Next-generation imaging laser scanner: Leica BLK360 G2

Laser scanning devices are frequently used for the rapid automation of millimetre precision measurements and reconstruction of physical elements via processed optical signals from reflected light. It is widely utilised across industries such as reconstructing sites, monitoring structural health, reconstructing crime scenes virtually, monitoring crop growth, reconstructing artefacts and site details, and quality assurance in manufacturing.

In architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), it also provides a unique opportunity to digitally record and analyse the entire construction life cycle with computer vision analysed point clouds. New solutions for project control safety inspection, quality assessment, productivity analysis, operation maintenance, and building energy performance could be produced with the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and laser scanning models.

A student holding a tablet and standing next to an imaging laser scanner.
The BLK360 G2 laser scanner providing live feedback to a mobile device.

Leica BLK360 G2, a supercharged next-generation imaging laser scanner, captures a full scan with spherical images in only twenty seconds without compromised quality. With fast and agile in-field workflows (pre-registration scans with the Visual Inertial System technology), along with live feedback on mobile devices, users can blaze through job sites with rapid scanning.

Data captured by BLK360 G2 could be highly valuable for AEC use such as architecture, construction, real estate, surveying, and historical preservation. The data could also contribute to Visual Effect and X-Reality significantly as well. The BLK360 G2 provides four scan settings which allows users to capture data in 7, 13, 30 or 75 seconds at 680,000 points per second. The device is fully compatible with Leica Geosystems Cyclone suite of Reality Capture software and can export multiple industrial point cloud format.

A laptop screen showing what an imaging laser scanner has captured.
The BLK360 G2 laser scanner is fully compatible with Leica Geosystems Cyclone Reality Capture software.

We’ve selected a slope simulator facility as our initial indoor field work base for teaching 3D scanning technology using BLK360 G2. Funded by the Wolfson Foundation 亚洲情色 has created the world’s first large-scale National Engineered Slope Simulator (NESS, part of the Sir Frank Gibb Laboratories). It enables our academic and stakeholder partners across the UK to investigate and understand the cause of earthwork slope failures, optimise remediation strategies, and inform the design of new infrastructure.

A student using a laser scanner outside of the National Engineering Slope Simulator facility.
The BLK360 G2 imaging laser scanner being used outside the slope simulator facility.

The facility adopted a Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF) system which is a typical construction structure used widely. The scanning data captured from the NESS could be used for our AEC teaching such as surveying, construction management, tectonics, digital design skills and architecture history. The net zero proofed building SportPark Pavilion 4 will be included as a teaching case for laser scanning next year.

A student using a laser scanner inside the National Engineering Slope Simulator facility.
Using the BLK360 G2 laser scanner inside the slope simulator facility.

Ready to use in class

  1. Advanced Design Skills – project site scanning for site and terrain modelling, target generating for Augmented Reality.
  2. Surveying – digitally reconstructing sites and post process point clouds for construction use.
  3. Construction management – periodically scanning the construction site to capture data for construction progress and efficiency monitoring.
  4. Building tectonics – capturing 3D data of structures which has no existing 3D data for analysis or re-modelling.
  5. Architectural history – 3D scan history buildings or heritage as research document for instantly accessing to three-dimensional information of the cases.