LiDAR laser scanners: what they are and how they work on drones and handheld

A LiDAR laser scanner emits laser pulses and measures how long they take to return: each return becomes a point with X, Y, Z coordinates. Hundreds of thousands of measurements per second build the point cloud, the starting point for 3D models, DTMs, cross-sections and volume calculations.

For the points to be correct, the scanner's position must be known at every instant. On drone LiDAR scanners this is the job of the POS, a multi-constellation GNSS receiver plus IMU (for example gSpin 210 or gSpin 310 at 200 Hz on the GS series), with RTK or PPK corrections. SLAM scanners reconstruct their position from the geometry of the environment, which is why they also work indoors and without satellite signal.

Multi-echo sensors (dual or triple return) record several returns per pulse, which is what allows the ground to be captured beneath vegetation as well as the canopy.

Drone, handheld and SLAM LiDAR scanners: model comparison

Key specifications as stated on the product pages of the models in this category. Real-world performance depends on flight altitude, surface reflectivity and POS configuration.

How to choose: aerial survey, handheld SLAM or indoor

• Aerial survey of large areas (topography, quarries, infrastructure corridors, power lines): a drone LiDAR payload. The GS-100C+ is the entry choice; GS-130X, GS-260H and GS-260X increase point density and range.
• Ground-based, buildings and GNSS-denied areas (interiors, roof spaces, historic centres, construction sites): a handheld laser scanner such as the SLAM GS-100G Series.
• Confined spaces by drone (tunnels, tanks, underground structures): GoSLAM X1, a SLAM scanner in a collision cage for DJI Matrice 4E/4T that needs no GPS.
• One sensor on several platforms: the GS-260X is specified for drone, vehicle, rail and handheld use.

The drones already in your fleet, the deliverables your client expects and the software your team already uses also weigh on the choice.

Drone LiDAR scanner price: what drives it

The price of the scanner is not the same as the cost of an operational survey kit. The main cost items are:

• LiDAR sensor: number of channels, points per second, number of returns and range. This is what separates a GS-100C+ from a GS-260X.
• POS / IMU and GNSS: IMU grade, update rate and RTK/PPK support determine the absolute accuracy of the point cloud.
• Drone platform: aerial payloads require a compatible aircraft (for example DJI Matrice 300/350 RTK, or Matrice 4E/4T for the GoSLAM X1). If you are starting from scratch, see the 3D LiDAR combos.
• Processing software: trajectory, georeferencing, colourisation, classification and deliverable extraction. Some models include the licence, others require it separately.
• Training and commissioning: flight planning, calibration, data processing and quality control.

Laser scanner list prices

List prices as published on the product pages, including 22% VAT. The product page and our quote are binding.

• GoSLAM X1 5G: from €7,185.80 (SLAM scanner kit)
• GS-100C+: €8,799
• SLAM GS-100G Series: from €10,980 (GS-100G); GS-120G €17,690; GS-130G €27,900
• GS-130X: €17,099
• GS-260H: €17,699
• GS-260X: €27,899

What you get: point cloud, DTM, cross-sections

• Point cloud, georeferenced and colourised with the RGB camera, exported in the formats listed on each product page (for example LAS for the GS-100C+).
• DTM and DSM: terrain and surface models, contour lines, morphological analysis. Multi-echo helps reconstruct the ground under vegetation.
• Cross-sections and profiles for road, rail and hydraulic design and for slope monitoring.
• Volume calculations for quarries, stockpiles and excavations.
• 3D models for CAD and BIM workflows and, with the GoSLAM X1, 3D Gaussian reconstructions.

Drone LiDAR scanner FAQ