LiDAR scanners have revolutionized the way people view land surveying and have helped to make things a lot easier than they once were. They have become one of the most essential surveying instruments, saving you time and effort while producing more accurate data. But an even major step in the right direction was the creation of handheld LiDAR devices. Having a LiDAR scanner at hand is one thing, but making it portable and lightweight improves everything tenfold.
For some professionals, handheld scanners have become indispensable tools for their jobs. Depending on the land surveying project you are doing, they can make a massive difference and help you get to proper results in half the time invested. To help you really understand the importance of handheld LiDAR scanners versus traditional surveying methods, we will emphasize all the benefits that they can provide, as well as mention where their impact matters the most.
What is a LiDAR Scanner?
A LiDAR scanner is a device that uses laser beams to measure distance and, at the same time, create 3D models of the real world. Compared to older types of surveying technology, this one uses laser pulses in order to scan the area, allowing it to create detailed spatial data in mere seconds.
A LiDAR scanner is capable of emitting rapid laser pulses toward surfaces. These pulses bounce back towards the scanner after hitting the objects being scanned. The scanner will then measure the distance from the scanned object by measuring the time needed for the pulses to come back to its source. The collected data will then be used to create a digital representation of the scanned area, or a 3D point cloud.
Today’s LiDAR scanners can be mounted on various vehicles or devices, but the most flexible ones are handheld LiDAR scanners that you can move around and point to objects by yourself. The flexibility of these devices has made them useful in various applications, but mostly in land surveying, construction surveying, and environmental monitoring.
More so, their precision makes them valuable tools for any type of job. If you are looking to get precise and accurate data with minimal effort involved, using a LiDAR scanner is something that you should be considering.
- Measuring Range: 0.05–120 m
- Points per Second: 320k (640k)
- FOV: 360° × 285°
- Relative Accuracy: 1–4 mm (≤25m), best 1 cm
- Weight: 1.5 kg
- Battery Life: 2–4 h (dual battery)
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Camera: 18 MP, 5.7k video
- Measuring Range: 40 m @10%, 70 m @80%
- Points per Second: 200,000
- FOV: 360° × 59°
- Relative Accuracy: Up to 2 cm
- Weight: 1 kg
- Battery Life: 2 h
- Storage: 512 GB
- Camera: 5760×2880, 360° video
- Measuring Range: 0.1–70 m
- Points per Second: 200,000
- FOV: 360° × 59°
- Relative Accuracy: <1 cm (SLAM), 8 mm +1 ppm (RTK)
- Weight: 1.4–1.8 kg
- Battery Life: ≥2 h
- Storage: 512 GB (1 TB ext.)
- Camera: Dual 10 MP + 2 MP
Main Types of LiDAR Scanners
Each type of LiDAR scanner is designed for a specific purpose and application. Some of them are better at close-up surveys, while others are much better at large-scale land mapping. Depending on the nature of the job and the characteristics of a scanner, you can choose from these:
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Terrestrial LiDAR Scanner: Terrestrial LiDAR scanners are usually used for high-precision scans, allowing for detailed, ground-level data to be produced. They are ideal for construction site analysis and small-scale surveys. In most situations, you will see them mounted on a tripod.
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Handheld LiDAR Scanner: Handheld LiDAR scanners are used for small-scale projects in areas that are usually difficult to reach with other types of systems. They are lightweight and are designed for portability and ease of use, making them perfect for capturing high-resolution data in proximity to objects. They are also good when it comes to detailed scans of individual structures and interior spaces.
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Mobile LiDAR Scanner: These types of LiDAR scanners are mounted on vehicles and are used to capture data in real time while the vehicles are moving. These canners are typically used in large-scale projects like mapping roadways and highways. They are capable of collecting data in extensive areas without the need to constantly reset your equipment.
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Aerial LiDAR Scanner: Aerial LiDAR scanners are perfect for large-scale surveys of land or infrastructure. They are typically mounted on various types of aircraft or drones, making them perfect for topographic surveys. They can also function well in providing accurate data from expansive areas, road mapping, and large infrastructure projects.
Benefits of Using Handheld LiDAR Scanners
While handheld LiDAR devices haven’t managed to make the old ones obsolete, they have done a pretty good job of making the lives of surveyors much easier. There are countless benefits that these devices are able to offer and most professionals choose them specifically because of those advantages.
Move at Your Own Pace
One of the biggest benefits of using a handheld LiDAR scanner is that you don’t have to carry a survey tripod with you all the time. There is no need to set and reset all the time; you can simply scan as you walk. The process of setting up a scanner, then leaving the room, moving the tripod, and setting the tripod again, everything is made obsolete here. The workflow is made much easier, and it saves you tons of time and can even affect your budget.
Analyze Complex Spaces
Probably the most obvious benefit of handheld LiDAR scanners is their flexibility. Compared to terrestrial ones or those that you can’t easily maneuver with, these ones allow you to get to various kinds of complex spaces.
For instance, you can easily put it in a space that wouldn’t fit. More so, you now have the capacity to analyze the exterior of a building in one go. The result is getting precise data on spaces and situations that you wouldn’t be able to get any other way.
Faster and More Efficient
A handheld LiDAR scanner is capable of doing the same type of job with fewer people and in a shorter amount of time. That way, you are saving both time and money as you don’t need an entire crew for a single survey and you can probably do it by yourself.
For instance, a UK-based contractor performed a test where he captured a 57-meter-wide complex of buildings with a handheld scanner and then did the same wth a terrestrial. The result was that he was able to do the same with one employee in four hours, as opposed to 32 hours of field work and two employees with a terrestrial scanner. The numbers speak for themselves here.
It Can be Used by Almost Anyone
Capturing the point cloud with a handheld LiDAR scanner can be done by almost anyone. The very idea behind this device is to make it easier for use, provide real-time feedback, and make things generally easier for surveyors. This means that almost any person on your team can perform the scan.
Basically, what you need to do to capture an asset is to turn the scanner on, put it in a holster, walk around the asset, and then use the app to process the data you’ve collected. It generally means that no specific training is required to operate these types of scanners.
Take on Bigger Projects
Since you are able to move around a site much faster and don’t require specific training, it basically means that you are able to take on much bigger projects than before. So if you are running a business and want to scale up and upgrade your services to bigger assets, having a handheld scanner at hand is what will definitely do the trick.
At the same time, the price of this type of scan is lower, which means that you can get more customers who can match that price.
Developing New Workflows
A handheld LiDAR scanner does not have to be a replacement for your existing tools, but rather a way to help you unlock new possibilities. For instance, a handheld scanner might be the key to getting to data that a traditional scanner was not able to. More so, you may also be able to develop a 3D-capture workflow that you were not able to because it takes too long. By sharpening your competitive edge, you open yourself up to different new opportunities and allow your business to grow at the same time.
Causing Less Disruptions
If you and, for example, a construction team are doing your work at the same time, you are bound to get into each other’s way. To avoid this, one of you has to stop and postpone what they are doing. But with a handheld scanner, you don’t have to do that, as it can get results even if there are people in the way.
You don’t have to worry about scan shadows or missing data due to a crowd of people doing their job. You are only going to have to ask them to stand still for a second as you scan the area, after which everyone will continue their own way.
Applications of LiDAR Scanners
Besides the benefits of LiDAR handheld scanners, we also need to mention something about their application. While they can be used in multiple situations, there are some that stand out the most and make them perfect for these types of tools. For instance:
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Volume Calculations: LiDAR scanners can help in creating detailed 3D models of a site before or after excavation. This is beneficial as it can provide you with the most accurate data for volume measurements. Besides improving the accuracy of a project, you are also reducing material waste and reducing cost at the same time.
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Site Planning and Topography: Understanding the topography of a site is crucial before construction begins. Traditional surveying methods can be a bit time-consuming in these situations, as opposed to LiDAR, which can not only speed things up but also provide more accurate results. High-resolution topographic maps created via LiDAR scanners can help identify slopes, elevation changes, and any important features that can affect the construction process.
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As-Built Documentation: LiDAR scanners are almost an indispensable asset when it comes to creating accurate as-built documentation. It is capable of capturing real-time, precise spatial data during the construction process, which results in as-built plans remaining accurate as they reflect the exact conditions of a certain project.
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Building Information Modeling: LiDAR data integrates seamlessly with building information modeling systems, which helps to create 3D models of construction sites. These types of models are very important for planning and simulating different types of scenarios. By importing the collected LiDAR data into BIM the conditions of a site can be visualized in exact conditions, allowing the construction team to optimize workflow and make data-driven decisions.
FAQs
For a few more details about the advantages of using handheld LiDAR scanners, check out the answers below.
What is a handheld LiDAR scanner?
A handheld LiDAR scanner is a portable device that uses laser pulses to measure distances and create 3D models of the surrounding environment in real-time. Its lightweight and flexible design allows users to manually scan spaces, capturing precise spatial data quickly and easily compared to traditional stationary scanners.
How does a LiDAR scanner work?
LiDAR scanners emit rapid laser pulses toward surfaces. These pulses bounce back to the scanner, which measures the time it takes for the pulses to return. This time measurement is used to calculate the distance to objects and create detailed digital 3D point clouds representing the scanned area.
How accurate are handheld LiDAR scanners?
Accuracy varies by model but handheld scanners generally provide centimeter-level precision. Some advanced models offer relative accuracy up to 1-2 cm under test conditions, suitable for many professional surveying needs.
Can handheld LiDAR scanners work in challenging environments?
Yes. They are capable of scanning in complex terrains, including steep, vegetated, or confined spaces. However, environmental factors like fog, dust, reflective surfaces, or glass can affect performance and data quality.
Can handheld LiDAR scanners replace traditional surveying methods?
They complement rather than replace traditional tools. Handheld scanners unlock new workflows and enable faster, more flexible data collection but may be used alongside terrestrial or mobile LiDAR systems, depending on project needs.
