Geo-matching 1-2026 by Geomares Publishing

Issue 1 2026

A practical guide to today’s surveying and mapping technology

Putting the top geospatial tools head to head

Seamless data fusion into an optimally matched point cloud

Turning core technology into practical value for surveyors

Bringing inertial navigation beyond conventional surveying

Director Strategy & Business Development Durk Haarsma Financial Director Meine van der Bijl Head of Content Peter Tapken Contributing Editor Wim van Wegen Copy Editor Lynn Radford, Englishproof.nl Marketing Advisors Myrthe van der Schuit, Sandro Steunebrink Traffic Manager Linda van der Lans Design Persmanager, The Hague

6 Inside the surveyor’s toolkit: Intergeo Product Guide Powered by Geo-matching, the Intergeo Product Guide is your essential companion to the tech shaping modern surveying and mapping – GNSS receivers, total stations, terrestrial laser scanners and mobile mappers, all in one place. Drawing on the full range of manufacturers and products showcased at Intergeo, it spotlights the specs, innovations and differences that matter – from integrated IMUs in GNSS to automated scanning in total stations. A clear, practical snapshot of where geospatial technology stands today, and where it’s headed next.

OXTS: Making high-performance inertial navigation accessible beyond conventional surveying OXTS provides the high-accuracy positioning and orientation layer underpinning modern surveying and mapping systems. Here, Joe Hallett discusses the ongoing integration of positioning with other sensors, and how OXTS is closing the gap between raw data and trusted, usable geospatial information.

3 4 16 26 33, 39

RIEGL: Combining technology, experience, accuracy and efficiency to deliver solutions that make a difference For nearly two decades, RIEGL has gone beyond building cutting-edge systems to understanding how they perform in the field – it even tests and calibrates every airborne scanner on its own aircraft. Here, Peter Rieger reflects on RIEGL’s milestones in laser scanning, and explains how the company plans to tackle geospatial’s biggest unmet need: seamless data fusion into one matched point cloud.

Editorial CHCNAV Gexcel Laser Tech Project spotlight

For more information, go to geo-matching.com

Geomares P.O. Box 112, 8530 AC Lemmer, The Netherlands T: +31 (0) 514-56 18 54 F: +31 (0) 514-56 38 98 info@geomares.nl geo-matching.com No material may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of Geomares. Copyright © 2026, Geomares, The Netherlands All rights reserved. ISSN 1566-9076

Issue 1 2026

Cover story As construction begins on a new site, reliable positioning is essential. With the Infipax Titan L80 operating as a base station, surveyors can work with confidence across large and demanding areas. Its 5W internal radio provides RTK coverage of up to 20km, while a battery life of up to 44 hours keeps operations running. Discover Infipax and its next-generation positioning technology with full ISO 9001 certification at Intergeo, booth G029. (Image courtesy: Infipax)

Editorial

New technology, new possibilities New technology brings new opportunities and possibilities. While AI and ML have been integrated into a lot of hardware and software, many other innovations – both large and small – are also making a meaningful impact on the industry. For instance, Gaussian splatting has been integrated into many laser scanning systems, an increasing number of GNSS receivers now include anti-jamming/ anti-spoofing features, and tilt compensation is included in most systems, to name but a few examples. For this Intergeo Product Guide powered by Geo-matching, we have chosen to provide overviews of the following five surveying and mapping product categories: GNSS receivers, total stations, terrestrial laser scanners, mobile mapping systems, and handheld laser scanners. The ever-growing category of handheld laser scanners is a notable addition this year. These systems are simplifying surveying in hard-to-reach spaces and GNSSrestricted areas. To make it easier for you to see and compare important differences, we list the most important specifications and features for 86 products. We have also made mini-guides per product group, providing a concise summary of key trends and developments. For a more comprehensive overview of surveying equipment, visit www.geo-matching.com. The platform currently features more than 5,000 products from 1,100 manufacturers. On the Geo-matching platform (and also on the GIM International and Hydro International websites), you can also find AskGEOrge. This multilingual AI chat tool answers questions related to geospatial products and applications, providing direct

access to suitable technologies and use cases. AskGEOrge has already helped many geoprofessionals in our global audience find a suitable solution for their next project – whatever that may be! So we encourage you to try it for yourself, and let us know what you think.

Needless to say, choosing the right product is not only a matter of comparing specifications and conducting product research. That’s why we invited five industryleading manufacturers – RIEGL, CHCNAV, OXTS, Gexcel and Laser Tech – to share their vision on the industry and explain how their equipment is shaping the toolkit of tomorrow’s surveying professionals. Their contributions cover a wide variety of topics, such as seamless data fusion in the current geospatial workflow, how to manage the current data explosion while keeping autonomy and decision speed, increasing efficiency with new measurement techniques, and how to enable better connected workflows from field to office overall. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for every project, and no single manufacturer can meet the entire geospatial ecosystem’s needs. Amidst all the variety in the industry, Intergeo is a perfect opportunity to experience first-hand how the various technologies are moving forward, and to discover which new solutions and continuous improvements can best support your work as a geospatial professional. In between meeting fellow professionals and industry partners at Intergeo, don’t forget to visit Geo-matching.com, and our partner publication GIM International, for updates on the latest trends, developments, product innovations and user stories at stand B5L012. Enjoy reading this product guide – and enjoy Intergeo! Peter Tapken head of content, Geo-matching.com

Issue 1 2026

Translating core technology capabilities into practical value for modern surveyors By building and owning multiple technology layers, from GNSS and inertial navigation to Lidar, perception and software capabilities, CHC Navigation makes demanding geospatial work easier, safer and more productive. Here, founder and CEO George Zhao reflects on the company’s drive to ensure that advanced positioning and spatial intelligence become dependable everyday tools for surveyors, not capabilities reserved for a limited number of specialized projects.

How is your company contributing to providing the right equipment for the surveyor’s and geomatics engineer’s toolkit? The modern surveyor’s toolkit is becoming a connected system rather than a collection of isolated instruments. At CHC Navigation, we design each element around the task, from positioning and field capture to processing and delivery. The CHCNAV ViLi i100 combines GNSS, visual positioning and Lidar to maintain productivity when satellite visibility

is limited, while the RS7 brings professional handheld reality capture to complex indoor and outdoor environments. These instruments are supported by CHCNAV PointX positioning infrastructure and a software ecosystem that moves data into quality control, modelling and deliverable generation with fewer conversions. Our objective is to help professionals change tools less often, verify data earlier, reduce site revisits and produce survey-grade outputs faster.

A surveyor using the CHCNAV RS10 handheld SLAM laser scanner for efficient 3D reality capture and mapping on a construction site.

Which aspect of your company’s contribution to the geospatial sector – and adjacent fields – are you most proud of? I am most proud of the long-term decision to build our own core technology capabilities and translate them into practical value for customers. CHC Navigation has invested across GNSS positioning engines and antennas, inertial navigation, Lidar, SLAM, perception algorithms, correction services and professional software. Owning these layers gives us greater control over performance, integration and product continuity, but technology ownership is not the objective by itself. It must make demanding work easier, safer and more productive. Today, more than 2,200 CHC Navigation employees support customers and partners in over 140 countries across surveying, construction, hydrography, monitoring, agriculture and autonomy. What matters most to me is that advanced positioning and spatial intelligence are becoming dependable everyday tools, not capabilities reserved for a limited number of specialized projects.

Issue 1 2026

A surveyor using the CHCNAV ViLi i100 VisualLidar RTK for high-precision data collection in a complex urban environment. There is growing demand for data to be not just accessible, but directly editable and processable in the field. How far does your solution go in enabling that kind of edge processing? Edge processing should support decisions that cannot wait, while heavier computation should run where it is most effective. On CHCNAV field instruments and controllers, sensor fusion, georeferencing, point-cloud visualization, coverage checks and calculations can occur during acquisition. This allows operators to identify gaps, verify quality and correct the survey before leaving the site. At the edge, teams can extract points, calculate volumes, register datasets and prepare outputs. Larger tasks, including AI-assisted classification, terrain modelling, photogrammetry and 3D reconstruction, then

move to processing environments such as CoProcess and CoMeta. We do not believe every processing task should be forced onto the instrument. The objective is to place each function where it preserves data integrity and shortens the path from capture to deliverable. The sale is only the beginning. What does your support model look like over the lifetime of the product, and how do you handle it when things go wrong in the field? For professional users, uptime and support are part of product performance. Our model begins before deployment, with application assessment, configuration, installation guidance and operator training. It continues through local partners, regional specialists, online resources, software and firmware updates, and direct escalation to headquarters when engineering intervention is required. When an issue occurs in the field, the first response should come from people who understand the customer’s language, environment and workflow. Regional teams then address complex application questions, while product and engineering teams support root-cause analysis when necessary. This structure combines local proximity with global technical depth. The goal is to restore operations quickly and feed field experience back into product development and future training. Where do you see the biggest unmet need in the geospatial workflow right now, and how are you planning to address it? The biggest unmet need is no longer the ability to capture more data. It is the ability to convert multi-source data into trusted, interoperable

About the author George Zhao is the founder and CEO of CHC Navigation. With more than 30 years of experience in positioning and geospatial technology, he has guided the company’s development of proprietary GNSS, inertial, Lidar, perception and software capabilities, expanding CHC Navigation into a technology provider serving customers in over 140 countries.

and decision-ready deliverables without unnecessary handoffs. Users still lose time moving between separate hardware, software and file formats, while point clouds and imagery grow in scale. At CHC Navigation, we are addressing this through an integrated workflow that connects capture, positioning, processing, analysis and delivery. PointX provides a resilient positioning foundation, our sensors collect complementary data, and platforms such as CoCloud support automated processing and collaboration. AI will play an important role in classification, feature extraction and quality checks, but professional validation remains essential. Our direction is to capture once, validate early and make spatial data reusable throughout the asset lifecycle.

Capture Reality. Deliver 3D Results. RS10 & RS7 Handheld 3D Laser Scanners + GNSS RTK Visit CHCNAV at 2026 INTERGEO Hall C, Booth D149

www.chcnav.com | Your Trusted Geospatial Partner

Issue 1 2026

GNSS Receivers Company

Alpha GEO

Archimedes Innovation

Bad Elf, LLC

Title

Matrix X

AR15

AL16

Flex Mini GNSS

Height [mm]

Depth [mm]

128

Width [mm]

128

139

Total Weight [kg]

0,89

0,918

0,143

Year of last update

2026

2025

Year of initial introduction

2026

2025

2023

No. channels

1408

135

Max. simultaneous tracked channels

1408

135

Tracked satellite signals

GPS\GLONASS\BDS\ GALILEO\QZSS\ NavIC(IRNSS)\SBAS

GPS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L2P(Y), L5; BDS: B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b; Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E6; GLONASS: G1, G2, G3; QZSS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L5, L6; NavIC: L5; SBAS: L1C/A

GPS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L2P(Y), L5; BDS: B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b; Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E6; GLONASS: G1, G2,G3; QZSS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L5, L6; NavIC: L5; SBAS: L1C/A

GPS L1 C/A, L5; GLONASS L1; Galileo E1, E5a; BeiDou B1I, B2a; QZSS L1; SBAS: WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS

Reacqisition time [s]

<1s

Augmentation options

Single base, VRS, PPP

code: DGNSS/RTC (constant part) [m]

0,25

code: DGNSS/RTC (variable part) [ppm]

Horizontal uncertainty (contstant part) [m]

0,25

0,008

Horizontal uncertainty (variable part) [ppm]

Vertical uncertainty (constant part) {m}

0,25

0,015

Vertical uncertainty (variable part) {ppm}

Operating time with standard battery [hr]

Charge time [h]

Wireless

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, eSIM

Bluetooth

Wired

USB-C, Serial

USB-C

IMU/tilt compensation

Max. tilt angle {°}

120

Anti-jamming

Anti-spoofing

General

Performance

Uncertainty

Power

Communication

IMU/Tilt Compensation

Anti-jamming/anti-spoofing

Issue 1 2026

Bynav Technology

CHC Navigation

ComNav Technology

Portable RTK Pole

CHCNAV i85

ViLi i100

Mercury Laser RTK

159

171

134

0,24

0,8

1,39

0,5

2026

672

1892

1590

672

1892

1590

GPS (L1C/A, L2C, L5); Galileo (E1‑B/C, E5a, E6); BeiDou (B1I, B1C, B2a, B3I); QZSS (L1C/A, L1C/B, L2C, L5); NavIC (L1‑SPS, L5‑SPS); SBAS

GPS: L1C/A, L2C, L2P(Y), L5 GLONASS: L1, L2, L3* Galileo:E1, E5a, E5b, E6* BeiDou: B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b* QZSS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L5

GPS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L2P(Y), L5 GLONASS: G1,G2,G3 Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E6* BeiDou: B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b QZSS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L5 NavIC/ IRNSS: L5* SBAS: L1C/A*

GPS: L1C/A, L1C, L2P, L2C, L5; BDS: B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b; GLONASS: G1, G2, G3; Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E6c, E5 AltBOC; QZSS: L1C/A, L2C, L5, L1C; IRNSS: L5; SBAS: L1C/A

≤1

Single base, VRS, PPP

Single base, PPP

PPP

PPP, VRS

0,01

0,4

0,008

0,06

0,008

0,0025

0,01

0,015

0,005

0,5

4,8

Cellular (4G/LTE), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UHF Radio

UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC

UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Cellular (4G/LTE), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

USB-C

120

Issue 1 2026

Company+A1:C2

Eos Positioning Systems

eSurvey

FJDynamics

GreenValley International

Title

Skadi Gold RTK GNSS Receiver

eRTK80

FJD Trion V100F

LiBase2

Height [mm]

142

120

75,5

Depth [mm]

159

130

134

Width [mm]

159

215

134

Total Weight [kg]

935

< 1.1

1,75

0,85

Year of last update

2026

Year of initial introduction

2024

2026

2025

No. channels

800

1408

Max. simultaneous tracked channels

800

1408

Tracked satellite signals

GPS: L1CA, L1P, L1C, L2P, L2C, L5. GLONASS: G1, G2, G3, P1, P2. Galileo: E1BC, E5a, E5b, E6BC, ALTBOC. BeiDou: B1i, B2i, B3i, B2A, B2B, ACEBOC. QZSS: L1CA, L1C, L2C, L5, LEX. IRNSS: L5

GPS, BDS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, NavIC, SBAS, L-Band

GPS: L1 C/A, L1C, L2C, L2P, L5; GLONASS: L1, L2, L3; BeiDou: B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b; Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E6; QZSS: L1, L2C, L5, L6*; IRNSS: L5*; SBAS: L1 C/A

GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, GALILEO, QZSS, IRNSS

Reacqisition time [s]

<1s

<10s

Augmentation options

Single base, VRS, PPP

PPP

Single base, VRS, PPP

code: DGNSS/RTC (constant part) [m]

0,01

0.4

0,4

0.4m

code: DGNSS/RTC (variable part) [ppm]

Horizontal uncertainty (contstant part) [m]

0,01

0,4

0,008

Horizontal uncertainty (variable part) [ppm]

Vertical uncertainty (constant part) {m}

0,02

0,8

0,015

Vertical uncertainty (variable part) {ppm}

Operating time with standard battery [hr]

Charge time [h]

2,5

3,5

Wireless

Bluetooth

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, LoRa

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Wired

USB-C, Serial

USB-C

IMU/tilt compensation

Max. tilt angle {°}

Anti-jamming

Anti-spoofing

General

Performance

Uncertainty

Power

Communication

IMU/Tilt Compensation

Anti-jamming/anti-spoofing

Issue 1 2026

Hi-Target

Infipax

INTEC SURVEYING

JAVAD GNSS

Juniper Systems

V600L Laser RTK

Altus M8

Magic L

PulserOne

Spire

71,99

109

108

143

139

132

144

130,97

139

132

144

0,8

0,85

1,1

0,33

2026

2025

2026

1408

874

672

1408

874

672

BDS/GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO/ QZSS/NavIC/SBAS/PPP

BDS: B1I, B2I, B3I, B2a, B2b; GPS: L1C/A, L1C, L2P(Y), L2C, L5; GLONASS: G1, G2, G3; GALILEO: E1, E5a, E5b, E6; QZSS: L1, L2, L5, L6; SBAS: L1C/A; PPP: B2b-PPP, L6HAS; L-BAND: Global Land

GPS:L1C/A/L2P(Y)/L2C/ L5, GLONASS:L1/L2, BDS:B1I/B2I/B3I/B1C/ B2a/B2b, Galileo:E1/ E5a/E5b/E6, QZSS:L1/ L2/L5/L6,SBAS:L1

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, SBAS, NavIC, L-Band

L1CA, L2C, L5, G1, G2, B1I, B1C, B2a, B3I, E1BC, E5a, E6, QZSS, SPS-L5

<5s

Cold Start 25 sec, Warm Start <10 sec, Hot Start 2 sec

Single base, VRS, PPP

PPP

PPP, Single base

PPP

VRS, PPP

0,25

0.4

0,5

0,6

0,008

0,006

0,015

0,01

7,5

3,5

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, LoRa

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

UHF Radio, Wi-Fi, Cellular (4G/LTE), NFC, Bluetooth

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, eSIM

Bluetooth

USB-C

USB-C, Serial

USB-C

120

Issue 1 2026

Company+A1:C2

NovAtel

SatLab

SingularXYZ

Sokkia

Title

OEM7700

SL8

Horus

GRX5

Height [mm]

45,7

Depth [mm]

7,97

133

139

Width [mm]

71,1

131

133

139

Total Weight [kg]

0,031

0,73

0,72

0,995

Year of last update

2022

2026

Year of initial introduction

2016

2025

No. channels

1408

448

Max. simultaneous tracked channels

1408

448

Tracked satellite signals

GPS L1 C/A, L1C, L2C, L2P, L5, GLONASS2 L1 C/A, L2 C/A, L2P, L3, L5, Galileo3 E1, E5 AltBOC, E5a, E5b, E6, BeiDou B1I, B1C, B2I, B2a, B2b, B3I, QZSS L1 C/A, L1 C/B, L1C, L1S, L2C, L5, L6, NavIC L5, SBAS L1, L5, L-Band

GPS: L1C/A, L1C, L2P(Y), L2C, L5 BDS: B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b GLONASS: L1, L2, L3 Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E6 QZSS: L1, L2, L5, L6* NavIC: L5 SBAS: L1, L2, L5 PPP: B2b-PPP, Galileo E6-HAS

BDS: B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b GPS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L2P (Y), L5 GLONASS: G1, G2, G3 Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E6 QZSS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L5

GPS: L1 C/A, L1P, L2P, L2C, L5 GLONASS: L1 C/A, L2P, L2C/A, L3 Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E5 AltBOC, E6 BeiDou: B1, B1C, B2, B2a, B2b, B3 IRNSS (NavIC): L5 SBAS: L1, L5 QZSS: L1C/A, L1 C/B, L2C, L5

Reacqisition time [s]

<0.5s

Augmentation options

PPP

Single base ,VRS, PPP

Single base, PPP, VRS

Single base, VRS, PPP

code: DGNSS/RTC (constant part) [m]

1,2

0,25

code: DGNSS/RTC (variable part) [ppm]

General

Performance

Uncertainty

Horizontal uncertainty (contstant part) [m]

0,25

0,008

Horizontal uncertainty (variable part) [ppm]

0,01

Vertical uncertainty (constant part) {m}

3,5

0,015

Vertical uncertainty (variable part) {ppm}

0,4

Operating time with standard battery [hr]

Charge time [h]

3,5

2,5

Wireless

UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, LoRa

UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Wired

USB-C, Serial

USB-C

IMU/tilt compensation

Max. tilt angle {°}

Anti-jamming

Anti-spoofing

Power

Communication

IMU/Tilt Compensation

Anti-jamming/anti-spoofing

Issue 1 2026

Stonex

TechnoGIS

Topcon Positioning

Trimble

Unicore Communications

S1000 GNSS Receiver

TGS GNSS RTK

HiPer XR

R980

UM982C

130

156

130

139

2,6

156

139

0,87

0,85

0,995

1,13

0,00182

2025

2026

2024

2025

2024

1408

448

672

1408

448

672

1408

GPS: L1 C/A, L2P, L2C, L5; GLONASS: L1, L2, L3; BEIDOU: B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b; GALILEO: E1, E5a, E5b, E6; QZSS: L1, L2, L5, L6; IRNSS: L5; SBAS

GPS, BeiDou(BDS), GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, SBAS, NavIC/IRNSS, L-Band, GPS : L1C/A, L1C, L2P(Y), L2C, L6, BeiDou (BDS) : B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b, GLONASS : L1, L2, L3, Galileo : E1, E5a, E5b, E6, SBAS : L1, L5, NavIC/IRNSS : L1, L5, L-band : B2b PPP / HAS*

GPS: L1 C/A, L1P, L2P, L2C, L5 GLONASS: L1 C/A, L2P, L2C/A, L3 Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E5 AltBOC, E6 BeiDou: B1, B1C, B2, B2a, B2b, B3 IRNSS (NavIC): L5 SBAS: L1, L5 QZSS: L1C/A, L1 C/B, L2C, L5

GPS (L1C, L1C/A, L2C, L2E, L5), GLONASS (L1C/A, L1P, L2C/A, L2P, L3), BeiDou (B1, B1C, B2, B2A, B2B, B3), Galileo (E1, E5A, E5B, E5 AltBOC, E6), QZSS (L1C/A, L1S, L1C, L2C, L5, L6), NavIC (L5), SBAS (L1C/A, L5)

BDS B1I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b GPS L1C/A, L2P(Y)/ L2C, L5 GLONASS G1, G2 Galileo E1, E5a, E5b, E6 QZSS L1C/A, L1C/B, L2C, L5, L6 L-Band

<1s

<1S

Single base, VRS, PPP

Yes

Single base, VRS, PPP

0,8

0,25

0,4

0,005

0,0025

0,008

0,5

0,01

0,005

0,015

0,5

6,5

2,5

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRa

UHF Radio, NFC, Bluetooth

Cellular (4G/LTE), UHF Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

USB-C

USB-C. Serial

Issue 1 2026

GNSS receivers The specification table on the following pages reveals a pattern: the GNSS receiver market isn’t being reshaped by one single breakthrough, but by everything getting steadily better at the same time. And the most consequential shift is happening off the spec sheet. Multi-constellation is the baseline, not the premium option A decade ago, simultaneously tracking GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou was a selling point. Today, it’s an entry-level requirement. Nearly every full receiver listed here – from CHC Navigation’s i85 to Archimedes Innovation’s AL16 – tracks all four global constellations plus QZSS, NavIC and SBAS. Channel counts keep climbing too, with 1,408 now a common headline figure among brands ranging from Archimedes Innovation and SatLab to SingularXYZ and Stonex. Incidentally, a receiver only needs enough to track the roughly 70 satellites visible across all constellations at once. Beyond a few hundred channels, the gain is mostly marketing. From accuracy to flexibility Horizontal uncertainty figures clustering around 8mm constant part and 1ppm variable part may sound like a recent achievement, but that precision has been roughly the industry norm for about 20 years, improving only marginally each generation. Horizontal accuracy, the figure most commonly advertised, also matters less for this receiver class than vertical accuracy – harder to achieve, more relevant to survey and construction work, and rarely given equal billing. What has genuinely moved is the flexibility around that baseline: sub-second reacquisition, and single base, VRS and PPP correction all supported in the same unit. There are more variations in PPP support itself than initially apparent. Most receivers here lean on Galileo’s HAS service, solid horizontally but weaker vertically. Meanwhile, proprietary PPP from brands like JAVAD, Topcon and Trimble tends to hold up more consistently across both axes.

Issue 1 2026

What today’s GNSS receivers reveal Tilt compensation helps, but it isn’t free IMU-assisted tilt compensation now is near-universal, letting surveyors skip the bubble-centring step and reach points previously awkward to access directly. Advertised maximum tilt angles mostly sit in the 60-90° band. A handful of options listed here push past that, though anything much above 90° edges toward physically implausible and more likely reflects a data-entry quirk than a real capability. Remember, the correction isn’t free. Tilt-compensated measurements carry their own added uncertainty – a small accuracy cost easy to overlook when focusing on convenience. Security is firmware territory, not a fixed line Anti-jamming/anti-spoofing protection is far from standard, confirmed for just under half the receivers listed here – including established brands like JAVAD, Sokkia, Topcon and Trimble, alongside entrants such as FJDynamics and Unicore. But this is one of the fastest-moving specs in this category. Firmware updates mean realworld capability can shift ahead of what is documented, so this information should be viewed as a current snapshot rather than being set in stone. The real shift is commercial, not technical None of the above amounts to a single breakthrough. Constellation coverage, accuracy and tilt compensation have converged incrementall; what is now considered an ‘ordinary’ receiver would have been regarded as exceptional a few product cycles ago. Prices are changing even faster, with entry points drifting downward – especially among newer manufacturers. Longer-standing brands have generally held their prices, often paired with more extensive local service and support – a benefit buyers increasingly weigh up alongside the spec sheet itself.

Handheld laser scanners

The state of handheld laser scanning Handheld laser scanners capture detailed 3D data of objects and environments on the move, without the fixed setup a tripod-mounted instrument requires. Today’s systems can continuously combine observations of the object or environment from multiple viewpoints. Increasingly, they also let the operator check the developing dataset live on the device rather than in the office afterwards. SLAM is no longer optional All but one system in this overview runs on simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) rather than relying on a conventional GNSS/RTK workflow alone. Elsewhere, the real question has shifted from ‘Does it have SLAM?’ to ‘How well does it hold up in long sessions, repetitive corridors or low light conditions?’. Hybrid positioning is spreading Over half of this year’s scanners – three in five – now pair SLAM with RTK or PPK correction. The devices can switch between GNSS-referenced positioning outdoors and SLAM-based tracking indoors without external ground control points, merging two separate workflows into one continuous session. Colour and mesh as default outputs Around two-thirds of the scanners here carry an integrated 360° camera. Beyond adding colour to a point cloud, camera imagery can contribute additional 3D information through photogrammetry and complement the high-accuracy geometry captured by the laser. Dual systems fuse image-based reconstruction with laser measurements rather than presenting a single laser viewpoint, delivering a more complete ‘one-scan’ result. Automatic mesh generation has advanced too; most systems listed here produce a usable mesh from the captured data, reducing the amount of separate modelling needed before the result can be used in CAD or BIM workflows.

Gaussian splatting has arrived Close to two-thirds of these systems already support 3D Gaussian splatting, a rendering technique that can produce markedly more photorealistic-looking reconstructions than a traditional mesh. That visual realism should not be confused with measurement accuracy. Splatting is an interpolation and rendering method, while accuracy depends on the underlying capture, positioning and processing workflow. Live, on-device visualization is nearly universal too, though that mostly means watching the point cloud build in real time to spot coverage gaps. Typically, the captured data is still processed into a finished mesh or splat after the fact, not in the field. Persistent tradeoff between precision and weight When it comes to accuracy, the specifications are not necessarily directly comparable. Manufacturers may quote different metrics – including relative (point-to-point) and absolute (georeferenced) accuracy – and the underlying test conditions can differ. Therefore, an unusually impressive figure may reflect the way the specification is defined as much as a fundamental performance advantage. Weight is easier to compare. The lightest units come in at around 1kg, less than half that of the bulkiest, more fully equipped systems (close to 3.5kg). The variation stems from different design priorities: from fast, portable capture, to systems carrying more sensors and processing hardware.

In GIM International’s most recent industry survey, handheld scanners were mentioned unusually often as planned purchases, with the devices valued for their versatility in capturing multiple scenarios. The same survey revealed the pragmatism driving that popularity. One respondent admitted that SLAM’s near-universal adoption has pushed prices down to the point where more traditional, higher-accuracy methods struggle to compete on cost alone. The specifications show that handheld laser scanning has moved past proving itself and into the next phase. SLAM is well established, and hybrid positioning is spreading fast. Not only new capabilities but also falling prices are pulling in less experienced users. Whereas colour fidelity, output format and the weight-versus-precision balance were last year’s battlegrounds, trust in the data itself may be next year’s.

Issue 1 2026

Handheld Laser Scanners Company

Bad Elf, LLC

CHC Navigation

Title

Bad Elf and Pix4D Scanning Kit

RS7

RS10

Year of introduction

2025

2024

Year of last update

2026

Total Weight [kg]

1,2

1.7kg (including RTK and battery)

Hardware Material

Polycarbonate (GNSS receiver component: Bad Elf Flex Mini Extreme)

Certification and calibration

IP64 (IEC 60529); Class 1 Eye Safe laser

Min. Range [mm]

500

Max. Range [mm]

40,000

300,000

Max. vertical field of view [deg]

189

40,3

Max. horizontal field of view [deg]

360

3D measurement accuracy [mm]

<30mm absolute (H/V RMS); <10mm relative

Data aquisition speed (points p/second)

Single Return: 576 000 pts/sec; Dual Return: 1,152,000 pts/sec

Single Return: 640 000 pts/sec; Dual Return: 1 280 000 pts/sec; Triple Return: 1,920,000 pts/sec

Number of cameras

Camera resolution (MP)

360 degrees camera

Sensor chip

SLAM technology

SLAM algorithm type

LiDAR+IMU (LIO)

Hybrid

SLAM accuracy {mm}

Positioning modes

GNSS,RTK< PPK

SLAM, GNSS

SLAM, RTK< PPK, GNSS

GNSS RTK integrated

Operating temperature: min. [°C]

-20

Operating temperature: max. [°C]

Humidity range [%]

80%, Nn-condensing

Battery type

Integrated battery in handle, 47.5 Wh

Lithium battery, supports hot-swapping and portable charger

Scan time per battery [h]

2,5

Mesh as output

Gaussian Splatting Output

Real time visualization during scanning

Other Formats

Point cloud, GCPs (Ground Control Points) and marks

Colorized point clouds, 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS)

General

Scanning Characteristics

Camera specifications

SLAM technology

Positioning modes (SLAM/RTK/PPK)

Operation Characteristics

Power

Functionality

Issue 1 2026

ComNav TechNlogy

Emesent

eSurvey

Exyn TechNlogies

LS600

GX1

eXplore 70

Nexys

2025

2026

2024

2026

2,3

3,5

1,6

3,1

Industrial-grade aluminum

Aluminium housing

FCC, CE

IP67

500

300,000

70,000

100,000

270

284

360

Absolute: 30mm (RMSE); Real-time relative: 20mm; Processed relative: 10 mm; Point cloud thickness: ≤5mm

Relative < 20, Absolute < 30

±10mm (1 sigma)

640,000

1,920,000

200,000

1,280,000

3,2

FLIR Blackfly

Hybrid

LiDAR+IMU (LIO)

Hybrid

SLAM, RTK< PPK, GNSS

SLAM, RTK< PPK

-20

-10

-20

Up to 99%

Li-ion battery

54Wh 10.8V Smart Li-Ion Battery (removable)

Built-in: 14.4 V, 3400 mAh; optional hot-swappable Handle battery: 14.4 V, 3400 mAh

V-Mount Li-Ion

1,5

Point cloud (.las), Images (.jpg)

LAS, PLY, XYZ, E57

Issue 1 2026

Providing state-of-the-art solutions engineered to solve true ‘survey nightmares’ With an integrated ecosystem bridging hardware, desktop software and automated monitoring, Gexcel supports fast and accurate 3D reality capture, seamless data handling and a singleproject approach to deliver high-density meshes and other exports. Here, Giorgia Rossi, international sales manager at Gexcel, explains how the company offers decisive benefits for users, ranging from operational advantages to step-by-step support. She also discusses how the industry can manage the data explosion without sacrificing field autonomy or decision speed. How is your company contributing to providing the right equipment for the surveyor’s and geomatics engineer’s toolkit? Gexcel equips geomatics engineers and surveyors with an integrated ecosystem bridging hardware, desktop software and automated 3D monitoring. This includes HERON wearable systems for SLAM portable mapping, enabling ultra-fast, highly accurate 3D reality capture across challenging underground, outdoor and complex architectural environments. Our desktop post-processing software breaks processing limits, allowing seamless data handling anywhere. Meanwhile, our multi-sensor 3D software called Reconstructor processes and merges point clouds from diverse terrestrial laser scanners, mobile mapping devices and drones into a single project. It integrates seamlessly with BIM and 3D mesh models,

HERON 3D mapping system.

Issue 1 2026

delivering high-density meshes, DTMs and direct exports to CAD and BIM platforms. Additionally, for automated 3D monitoring, our OPMMS and 3DSMS deliver continuous, targetless slope stability tracking, real-time deformation heatmaps and precise volumetric analysis for mining, quarrying and stockpiles. Which aspect of your company’s contribution to the geospatial sector – and adjacent fields – are you most proud of? Powered by our patented SLAM algorithm, HERON and Reconstructor set the industry benchmark for complex 3D data collection, point cloud processing and digital twin generation. We take tremendous pride in providing state-of-the-art solutions engineered to solve true ‘survey nightmares’, and our capability to seamlessly manage massive spatial datasets within a single project is proven across extremes. In architecture, for example, our technology was used in the landmark survey of the Doge’s Palace in Venice, managing 101 trajectories and 17km of complex walking paths. Meanwhile, in a mine, a massive subterranean survey spanned 20km (round trip) across 14 trajectories deep underground. Whether navigating delicate historic spaces or dark, challenging mine shafts, Gexcel empowers surveyors to conquer their toughest reality capture challenges with complete confidence. There is growing demand for data to be not just accessible, but directly editable and processable in the field. How far does your solution go in enabling that kind of edge processing? Managing data directly in the field provides a decisive operational advantage, which is why HERON is built to be 100% cloudindependent. Users can verify, inspect and fully post-process 3D point cloud data on site using a standard PC, without an internet connection. This enables immediate data validation and rapid generation of draft or final deliverables, even in time-critical or security-sensitive environments. For automated monitoring, OPMMS performs all processing locally on the edge. Surface displacement calculations, monitoring results and safety alerts are generated on site in real time, ensuring immediate response without relying on connectivity. At the same time, authorized remote teams can securely

About the author

HERON’s coloured 3D point cloud model. access the local database to perform advanced geotechnical analysis and review long-term surface trends from anywhere in the world. The sale is only the beginning. What does your support model look like over the lifetime of the product, and how do you handle it when things go wrong in the field? We view every sale as the start of a long-term partnership. We take exceptional care of what happens after delivery. Because our team consists of domain experts – engineers, geotechnical specialists and architects – we guide our users step by step, both in the field and in the office. We offer a comprehensive support structure ranging from hands-on training and standard email helpdesk to interactive remote sessions for data verification and complex elaboration. When challenges arise in the field, our users know they aren’t alone; they speak directly with professionals who share their exact technical background, giving them complete confidence every step of the way.

Giorgia Rossi has been working at Gexcel as manager of worldwide sales since 2008, developing and strengthening the client and reseller network while gaining extensive experience in international markets. In her work, she particularly enjoys meeting people, attending conferences, organizing sales/ technical training and interacting with professionals. Where do you see the biggest unmet need in the geospatial workflow right now, and how are you planning to address it? The geospatial industry faces a major challenge: managing the data explosion without sacrificing field autonomy or decision speed. We see the biggest gaps in three areas. First, there is a processing bottleneck. Capturing 3D data is fast, but turning large datasets into final deliverables remains slow. We address this by optimizing Reconstructor to seamlessly handle multiple sensors and multiplatform support. The second issue is cloud dependency. Many modern platforms force users into constant cloud uploads. We address this by keeping HERON 100% cloud-independent, ensuring full on-premise capability even in deep underground or remote sites. Third, there is a gap between static data and live intelligence. Whereas traditional surveys are static snapshots, with OPMMS and 3DSMS we turn standard Lidar setups into continuous, automated 3D monitoring hubs that alert teams to movement in real time.

Issue 1 2026

Handheld Laser Scanners Company

FARO INSIGHT

Feima Robotics

FJDynamics

Title

Orbis Premium Mobile Laser Scanner

SLAM200

FJD Trion X1

Year of introduction

2024

2026

Year of last update

2026

Total Weight [kg]

3,6

1,9

1,3

Hardware Material

Various

Ariel aluminium

Alloy

Certification and calibration

Calibration certificate included

FCC, CE,

CE, FCC, PSE, WEEE, RoHs

Min. Range [mm]

500

Max. Range [mm]

120

300,000

70,000

Max. vertical field of view [deg]

360

270

Max. horizontal field of view [deg]

290

360

3D measurement accuracy [mm]

Absolute accuracy: <5cm

Relative: ≤10; Absolute: 30

Data aquisition speed (points p/second)

640,000

640 kpts/s

384,000

Number of cameras

Camera resolution (MP)

360 degrees camera

Sensor chip

General

Scanning Characteristics

Camera specifications

1/2.0‑inch

SLAM technology SLAM technology

SLAM algorithm type

LiDAR-only SLAM,Visual-Inertial SLAM

Hybrid

SLAM accuracy {mm}

Positioning modes

SLAM

GNSS RTK integrated

Operating temperature: min. [°C]

-20

Operating temperature: max. [°C]

Humidity range [%]

<95

Battery type

Li-ion

Lithium smart battery handle

DC handheld battery

Scan time per battery [h]

2,5

Mesh as output

Gaussian Splatting Output

Real time visualization during scanning

Other Formats

las, e57

.las, .pts, e57, .ply

Positioning modes (SLAM/RTK/PPK)

Operation Characteristics

Power

Functionality

Issue 1 2026

Geosun Navigation

GEXCEL

GreenValley International

Hi-Target

GS-203

HERON Lite Color

LiGrip O2 Pro

LS1 PRO

2025

2019

2026

1,7

1.7kg (handheld) + 1.1kg (over the shoulder)

1,68

Aluminum alloy

TechNpolimer, aluminum

CE and calibraton file

EU declaration of conformity

CE, PSE, FCC, and TELEC

Hi-Target standard calibration conditions (RMS)

500

70,000

300,000

360

300

280

360

≤20 mm @10 m,≤30 mm @0.2 m

Relative accuracy < 5mm; Absolute accuracy < 30mm

Relative: 10mm; Point cloud thickness: 10mm; Absolute: up to 20mm

200,000 pts/s

640,000

640,000 pts/s

640,000

CMOS Rolling Shutter Color

1-inch CMOS × 3

LiDAR+IMU (LIO)

Hybrid

LiDAR+IMU (LIO)

SLAM,GNSS

SLAM, RTK< PPK

-20

-10

-20

Nn condensing 95% rel

IP54

Lithium battery

Li-ion 6700 mAh | 80.4 Wh | 12 V

Handle battery / UAV power

1,5

.e57, .las, .ply, export in ReCap

LAS, LiData, Imglist + JPG, LOD-OSGB, lisplat, PLY

Point cloud, mesh, architectural outputs

Issue 1 2026

Company

Lidaretto

OmniSLAM Co., Ltd.

SatLab

Title

H32(X) - SLAM

R8+

Cygnus 3

Year of introduction

2024

2026

Year of last update

2026

Total Weight [kg]

1,6

2,1

1.98

Hardware Material

Aluminium, plastic

Engineering plastic + aluminum alloy

Certification and calibration

SatLab standard calibration conditions (RMS)

Min. Range [mm]

Max. Range [mm]

300

120,000

Max. vertical field of view [deg]

280

Max. horizontal field of view [deg]

360

3D measurement accuracy [mm]

Relative: 10mm; Absolute: up to 40mm

Data aquisition speed (points p/second)

640,000

320,000

Number of cameras

Camera resolution (MP)

360 degrees camera

Sensor chip

Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch Edition

SLAM technology

SLAM algorithm type

LiDAR+IMU (LIO)

SLAM accuracy {mm}

Positioning modes

SLAM, GNSS, RTK< PPK

SLAM, RTK< PPK, GNSS

SLAM, RTK< PPK

GNSS RTK integrated

Operating temperature: min. [°C]

-10

-25

-20 °C

Operating temperature: max. [°C]

Humidity range [%]

IP54

Battery type

External

li-ion rechargeable battery

Scan time per battery [h]

1,5

Mesh as output

Gaussian Splatting Output

Real time visualization during scanning

Other Formats

.las, .laz, .e57

Point clouds, mesh, 3DGS, DEM, contours, sections and profiles

General

Scanning Characteristics

Camera specifications

SLAM technology

Positioning modes (SLAM/RTK/PPK)

Operation Characteristics

Power

Functionality

Issue 1 2026

SHARE3DCAM

SingularXYZ

SKYLANDX

Sokkia

SLAM S100

MetaCam Lite

SR-S1

2025

2026

2,438

1,242

1,12

2,2

Aluminium alloy

Plastic, aluminum

CTA \ RoHS

Class 1 Eye Safe

CE, FCC, PSE, ICES, ROHS, RED calibration is done in the factory

500

40,000

300,000

140,000

70,000

120,000

40,3

63,5

360

280

Absolute Accuracy: ≤ 5cm Relative Accuracy: ≤ 1cm

1.5cm@10m; 3cm@20m; 5cm@40m

Absolute Accuracy: 5cm ; Relative Accuracy: ≤ 8mm

<30

640,000

480,000

216,000

640,000

IMX283

1/2"

LiDAR+IMU (LIO)

Hybrid

LiDAR-only SLAM, Visual-Inertial SLAM, LiDAR+IMU (LIO), Hybrid

SLAM, GNSS, RTK< PPK

GNSS, RTK< PPK, SLAM

SLAM

SLAM, RTK< PPK

-20

-10

-20

95%

Li-ion

1,5

2,5

.LAS, .PLY, .PCD

PCD, LAS, E57, PLY

3D point clouds, meshes, paNramic images

Issue 1 2026

Company

Stonex

TechNGIS

Topcon Positioning

ZENiTH

Title

X200GO

GeoLiDAR SLAM Lite 1

CR-S2

POCKET 2

Year of introduction

2024

2026

Year of last update

2025

2026

Total Weight [kg]

1,9

1,3

1,275

Hardware Material

Aluminium alloy

Plastic, aluminum

Aviation‑grade aluminum alloy & Engineering plastic

Certification and calibration

IEC/EN 60825-1:2014 (laser eye-safety, Class 1)

MSDS,CE,ISO

CE, FCC, PSE, ICES, ROHS, RED - calibration is done in the factory

CE self‑declaration; Factory‑pre‑calibrated, built‑in calibration file

Min. Range [mm]

500

0,1

Max. Range [mm]

300,000

7,000

70,000

Max. vertical field of view [deg]

360

Max. horizontal field of view [deg]

290

360

3D measurement accuracy [mm]

≤20mm @10m,≤30mm @0.2m

<30

Data aquisition speed (points p/second)

640,000

200,000

Number of cameras

Camera resolution (MP)

360 degrees camera

Sensor chip

Global shutter RGB sensor

SLAM technology

SLAM algorithm type

Hybrid

Visual-Inertial SLAM, LiDARonly SLAM, LiDAR+IMU (LIO), Hybrid

Hybrid

SLAM accuracy {mm}

Positioning modes

SLAM, RTK< PPK, GNSS

GNSS, RTK< PPK

SLAM, RTK< PPK

SLAM, INS-only, RTK< PPK, GNSS

GNSS RTK integrated

Operating temperature: min. [°C]

-20

-10

Operating temperature: max. [°C]

Humidity range [%]

10-90

Battery type

li-ion

lithium battery

Li-ion

Li‑ion rechargeable battery

Scan time per battery [h]

1,2

1,5

Mesh as output

Gaussian Splatting Output

Real time visualization during scanning

Other Formats

PLY, OBJ, OSJB, LAS, TXT

3D point clouds, meshes, paNramic images

LAS, LAZ, FBX, E57, PCD, PLY, OBJ

General

Scanning Characteristics

Camera specifications

SLAM technology

Positioning modes (SLAM/RTK/PPK)

Operation Characteristics

Power

Functionality

Issue 1 2026

Mobile mappers

Scrutinizing modern mobile mappers Mobile mapping used to be a straightforward ‘arms race’: more points per second, longer range, higher resolution. This lineup still has plenty of that, but the more telling story is what’s built around the sensor – how a system positions itself, what platforms it rides on and how much of the workflow it handles on its own. The high end still pushes raw performance At the top of the measurement-rate scale in this overview are CHCNAV’s AU20 MMS and Geosun Navigation’s gCollector-323, both listed at up to 2,000kHz. The gCollector-323 also has the longest stated range at 1,500m, narrowly ahead of the AU20’s 1,450m. Those headline figures should not be read as accuracy specifications. Ultimately, the accuracy of the georeferenced point cloud is determined by trajectory quality, sensor calibration, control and survey conditions. SLAM is spreading, but not yet universal Mobile mappers are still mid-transition to SLAM. Six of the nine systems in this overview list SLAM among their positioning modes: ComNav’s ML300, Geosun Navigation’s gCollector-323, Emesent’s Hovermap STX, GreenValley International’s LiMobile M2 Lite, JAWESO’s Panora Pro PL and Lidaretto’s multiplatform mapping system. Vehicle systems commonly derive their trajectory from GNSS integrated with inertial sensors, with RTK or PPK used where supported. An inertial solution can bridge short GNSS outages. However, uncertainty grows with time. SLAM can provide an additional constraint in tunnels, urban canyons and other GNSS-challenged environments, provided that sufficiently stable geometry is available. Multiple deployment options Platform flexibility is another dividing line. Emesent’s Hovermap STX supports vehicle, backpack, handheld, UAV and rail

deployment, while Lidaretto’s multiplatform mapping system adds USV to that mix. CHCNAV’s AU20 MMS can be deployed on a vehicle or UAV, and Geosun’s gCollector-323 is listed for USV and rail use. In contrast, GreenValley’s LiMobile M2 Lite, Horus’s Vertex 72MP and imajing’s imajbox 360HD are vehicle-focused, while JAWESO’s Panora Pro PL supports vehicle and rail deployment. Cameras have quietly become a headline spec All nine systems in this overview are listed with 360° imaging capability. Among the stated camera specifications, JAWESO’s Panora Pro PL reaches 200MP, while several systems list 72MP. High-resolution panoramic imaging supports point-cloud colourization, asset interpretation and – where cameras are appropriately calibrated and synchronized with the trajectory – image-based measurement. Megapixel count alone, however, does not determine measurement quality. Weight: what to watch When it comes to weight, there is a broad spread. Lidaretto’s multiplatform mapping system (1.4kg) and Emesent’s Hovermap STX (1.57 kg) are light enough to carry by hand, whereas Horus’s Vertex 72MP is listed at 46.2kg and sits firmly in dedicatedvehicle territory. Manufacturers do not always quote weight on the same basis; the figure shown may describe a sensor head or payload, rather than every component required for operational installation. Taken together, this category is settling into two sub-groups: portability-first systems chasing flexibility, and performance-first systems optimized for accuracy, range and high-speed corridor productivity. The boundary is not absolute. But when comparing systems for survey work, the key factors are the accuracy and repeatability of the final georeferenced deliverable under the real-world deployment conditions.

Issue 1 2026

Mobile Mappers Company

CHC Navigation | CHCNAV

ComNav Technology

Geosun Navigation

Emesent

Title

CHCNAV AU20 MMS

ML300

gCollector-323

Emesent Hovermap STX

Dimensions & Environment Weight [kg]

1,57

Application

Outdoor, Airborne

Outdoor

Outdoor,Rail

Outdoor, Indoor, Underground, Rail, Airborne

Carrier platforms

Vehicle, UAV

Vehicle

USV, Rail

Vehicle, Backpack, Handheld, UAV, Rail

Brand and model

C4800, C7200

FLIR Ladybug5+ (standard camera); Ladybug6 (optional upgrade)

Geosun & FisherEye

GoPro Hero and GoPro Max

Number of cameras

Max. camera resolution {MB}

5,6

0,59

Model dependant

Brand

CHCNAV

PRO 360/Hesai XT M2X

Hesai

Number of laser scanners

Min. Range [m]

1,5

0,5

Max Range [m]

1450

300

1500

300

Wavelength [nm]

1550

905

Max. measurement rate [kHz]

2000

1280

2000

1920

Range precision (1 σ)

Absolute accuracy (1 σ):

0,01

Positioning modes

GNSS

SLAM,GNSS

SLAM,RTK< PPK

SLAM, RTK< PPK, GNSS

GNSS receiver: Brand and model

CHCNAV, AT312

Unicomm & UM982

With external RTK receivers: Emlid RS2/RS2+/RS3, Leica GS18/GS18I/GS18T, Trimble R10/R12/R12i/R980

Number of antennas

Tracked GNSS signals

GPS: L1,L2,L5; GLONASS: L1,L2; BeiDou: B1,B2,B3; Galileo: E1,E5a,E5b

GPS, BDS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, SBAS

1480

Camera System

Sensor size [inch} 360 degrees camera Lidar Sensor

Positioning

Issue 1 2026

GreenValley International

Horus

imajing

JAWESO Mobile Mapping Systems

Lidaretto

LiMobile M2 Lite

Horus Vertex 72MP

imajbox 360HD

JAWESO Panora Pro PL

Multiplatform Mapping System

46,2

1,4

Outdoor, Underground

Outdoor

Outdoor ,Rail

Outdoor, Indoor, Rail, Airborne, Underground

Vehicle

Vehicle, Rail

Vehicle, Backpack, Handheld, UAV, USV, Rail

Ladybug 5+ of Ladybug 6

Teledyne LDB6

Pano 8K

200

12,288 x 6,144 pixels pano

Hesai

none

Hesai XT32/XT32M2X

0,05

0,5

300

120

300

905

1280

1920

640

0,5

0,01

1,5

SLAM,GNSS

GNSS

GNSS, RTK< PPK

SLAM,RTK< PPK, GNSS

SLAM,RTK< PPK,GNSS

AP+ 18/30/50

Septentrio Mosaïc X5

SBG Quanta Plus

Novatel OEM7720

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, SBAS

GPS (L1 C/A, L2C, L2E, L5), GLONASS (L1 C/A, L2 C/A, L3 CDMA), BeiDou (B1, B1C, B2, B2A, B36), Galileo (E1, E5A, E5B, E5AltBOC, E64), IRNSS: (L5), QZSS (L1 C/A, L1 SAIF, L1C, L2C, L5, LEX), SBAS (L1 C/A, L5), MSS L-Band (OmniSTAR, Trimble RTX)

GNSS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, SBAS

GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou

Issue 1 2026

Helping professionals rethink where measurement has to happen Laser Tech’s reflectorless laser measurement technology extends the reach of the surveyor’s toolkit by giving professionals another way to measure distance, inclination, height, clearance, width and azimuth. Here, Derrick Reish discusses the next evolution of field efficiency: getting more value from every field visit by capturing more information in less time, accomplishing more on site and completing more projects with the same resources. How is your company contributing to providing the right equipment for the surveyor’s and geomatics engineer’s toolkit? The geospatial professional is being asked to collect more data, faster and often in places where traditional positioning methods alone are not enough. Our role is to extend the reach of the existing toolkit. Laser Tech’s reflectorless laser measurement technology gives professionals another way to capture distance, inclination, height, clearance, width and azimuth measurements. When integrated with GIS and GNSS workflows, those measurements can help position assets that are difficult, unsafe, inaccessible or simply inefficient to occupy physically. We don’t see laser rangefinders as a replacement for GNSS or other surveying technologies. We see them as making those technologies more capable. The right tool and setup is the one that lets you collect the data you need from the position that makes the most sense. Which aspect of your company’s contribution to the geospatial sector – and adjacent fields – are you most proud of? We are proud of helping professionals rethink

TruPulse laser rangefinders let professionals capture remote measurements and position hardto-reach assets without physically occupying every point.

Issue 1 2026

where measurement has to happen. For decades, the assumption has often been that if you need information about an asset, you have to physically get to it. But field conditions don’t always cooperate. There may be traffic, private property, dangerous terrain, vegetation, blocked GNSS signals or simply too much ground to cover. Our technology gives professionals another option: measure the asset from where you stand. With a TruPulse rangefinder, users can capture remote measurements and incorporate that information into GIS and GNSS workflows. That idea extends well beyond traditional surveying. Professionals in utilities, forestry, telecommunications, construction, mining, public works and other sectors are all being asked to collect more detailed information in the field. We’re proud that our technology helps them collect that additional data without necessarily adding additional steps, equipment or exposure to the field environment. There is growing demand for data to be not just accessible, but directly editable and processable in the field. How far does your solution go in enabling that kind of edge processing? Our goal is to make the measurement itself part of the field-data workflow, not a separate task that has to be reconciled later. The TruPulse i-Series performs calculations directly onboard, including horizontal and vertical distance, height and missing-line measurements. The TruPulse 360i adds azimuth data, enabling 3D point-to-point calculations and remote positioning. From there, our mobile app software helps move that information into the user’s existing workflow. LaserSoft Connect integrates TruPulse measurements with ArcGIS Field Maps, allowing users to calculate remote locations and add measurement attributes to their field data. LaserSoft MapSmart provides another complete field-data collection workflow for mapping, measuring, positioning and calculating information such as stockpile volumes. The objective is simple: capture more of the data you see while you’re already in the field. The sale is only the beginning. What does your support model look like over the lifetime of the product, and how do you handle it when things go wrong in the field? Laser Tech’s professional measurement equipment has to perform outside the controlled environment of a lab. Our products are built around that reality, but supporting professionals means more than building rugged hardware. We provide field guides, manuals, training resources, software support, calibration guidance and technical assistance designed to help users get the most from their equipment

About the author

Reflectorless laser measurement provides distance, inclination, height, clearance and other measurements from a position chosen for efficiency and safety. throughout its life. The current TruPulse i-Series products also include a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. Just as importantly, we focus on helping customers understand the workflow behind the measurement. A technical problem isn’t always a hardware problem. Sometimes, the question is how to approach a difficult target, which measurement routine to use or how to incorporate the result into a GIS workflow. Our responsibility doesn’t end when the measurement tool leaves our facility. If the equipment is going into the field with you, our support goes there too. Where do you see the biggest unmet need in the geospatial workflow right now, and how are you planning to address it? One of the biggest opportunities is getting more value from every position a field professional occupies. GNSS has transformed how we capture location data, but there will always be assets that

Derrick Reish, global manager of product management at Laser Tech (LTI), has over 27 years of experience in professional measurement and mapping. He focuses on understanding customer challenges and transforming insights into innovative solutions that prioritize worker safety. LTI delivers seamless field-to-office solutions serving electric utilities, public works, forestry, construction and mining. are inaccessible, obstructed, unsafe to occupy or outside reliable signal coverage. At the same time, organizations want more than a coordinate. They want the measurements and attributes that make that coordinate useful. That’s where we see the opportunity: collect more measurements from where you stand. Our focus is on making laser measurement increasingly connected to the workflows professionals already use. TruPulse rangefinders can work with third-party GIS apps and GNSS equipment, while our software solutions like LaserSoft Connect and MapSmart bring measurement, position, calculations and field data together. The next evolution of field efficiency is about getting more from every field visit. When professionals can collect measurement data without occupying every asset, they can capture more information in less time, accomplish more on site and complete more projects with the same resources.

Issue 1 2026

Mobile Mappers Company

MetaSpatial Solutions

Mosaic 360 Camera Systems

NorPix, Inc

Title

Echo MobileMapper

Mosaic Meridian Mobile Mapping System with High-Resolution 360° Camera and LiDAR

Paved Surface Capture

Weight [kg]

9,5

Application

Outdoor, Underground, Rail

Outdoor, Rail

Outdoor

Carrier platforms

Vehicle, Backpack, Rail, USV

Vehicle

Brand and model

Sony Sensors

Mosaic X

Number of cameras

Max. camera resolution {MB}

240

12,2

Sensor size [inch}

Full Frame

1/1.1" (Sony IMX565)

360 degrees camera

Brand

Hesai XT32MX

Phoenix

Number of laser scanners

Min. Range [m]

0,5

Max Range [m]

300

Wavelength [nm]

948

Max. measurement rate [kHz]

640

1200

Range precision (1 σ)

0,5

Absolute accuracy (1 σ):

Positioning modes

RTK< PPK, GNSS, INS-only

RTK< PPK

GNSS

GNSS receiver: Brand and model

NovAtel

Number of antennas

Tracked GNSS signals

GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo

Dimensions & Environment

Camera System

Lidar Sensor

Positioning

Issue 1 2026

OmniSLAM Co., Ltd.

RIEGL

Smart Delta Systems & Solutions

Trimble, Inc.

YellowScan

VMX-3HA

SmartPano Elite

Trimble MX90

Fly&Drive

38,4

4,98

Outdoor

Outdoor, Underground, Maritime, Rail

Outdoor

Outdoor, Airborne

Vehicle

Vehicle, Rail

Vehicle

Vehicle, UAV, Rail

Insta360 ONE RS 1-inch edition

RIEGL cameras (5MP, 12MP, 24MP), spherical cameras up to 72MP

Ladybug 5+ (30MP) or Ladybug 6 (72MP, global shutter)

FLIR Ladybug 6 & Matrix Vision

Teledyne Ladybug 5+ in option

240

Different options

Hesai

RIEGL VUX-3HA LiDAR Sensor

Compatible with Hesai and Ouster OS1-128

Trimble

Hesai

0,05

1,2

120

500

475

140

950

1550

905

640

6000

3600

0,5

2,5

SLAM, RTK, PPK, GNSS

RTK< PPK, GNSS, INS-only

GNSS,RTK< PPK

GNSS

Harxon: HX-CSX349A-0875

Trimble / Applanix

Customer-selectable: NovAtel, Applanix, Advanced Navigation or SBG GNSS/INS unit

Calian

SBG Systems Quanta Micro

GPS: L1/L2/L5 BDS: B1I/B2I/B3I/B1C/B2a/B2b GLONASS: G1/G2/G3 GALILEO: E1/E5a/E5b/E6 QZSS: L1/L2/L5/L6 SBAS: L1/L5 IRNSS: L5

GPS: L1 C/A, L2C, L2E, L5; GLONASS: L1 C/A, L2 C/A, L3 CDMA6; BeiDou: B1, B2, B38; Galileo7: E1, E5A, E5B, E5AltBOC, E66; IRNSS: L5; QZSS: L1 C/A, L1S, L1C, L2C, L5, LEX; SBAS: L1 C/A, L5; MSS L-Band: Trimble RTX

Issue 1 2026

Terrestrial Laser Scanners Company

EPiC LiDAR Tech

FARO INSIGHT

GreenValley International

Title

AXIM T150

FARO Focus Premium Max

LiPod P1

Height [m]

0,105

0,183

0,202

Width [m]

0,216

0,23

0,107

Depth [m]

0,168

0,103

0,247

Total Weight [kg]

3,3

4,4

5,3

Year of introduction

2026

2024

2025

Year of last update

2026

Laser safety classification

Class I

Laser Class 1

Min. Range [m]

0,5

1,5

Max. Range [m]

150

400

600

Range uncertainty (constant part) [mm]

Range uncertainty (variable part) [ppm]

Beam divergence [mrad]

0,56

0,3

Max. vertical field of view [deg]

300

Max. horizontal field of view [deg]

360

Max. measurement rate [kHz]

1200

2000

120

Geo-referencing

Onboard registration

Automatic face blurring

Integrated GNSS

Integrated GNSS RTK

Additional sensors

Environmental sensor

Dual axis compensator, height sensor, compass, accessory bay

IMU inertial navigation system; dual‑axis compensation; altitude sensor; compass

External Camera

Max. camera resolution (MP)

266

12,3

Simultaneous image scan

General

Laser Ranger

Scanning Characteristics

Software Functionality

GNSS Integration

Peripherals

Issue 1 2026

RIEGL

Topcon Positioning

Trimble

Zoller + Fröhlich

VZ-600i

CR-P1

Trimble X12

Z+F IMAGER 5024-Series

0,305

0,183

0,328

0,173

0,23

0,15

0,184

0,103

0,258

4,4

6,7

6,4

2022

2025

2022

2024

2026

Class 1

0,5

0,3

1000

200

365

0,1

0,35

0,3

105

300

320

360

2200

2000

2187

2200

Orientation sensors (MEMS), GNSS receiver, SyncTimer, Laser plummet, ready for RTK-GNSS kinematic scanning

Dual axis compensator, pano cam

IMU, integrated smartlight

Color camera, thermal camera

Issue 1 2026

Terrestrial laser scanners

Inside today’s terrestrial laser scanners Terrestrial laser scanners capture detailed 3D data of objects and environments rapidly and with high precision. Their applications range from topographic and infrastructure surveying to deformation monitoring, industrial measurement, asbuilt documentation and cultural heritage recording. Unlike airborne or mobile Lidar systems, terrestrial laser scanners are typically deployed from fixed positions, building up dense point clouds from a series of scan locations. Professional systems cover a broad price spectrum, starting at tens of thousands of dollars and rising to well into six figures depending on range, accuracy, imaging, software and other capabilities. But specifications only tell part of the story. The current generation implies that terrestrial scanning is entering a new maturity phase in which workflow is seen as equally as important as raw measurement performance. Speed is becoming a baseline High measurement rates are now commonplace. At the upper end, systems such as RIEGL’s VZ-600i and Zoller + Fröhlich’s IMAGER 5024 series reach rates around 2.2MHz or 2.2 million pixels per second, respectively. The terminology matters: pulse repetition rate, measurement rate and recorded point rate are not necessarily interchangeable specifications. Nevertheless, the trend is clear. Very rapid data acquisition is no longer unusual. Therefore, attention is shifting towards what happens around the measurement itself – how efficiently data can be checked, registered, positioned and transferred while still in the field.

Issue 1 2026

Application-specific range Working distance remains a clearer point of differentiation. The systems in this comparison range from the low hundreds of metres to around one kilometre. RIEGL’s VZ-600i, for example, can reach up to 1,000m under specified conditions, while GreenValley International’s LiPod P1 occupies an intermediate position with a stated maximum range of 600m. Importantly, such figures need context. Maximum distance can depend on target reflectivity, atmospheric conditions and measurement mode, and a scanner’s longest range and highest measurement rate may not be available simultaneously. Even so, range continues to reflect intended use. Longer-range instruments lend themselves to infrastructure, mining, terrain and corridor surveying applications, while shorter-range systems are more suitable for efficient capture of buildings, industrial sites and as-built work. Positioning as part of the workflow Positioning capabilities vary considerably. Some terrestrial scanners now incorporate GNSS and inertial sensors, while surveygrade RTK positioning may require an additional receiver, survey control or external equipment. The VZ-600i, for example, combines an internal GNSS receiver with the option of an external RTK receiver. Rather than one approach becoming standard, the broader development is greater integration: connecting individual scan positions with a wider spatial reference while reducing manual fieldwork.

More checks in the field Perhaps the clearest shift is the emphasis on verifying data before leaving the site. Real-time or onboard registration, offered by some of the most recognized manufacturers’ systems, allows operators to assess successive scans during acquisition. This reduces the risk of gaps or alignment problems emerging during post-processing. Imaging is evolving too. Some systems are beginning to add privacy functions such as automatic detection and blurring of faces or licence plates. These capabilities remain far from universal, but illustrate how advancements are extending beyond laser measurement into the practical requirements surrounding real-world data capture. The need for portability Notably, professional terrestrial scanning has become increasingly compact. Every system considered in this comparison weighs less than 7kg, with the lightest around 3.3kg. Portability is evolving from a unique selling point into a baseline expectation for contemporary field equipment. Taken together, today’s scanners suggest a market in which raw sensor performance is only part of the equation. Range and accuracy remain fundamental, but differentiation is increasingly found in positioning, portability, field verification, imaging and data handling – the capabilities that turn a high-performance scanner into an efficient surveying workflow.

Project spotlight

Case study: terrestrial laser scanning

The indispensable role of point cloud data in rebuilding Notre Dame In late 2024, over five years after the devastating fire, the world-famous NotreDame cathedral in Paris reopened its doors. A cloud of one billion points was fundamental to enabling a full-blown digital recreation of the historical landmark’s interior and exterior. The data proved indispensable in the restoration project, which based on the first glimpse of the interior has been a resounding success.

On 15 April 2019, the Notre Dame went up in flames. The world watched in horror as the cathedral blazed for hours. A significant part of the cathedral was lost in the fire; the spire collapsed and the roof was destroyed. The subsequent years have been spent on the mammoth task of rebuilding Notre Dame. The spire has been rebuilt and the stained glass and woodwork have been restored. The work was financed entirely by donations from around the world. The total cost: around €700 million. Terrestrial laser scanning Following such disasters, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) surveys allow accurate

assessment of the damage, structural stability and required restoration work, but they cannot provide information about the pre-disaster state. However, in a stroke of luck in the case of Notre Dame, Prof Andrew Tallon – an architectural historian from Vassar College in the USA – had captured the entire cathedral using a terrestrial laser scanner in 2010. His project was aimed at fully understanding the nature of the Gothic structure and identifying any structural anomalies. Laser scanning enabled Tallon to create a precise 3D model of Notre Dame, translating point clouds into detailed representations of its

buttresses, ribbed vaults, stained glass, ornate carvings and other architectural details. That accurate and detailed point cloud turned out to be of tremendous help in faithfully reconstructing Notre Dame in its original state. In fact, Tallon’s laser scans were the only really accurate as-built measurements of the cathedral. The value of point cloud data While modern restoration efforts can’t fully replicate the artistry of centuries past, Tallon’s scans provided an invaluable guide for the craftspeople involved, allowing them to come remarkably close. Although Tallon unfortunately passed away in 2018, his groundbreaking work remained a vital resource for restoring the iconic cathedral. The answer to the question that arose after the devastating fire – “How could this historic cathedral, which had weathered centuries of challenges, ever reclaim its former glory?” – didn’t lie in ancient blueprints, but in the use of innovative digital technology: terrestrial laser scanning. This illustrates the urgent need for accurate and detailed 3D models of cultural heritage sites, before disaster strikes or the natural elements erode their splendour.

Andrew Tallon’s precise and comprehensive point cloud proved invaluable in the faithful reconstruction of Notre Dame to its original state. (Image: Andrew Tallon/Vassar College)

Issue 1 2026

Making highly accurate positioning data accessible beyond conventional surveying OXTS provides the high-accuracy positioning and orientation layer that underpins modern surveying and mapping systems. With a broad portfolio of hardware, software and processing tools, the company helps customers build complete workflows. Here, Joe Hallett discusses the ongoing integration of positioning with other sensors to further improve the efficiency of data capture, and how the company is working to close the gap between data capture and genuinely usable, trusted geospatial information. How is your company contributing to providing the right equipment for the surveyor’s and geomatics engineer’s toolkit? Our GNSS/INS technology delivers reliable position, orientation and timing data for georeferencing Lidar, imagery and other sensors. Our portfolio covers a range of applications and performance requirements, from compact systems through to highperformance inertial navigation solutions. We also provide the software and processing tools needed to configure, monitor and process the data, helping customers build complete workflows rather than simply buying a piece of hardware. Increasingly, our focus is on integrating positioning with other sensors and processing technologies, so surveyors and geomatics engineers can capture accurate, usable data efficiently, especially in challenging GNSS environments. Which aspect of your company’s contribution to the geospatial sector – and adjacent fields – are you most proud of? We are particularly proud of making highperformance inertial navigation accessible across a wide range of applications. OXTS technology combines GNSS, inertial sensors and sophisticated sensor-fusion algorithms to deliver accurate, robust positioning without requiring the cost or complexity traditionally associated with high-end systems – across all environments. What is especially rewarding is seeing the technology used beyond conventional surveying, in mobile mapping, autonomous

Issue 1 2026

OXTS GNSS/INS product line-up. vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), rail and other demanding applications. At its core, our contribution is about providing trustworthy position and orientation data that forms the strong foundation for your project, utilizing sensors such as Lidar and cameras to produce the best results in the hardest environments. We see that as an important enabling technology for the wider geospatial ecosystem. There is growing demand for data to be not just accessible, but directly editable and processable in the field. How far does your solution go in enabling that kind of edge processing? Our systems already perform significant processing at the edge, combining GNSS and inertial measurements in real time to provide accurate navigation data as it is being collected. We are also extending this capability through Lidar-based technologies that can help maintain localization when GNSS becomes unreliable, such as in urban environments, tunnels or underground. The aim is to make data useful immediately rather than requiring every operation to wait for post-processing. At the same time, we recognize that post-processing remains important for projects requiring the highest possible accuracy. Our approach is therefore complementary: customers gain

About the author

OXTS GNSS/INS data when fused with Lidar data will maintain trajectory accuracy in difficult GNSS conditions like multi-storey car parks. reliable, actionable information in the field while retaining the ability to refine and reprocess data afterwards. The sale is only the beginning. What does your support model look like over the lifetime of the product, and how do you handle it when things go wrong in the field? Our support plans are designed to give customers confidence throughout the lifetime of their OXTS system. We provide access to technical expertise, software updates, guidance and ongoing assistance, helping customers get the most from their equipment as applications and requirements evolve. For customers operating critical survey and mapping workflows, this support can be particularly valuable in minimizing downtime and resolving issues quickly whilst in the field. If something does go wrong in the field, our support team works with the customer to diagnose the problem and identify the most effective solution. Because OXTS develops the hardware, software and navigation algorithms, we can draw on expertise across the complete system. Our aim is simple: keep customers productive and their data reliable.

Joe Hallett has been at OXTS as a systems integration engineer for over five years. He specializes in integrating the company’s iconic red box inertial navigation systems into larger solutions, with particular expertise supporting customers building mapping payloads. A genuine enthusiast for the technology, he finds endless fascination in creating crisp, high-quality point cloud data.

Where do you see the biggest unmet need in the geospatial workflow right now, and how are you planning to address it? We see a major opportunity in closing the gap between data capture and genuinely usable, trusted geospatial information. Sensors can now collect enormous volumes of Lidar, imagery and other data, but ensuring that information is accurately positioned, synchronized and reliable, particularly where GNSS is challenged, remains difficult. Our focus is therefore on tighter integration between positioning, sensing and processing. Technologies such as gx/ix and our Lidarbased solutions, like LiDAR Boost, are designed to make localization more robust and reduce the manual intervention required to turn raw sensor data into accurate, georeferenced information. Looking ahead, we expect more of this processing to happen automatically and in real time, making high-quality geospatial data easier to capture, validate and use.

Issue 1 2026

Total Stations Company

Alpha GEO (α-GEO)

ComNav Technology

Hi-Target

GUANGZHOU INTEC SURVEYING

Title

ALPHA R1

TS-R900 Robotic Total Station

HTS-820

Ranger M

Height [m]

0,43

0,378

0,374

0,364

Width [m]

0,24

0,217

0,206

0,165

Depth [m]

0,26

0,198

0,213

0,165

Weight [kg]

5,75

5,725

Type (manual/robotic)

Robotic

Manual

IMU/tilt compensation

Operating temperature: min. [°C]

-20

-30

-20

Operating temperature: max. [°C]

Standard deviation: constant part [mm]

Standard deviation: variable part [ppm}

Horizontal angle accuracy (mgon)

0,3

0,6

Vertical angle accuracy (mgon)

0,3

0,6

Maximum range with 1 standard prism [m]

3500

5000

4000

Maximum range with 1 mini prism [m]

Maximum range with combined prisms [m]

5000

Standard deviation: constant part [mm]

Standard deviation: variable part [ppm]

Maximum Range [m]

300

1200

600

Tracking and recovery of moving prism ([°/s)

Prism search range {m}

300

Automatic scanning

Automatic target recognition

Max. operation time on one battery [hr]

Capacity {mah}

6400

6600

2600

Batteries hot-swappable

General

Distance Measurement with Prism

Distance Measurement without Prism

Automatic Tracking and Locking

Power Supply

Issue 1 2026

SatLab

SingularXYZ

Sokkia

Topcon Positioning

ART1

STSA9

iX-1500/700

GTL-1200

GT-1500/700

0,374

0,353

0,355

0,428

0,355

0,206

0,212

0,282

0,212

0,213

0,2

0,172

0,1807

0,172

5,75

7,07

Robotic

Manual

Robotic

-30

-20

-10

-20

0,6

0,3

0,6

0,3

0,6

0,3

0,6

0,3

5000

6000

5000

498

500

499

5000

600

5000

800

1,000

1000

1,3

6600

5000

6000

5986

6000

Issue 1 2026

Total stations

The tradeoffs in today’s total stations Combining angle and distance measurements in a single instrument, total stations remain one of surveying’s most fundamental tools – whether for staking out construction sites, controlling infrastructure projects or providing survey control and independent checks for point clouds from newer sensors. In this year’s lineup, the major change isn’t the basic premise, but how much of the operator’s job is now performed by the instrument itself. Robotic operation is becoming the default Eight out of the 11 systems in this overview, spanning both established manufacturers and newer entrants, are robotic rather than manual. This balance reflects a broader shift. Motorized, self-tracking operation has moved from a high-end differentiator to an increasingly common expectation, particularly in more premium professional systems. The manual models that remain – built for simpler setups without automated tracking – trade that convenience for another key factor: battery life (see below). While distance accuracy has converged, angle accuracy still varies Distance specifications have converged across this lineup, with a constant term quoted in the 1-3mm range for nearly every system. That leaves relatively little separation on headline EDM accuracy alone, although PPM terms, range, reflectorless performance and operating conditions remain important. Angular accuracy tells a different story, and is still one area in which manufacturers differentiate their higherend instruments. While most sit between 0.6 and 2mgon, a handful of systems reach 0.3mgon. Automated tracking and target recognition are spreading fast More than half the robotic systems in this overview confirm automatic target

Issue 1 2026

recognition, while several also offer automatic search, lock or tracking functions that reduce the intervention needed to find and follow a prism. Close to half the lineup also feature automatic scanning. Together, these capabilities support oneperson workflows for tasks that traditionally required one operator for the instrument and another for the prism. The tradeoff hiding in the battery specs Signs of a battery-life tradeoff can be seen in this lineup. Most of the robotic systems quote 4-8 hours of operation, while the longest-rated manual model reaches 25 hours without battery-swap. It is not a perfect like-for-like comparison, because manufacturer test conditions and operating modes vary, but it highlights the additional power demands associated with motorization, tracking and communications. Manual operation may therefore remain a deliberate decision for some buyers rather than simply becoming a phased-out option. Part of a bigger, unified workflow These total stations should not be viewed in isolation. As one respondent put it in GIM International’s latest industry survey when describing work completed in four or five hours that previously took days: “I use the same controller to switch from GPS to a robotic total station, fly my drone, and that’s it.” That is what today’s total stations are being built for – not merely to be more capable on their own, but as one component alongside GNSS and other capture tools in an increasingly unified field workflow. What’s really changing, then, is the role of the total station within the surveyor’s toolkit. The instrument remains built around exceptionally reliable angle and distance measurements, but automation, target recognition, connectivity and integrated field software are steadily changing how those measurements are collected and combined with other geospatial data. The result is a mature technology that still continues to get better – not by reinventing its core purpose, but by becoming faster to operate, easier to integrate and increasingly at home in multi-sensor surveying workflows.

Project spotlight

Total stations: precision where GPS falls short

Innovative technology keeps surveyors safer in Dutch highway reconstruction project The complex ‘Ring Zuid’ highway project in the Dutch city of Groningen illustrates the crucial role that advanced geospatial techniques play in the infrastructure sector, driving design efficiency, execution accuracy, and sustainable development. A classic instrument in the surveyor’s toolkit, the widely respected total station, played a crucial role here – especially when it came to capturing the project’s more unconventional shapes.

Advanced surveying techniques are indispenable in the infrastructure sector, where geospatial data holds the key to more efficient design, more accurate execution and more sustainable development. The recently completed ‘Ring Zuid’ highway project in Groningen, the biggest city in the north of the Netherlands, is a prime example of this. The aim was to reconstruct the southern ring road to improve accessibility, traffic flow, quality of life and safety in and around the city. Surveyors and site engineers from Geomaat were closely involved in the preparation, execution and completion of this project, which was one of the nation’s most complex infrastructure projects in recent years. Partly due to increasing traffic levels, the aim of the ‘Ring Zuid’ project (2019-2024, €927 million) was to reconstruct the southern ring road (the N7) on the outskirts of the Dutch city of Groningen to improve capacity and traffic flow. The existing road featured lots of traffic lights and junctions, which frequently resulted in congestion. Key components of the project were the conversion of the two biggest bottlenecks to grade-separated intersections, and the lowering and partial tunnelling of the N7. Specifically, the project included altering the trajectory of the road, constructing three tunnels and adapting a number of crossroads. This would reduce congestion and improve the accessibility of the city and surrounding area.

The role of surveying The surveyors and site engineers were crucial to the success of the ‘Ring Zuid’ project, from design to completion. Thanks to their adaptability, they played a big part in helping to solve complex challenges. Meanwhile, their proactive monitoring directly contributed to the quality, safety and efficiency of the project in a number of areas. Tunnel geometry precision: optimal concrete layer thanks to digital accuracy Surveyors were constantly involved in the various phases of constructing the tunnels. For example, they provided detailed 3D models of the tunnels, allowing engineers to determine the exact thickness of the concrete backfill layer before pouring. This accuracy was essential to correct deviations stemming from previous construction phases. In the dynamic environment, the surveyors used total stations

to gather hundreds of reference points quickly, efficiently and error-free. This was essential to capture the unique tunnel shapes. It would not have been possible to complete the project on time and cost-efficiently without that data. Flexibility in the field: the right tool for every situation In each case, the surveyors selected the tools that suited the situation and the required level of accuracy. Whereas GPS was sufficient for general terrain measurements, total stations were the right choice for restricted tunnel environments. Whenever possible, the Streetmapper – Geomaat’s mobile 3D scanner solution – was used to acquire large volumes of data efficiently. However, traditional methods also came in useful, mainly in areas with no GPS signal or where poor access made it difficult to place scanners. Read the full story here

The surveyors and site engineers were crucial to the success of the ‘Ring Zuid’ project, from design to completion. (Image courtesy: Geomaat)

Issue 1 2026

Combining technology, experience, accuracy and efficiency to deliver solutions that make a difference For nearly two decades, RIEGL’s commitment has extended beyond developing cutting-edge systems to truly understanding how its instruments perform in the field. The company even has its own aircraft, on which it tests and calibrates every airborne laser scanner it delivers. Here, Peter Rieger reflects on RIEGL’s achievements and milestones in laser ranging and scanning technology, and explains how the company plans to address what it perceives to be the biggest unmet need in the current geospatial workflow: seamless data fusion into an optimally matched point cloud. How is your company contributing to providing the right equipment for the surveyor’s and geomatics engineer’s toolkit? Through direct and ongoing dialogue with both private surveying companies and public surveying authorities, we gain a clear understanding of real-world needs and how they evolve. We closely monitor industry trends and stay at the forefront of key developments – not least the rapid advances in AI and the growing demand for ‘high-definition’ point clouds, combining exceptional precision, cleanliness and point density, which our technology delivers across every field of application. In segments that have become increasingly important – such as bathymetry, driven in part by the effects of climate change and coastal erosion – we contribute with compact, lightweight yet highly capable laser scanning systems. Our

RIEGL aircraft in front of the RIEGL hangar.

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aim is always to provide each customer with the best-suited tool for their specific application and environment. Which aspect of your company’s contribution to the geospatial sector – and adjacent fields – are you most proud of? We are particularly proud of our technological achievements in laser ranging and scanning technology. Key milestones include full-waveform and online waveform processing, techniques for resolving range ambiguities at high pulse repetition rates, and the radiometric output of calibrated reflectance values – each significantly advancing kinematic and static laser scanning. For nearly 20 years, our commitment has extended beyond developing cuttingedge systems; we have made it a priority to understand how our instruments perform in the field. We operate our own two aircraft, on which we test and calibrate every airborne laser scanner we deliver. This combination of advanced technology, hands-on operational experience and a relentless focus on accuracy and efficiency enables us to deliver solutions that make a real difference in our customers’ projects. There is growing demand for data to be not just accessible, but directly editable and processable in the field. How far does your solution go in enabling that kind of edge processing? In kinematic laser scanning, real-time georeferencing has been a focus of our recent development work, enabling rapid downstream processing and automated object detection during a survey. In corridor mapping – from crewed aircraft, drone or ground vehicle – automated damage detection on power lines or railway infrastructure is a compelling use case. Less obvious opportunities emerge too, such as detecting lost shipping containers floating at sea during a bathymetric survey campaign. However, real-time and postprocessed data serve different domains. Real-time accuracy improves steadily with advances in IMU/GNSS technology, but remains below post-processing levels – a distinction that matters for precisioncritical applications. In static terrestrial laser scanning, on-the-fly registration is well established, merging hundreds of scan positions into a seamless, highly accurate point cloud, significantly reducing subsequent processing effort.

RIEGL VZ-600i terrestrial laser scanner. The sale is only the beginning. What does your support model look like over the lifetime of the product, and how do you handle it when things go wrong in the field? We feel a genuine obligation to our customers and work hard to maintain a direct, personal relationship with each of them. Our global network of subsidiaries and distribution partners makes this possible across geographies and time zones. Precision instruments operating in demanding environments can, of course, occasionally sustain damage. In such cases, we aim to begin problem analysis as quickly as possible and, where circumstances allow, provide a solution directly in the field. When

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on-site resolution is not feasible, we frequently arrange a replacement instrument so that critical projects can be completed while the customer’s scanner is being repaired. Minimizing downtime is something we take seriously – because for our customers, time in the field directly translates into project success.

About the author Peter Rieger is business division manager airborne laser scanning at RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GmbH and CTO of RIEGL Research & Defense GmbH. He holds an MSc in Telecommunications Engineering from Vienna University of Technology. His work focuses on advanced ranging techniques for scanning Lidar, range ambiguity resolution, full-waveform analysis, and inertial navigation and GNSS technologies.

Where do you see the biggest unmet need in the geospatial workflow right now, and how are you planning to address it? Another area of our current development efforts is the seamless fusion of data from static and kinematic scanning sources – from raw measurements to a fully processed, optimally matched point cloud, whether the data originates from airborne platforms including UAV-based and bathymetric surveys, mobile mapping systems or

terrestrial scanners. At the core is our RIEGL point cloud database, which provides rapid, structured access, enabling precise fusion across acquisition sources. We encourage users to explore the full potential of combining various acquisition methods within our processing software chain. Transitioning fluidly between platforms and merging their outputs into a single coherent dataset is a major opportunity for surveying and geomatics. With a portfolio spanning all major scanning modalities, RIEGL is uniquely positioned to support this vision.

RIEGL VUX-820-G

Airborne LiDAR System for Topo-Bathymetric Surveying

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Explore RIEGL’s Topo-Bathymetric Sensors & Systems

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FIG Working Week 2027 Stavanger, Norway, 23-27 May 2027

Join the global surveying and geospatial community in Stavanger to shape The Power of Where for the New Generations Photo: Tomas Walter

FIG WORKING WEEK 2027

STAVANGER, NORWAY

FIG Working Week 2027 will explore how geospatial knowledge and surveying expertise provide the foundation for sustainable development, resilient societies, and smart innovation - empowering the next generation to lead the future.

Why attend Gain cutting-edge insights into climate adaptation, coastal and ocean management, Arctic monitoring, and building resilient societies. Connect globally with experts, policymakers, industry leaders and young professionals. Shape the future of sustainable and resilient geospatial infrastructure. Experience Stavanger - where professional dialogue meets fjords and smart-city innovation.

Get involved There are several ways to take part: as a delegate, by contributing a project or presentation to the technical programme, as an exhibitor, or as a sponsor. Peer review abstracts + full paper

1 October 2026

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1 November 2026

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Registration

Opens October 2026

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