1. What is 3D Laser Scanning?

Have you ever wondered how to “copy” an ancient building, a complex forest, or even an entire city into computers? 3D laser scanning is the technology that makes it possible. Utilizing lasers, we can collect massive data without physically reaching objects in a short time, building a “digital twin” of the real world. Its accuracy and efficiency have made it a vital tool in fields ranging from architectural surveying and terrain modeling to cultural-heritage preservation and smart city development. 

2. What is Point Cloud?

Laser scanners collect millions of data points that come together like countless droplets to form a 'point cloud'—a vast and complex digital representation of an object or space. It is the core output of 3D laser scanning. Each point is more than just a dot in space; it contains precise coordinates (X, Y, Z) and can also include rich data like laser reflectance intensity, true color, and even classification labels. Common point-cloud file formats include .las, .xyz and .pts. Serving as a “container” for 3D data, these files let us reproduce every subtle contour of real objects in virtual space.

The architectural point cloud data collected using KOLIDA SPL-1500

3. Three Major Scanners Kinds to Meet Different Scenarios

KOLIDA has wide range of laser scanning product line to cover diverse application scenarios. Depending on the mounting platform, 3D laser scanners can be divided into the following three categories: 

A. Terrestrial Laser Scanners

B. Mobile Scanning System

C. SLAM Scanners

KOLIDA’s laser scanners product line

Terrestrial Laser Scanners (TLS): Usually set on the ground, TLS normally have the best accuracy among the three types of scanners and an exceptional long range. KOLIDA SPL-1500 delivers millimeter-level accuracy with high-definition color cameras (12.3 MP x2) and up to a 1500 meters range to produce high-quality true-color point clouds even in complex environments. Benefiting from this, SPL-1500 is most suitable for detailed scans such as building facades, tunnel structures, and factory interiors.

Using SPL-1500 for subway tunnel construction projects

Mobile Scanning System: Mounted on drones or vehicles, the system can quickly cover large areas for terrain surveying and surface model reconstruction. KOLIDA SG130 Lidar System integrates high-precision GNSS and IMU modules and features a maximum range of 1800 meters. With its ability to capture centimeter-level point clouds over wide regions, it can help you overcome the challenges of large-area mapping. SG130 is ideal for power-line inspection, water conservancy, forestry surveys, and other applications with vast working areas.

The mobile scanning system is taking off to perform topographic surveying

SLAM Scanners: Lightweight and agile, SLAM scanners are commonly operated by one hand. Held by surveyors, they are more flexible for mobile indoor/outdoor scanning and confined spaces. Products such as the Dotlas and ME series combine SLAM and RTK technologies for real-time positioning and mapping, enabling robust data capture even without GNSS signals. The 1+1>2 combo are well-suited for building interiors, mines and plant sites, and emergency surveying.

ME is conducting outdoor building facade collection

4. One-stop Platform for Easy Point-cloud Preprocessing

Data acquisition is only the beginning — the quality and efficiency of point-cloud processing determine the final outcome. A typical point-cloud preprocessing workflow includes data import, quality check, registration, multi-source fusion, point-cloud refinement, detail adjustment, final product generation and data export. KOLIDA’s self-developed software, AcuteLas Studio, integrates an entire set of point-cloud processing steps on one single platform. In addition, industrial tool sets for power, mining, and other continuously expanding applications greatly simplify processing and reduce time costs, helping you complete full-workflow laser-scanning projects more efficiently.

The point cloud data processed using AcuteLas Studio

5. Conclusion—Efficient Digitalization Solution for the Real World

Beyond the scanner itself, 3D laser scanning provides a comprehensive solution, turning raw measurements from the field into valuable insights and ready-to-use project deliverables like 3D models and drawings. Achieve a complete, end-to-end surveying solution. Our ecosystem combines versatile hardware—from high-precision terrestrial scanners SPL-1500 and efficient mobile scanners SG130 to flexible SLAM and its hybrid devices Me & Dotlas—with our one-stop processing platform, AcuteLas Studio, to capture everything from the finest detail to the widest terrain. Contact us for sample data or schedule a live demo—let us help you turn the visible world into valuable data.