mainly excel when it comes to fast deployment and adaptability, making them ideal for land surveying and also in the following situations:
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Architectural Surveys: Helps in quick documentation of structures and buildings.
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Industrial Design: A Fast way of creating digitized prototypes and models.
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Creative Industries: Mostly used in movie productions and the game industries.
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Historical Site Documentation: Excellent in documenting historical sites, especially due to its high potential for capturing objects and structures.
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Forensic Investigations: They can capture crime scenes fast and in detail.
Top Handheld LiDAR Scanners
- Weight: 1 kg – lightweight for easy portability
- Accuracy: 2 cm relative accuracy for reliable 3D modeling
- Scanning speed: 200,000 pts/sec
- Field of view: 360° × 59° coverage
- Technology: SLAM-based scanning (indoor/outdoor, no GPS)
- Preview: Real-time point cloud visualization
- Storage: 512 GB internal memory
- Battery: Rechargeable grip with quick swap
- Build: Compact and portable
- Export: Multi-format compatibility with point cloud software
- Accuracy: 1.2 cm relative accuracy
- Scanning speed: 320,000 pts/sec
- Range: 120 m for large-scale projects
- Field of view: 360° × 270° LiDAR FOV
- Cameras: Dual 12 MP with real-time colorization
- Weight: 1.8 kg – lightweight field design
- GNSS: Built-in RTK module
- Coordinate systems: Supports 8,000+ systems
- Accessories: Vest, pole, and backpack
- Battery: 3-hour runtime with rechargeable batteries
- Technology: Hybrid GNSS + SLAM data fusion
- GNSS engine: 1408 channels, full-constellation tracking
- LiDAR scanning: 200,000 pts/sec, 360°×59° FOV
- Measurement: AirMeas contactless distance measurement
- Functions: Super Stake-out & Magicalc modes
- IMU tilt: Up to 60° calibration-free
- Display: Dual cameras + OLED touchscreen
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, 4G, UHF
- Protection: IP64, rugged build
- Battery: 2-hour operation with swappable battery
Standard LiDAR Scanner
Terrestrial LiDAR scanners excel when it comes to high accuracy and resolution. Obviously, due to their fixed position and the ability to stand extremely still while making scans, they are able to provide detailed and accurate results with minimal risk of distortion. It makes them indispensable pieces of equipment in situations where fidelity to the original object is critical.
The level of precision that they propose makes them ideal in fields such as industrial design, engineering, and quality control. If even the smallest discrepancy can make a difference, then it is best to opt for a terrestrial scanner, as they are the only ones that can provide you with such results. They are even perfect for scanning small objects like jewelry, mechanical components, or even historical artifacts.
Limitations of Standard LiDAR Scanners
The main point of weakness for terrestrial LiDAR scanners is their mobility. They work best in a controlled environment, like a lab or a studio. It works even better if you are able to bring the object to the scanner instead of setting up a scanner in a remote location.
The biggest challenges lie in planning to do a large-scale survey where you will have to deploy a scanner and then move it around. The terrain alone will bring its challenges, and it may be time-consuming as well. It still can be done, but requires more time, a lot more effort, and even a bigger team that can do all of that.
Ideal Uses for Standard Scanners
Being the cornerstone of precision, there are a lot of situations and projects where standard scanners are going to be used, no matter the constraints. Besides land surveying, these mainly include the following:
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Medical Device Manufacturing: Perfect for helping produce medical devices and prosthetics.
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Automotive Industry: Help in the precision of components and quality assessment of finished products.
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Quality Control in Manufacturing: Help to ensure that products meet stringent accuracy requirements.
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Aerospace Engineering: Being that a fraction of a millimeter can make an extreme difference in this industry, stationary scanners are indispensable.
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Cultural Heritage Preservation: Preserving cultural heritage with the ability to extremely accurately replicate valuable artifacts.
Top Standard LiDAR Scanners
- Range: 0.6 – 1500 m
- Accuracy: ±3 mm @ 100 m
- Scan rate: 2 million pts/sec
- Angular accuracy: 0.001° (H/V)
- FOV: 360° (H) × 300° (V)
- Camera: Dual 24.6 MP
- Display: 5″ HDR touch screen
- Protection: IP64 rating
- Weight: 6 kg (6.45 kg with battery)
- Battery: ≈ 4h, 25 W power draw
- Range: 0.6 – 620 m
- Accuracy: ±5 mm @ 100 m
- Scan rate: 1.2 million pts/sec
- Angular accuracy: 0.001° (H/V)
- FOV: 360° × 300°
- Camera: Dual 24.6 MP imaging
- Compensator: ±15° range, 0.008° accuracy
- Protection: IP54 rating
- Weight: 6 kg (approx.)
- Battery: ≈ 4 h endurance
- Range: 0.6 – 370 m
- Accuracy: ±5 mm @ 100 m
- Scan rate: 500 000 pts/sec
- Angular accuracy: 0.001° (H/V)
- FOV: 360° (H) × 300° (V)
- Camera: Dual 24.6 MP high-resolution
- Protection: IP54 rating
- Power: 25 W consumption
- Weight: 6 kg body only
- Battery: Up to 4h use
Choosing the Best LiDAR Scanner
The decision between picking a handheld LiDAR scanner vs. a standard LiDAR scanner may sound easy if you are determining it based on accuracy and mobility. It truth, there are other features and requirements that also come to mind and should be considered. We propose looking at the following as well.
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Ease of Use: The easier the scanner is to use, the faster you will get used to it. While handheld scanners are those that excel in this type of situation, there are some terrestrial ones that are also practical. But it is always best to determine by yourself which one would be easier for you to use in the field and go with that one.
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Speed of Data Capture and Processing: The speed of capturing data and being able to analyze it fast can be paramount for a project. So, if you are working on a time-sensitive project, being able to analyze the collected data could make all the difference.
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Compatibility and Integration: Compatibility between software and hardware can make or break your setup. If you are already working with some equipment and are looking to add a LiDAR scanner to it, you should first determine if the scanner you are planning to add is compatible with the current equipment that you have.
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Data Quality: Depending on the project you are working on, data quality is a determining factor. Standard scanners are those that can provide more accurate and risk-free data, which gives them an edge here. But it is always best to determine it by yourself about how high the quality has to be before you pick a scanner for the job.
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Customer Support and Training: A helpful customer support could make all the difference. If you are a first-time user and still need to determine the function of a new tool, the support team can help you with that. More so, if they can provide you with some added training, it works even better.
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Price and Cost of Ownership: Finally, your budget will also determine which type of scanner you are going to go for. But you need to weigh in between the initial price and the cost of ownership, as maintenance can factor into the bottom-line price as well. If your return on investment is good enough, then it is definitely a no-brainer about which scanner to go for.
FAQ
Here are a few additional pieces of information about LiDAR and the difference between the handheld and standard versions.
How accurate is a handheld LiDAR scanner?
The accuracy of LiDAR scanners depends on a variety of things, but mostly on the design and calibration. When it comes to terrestrial scanners, their accuracy is usually at the millimeter level. On the other hand, handheld scanners mostly have centimeter-level accuracy, with some advanced ones being able to provide millimeter-level precision.
What is a handheld LiDAR?
A handheld LiDAR scanner is a portable device that uses Light Detection and Ranging technology and is able to capture detailed 3D images of various kinds of objects. You can easily carry it around and basically point it towards the target you are planning to scan.
Can handheld LiDAR scanners operate indoors without GPS?
Yes, many handheld scanners use SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to function accurately indoors by mapping surroundings in real-time without relying on GPS.
When is a standard LiDAR scanner better?
Standard scanners are suited for projects requiring very high accuracy and resolution, such as quality control in manufacturing, aerospace engineering, medical device production, the automotive industry, and cultural heritage preservation.
When should I choose a handheld LiDAR scanner?
Use handheld scanners when mobility and speed are priorities, especially in architectural surveys, industrial design, creative industries, historical documentation, and forensic investigations, where flexibility and quick deployment matter more than ultimate precision.
