Combining Leica BLK2GO with the Leica Cyclone FIELD 360 app

The idea of technologies converging is not new. Companies have been working to increase the interoperability of their hardware and software for years. It’s arguably a natural progression designed to enhance the overall user experience while also increasing the use cases for products and applications.

As an example, Leica Geosystems’ in-field applications are compatible with its wide range of reality capture products offering mobile scanning for users around the world. Being able to capture, review, process, upload, and share accurate real-time data in the field is a game-changer for many.

In this expert insight, Jan Gabka, Leica Geosystems Product Engineer, explains how you can enhance your Leica BLK2GO experience with Leica Cyclone FIELD 360. This paid-for app will enable you to access advanced features, including the ability to register multiple scans together, add annotations and tags, clean the data, and generate basic floor plans.  

What is BLK2GO?

BLK2GO is a handheld grab-and-go imaging laser scanner that enables users to capture real-time data as they walk around a space. This handheld imaging laser scanner is arguably the fastest way to capture point cloud data, which is useful for many industries, including construction and facility maintenance.

Aside from being sleek and lightweight in design, BLK2GO offers practical features to make the capturing experience even more simple while walking through the space. For instance, it includes an LED Status Ring that flashes different colours to show the status of the scanner and a high-resolution Point & Shoot camera.

It also offers in-built storage for up to 24 hours of scan data. The single button and intuitive companion app make it accessible and easy to use. Anyone can pick it up and start scanning, particularly as there’s no need for additional equipment such as a tripod.

Why choose BLK2GO? Where can I use it? 

Powered by GrandSLAM technology, BLK2GO offers a unique combination of proven technologies - LiDAR SLAM, Visual SLAM, and IMU - to capture accurate 3D data efficiently while moving through different spaces, including multi-level buildings.

The use cases where reality capture data is used are increasing and the need for efficient data capture is becoming evident. However, data also needs to be quickly processed, uploaded, and shared.

This is so it can be transformed into floor plans, 3D visualisations, BIM models, and CAD drawings. BLK2GO is a versatile scanner that can be used indoors and outdoors for a multitude of applications. When combined with Leica Geosystems reality capture software portfolio, the BLK2GO enables users to work from the office, in the field, or anywhere in between.

Real estate workers can create virtual tours of properties and floor plans, while facility managers can understand the layout of a space, locate assets, and capture measurements without disrupting normal operations.

It’s also a great option for architecture, interior design and space planning, engineering and more. 

Introducing the Cyclone FIELD 360 app

A companion app developed with the user in mind, Cyclone FIELD 360 is ideal for novice and experienced users alike. This isn’t just because it’s easy to view scanned data while it is being collected in the field, but because of the user-friendly interface.

It provides direct access to data, which can easily be visualised while on-site and because Cyclone FIELD 360 automatically pre-registers point cloud data including separate overlapping mobile scans, users can review data and undertake quality control checks on site, in the field.

This means they can collect all the data they need to during one site visit, so it’s a more efficient scanning experience overall. It also enables users to make informed decisions in real-time and share and upload data to other platforms, such as  Reality Cloud Studio, powered by HxDR.

But the app is not just for working in the field. Data can be viewed offline, allowing the user to continue to work with the data offline once the scan job is complete. This is because all scans collected with the app are stored on the mobile device, so users can work with the data without being connected to a scanner.

Why choose Cyclone FIELD 360?

It’s the ideal app for handheld scanners such as BLK2GO as it offers a first-person view, making it easier to review the data captured on-the-go. Plus, users can control the scanner via the app.

In addition to aligning multiple scans already in the field, one key advantage of using the Cyclone FIELD 360 app is the fact that users can add field notes and multiple tag types (image, audio, video, text, file) to the point cloud data during or after scanning. These tags are automatically synced with the scanner and are also imported into Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS, saving time later in the office.

Creating field notes or tags is simple within the app. Simply select a location within a scan and input key information like photos, videos, audio, and text information. Users can document Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering elements such as power sockets, switches, or fire extinguishers, in addition to general Point of Interest (POI) elements like cracks in concrete construction, possible collision places, misplaced elements or anything which might need to be highlighted. This feature recognises the fact that while most data can be captured when scanning, many professionals still use field notes for what they can’t see.

Combining BLK2GO with Cyclone FIELD 360?

Designed to seamlessly integrate with different scanners, Cyclone FIELD 360 streamlines remote workflows by enabling users to capture, register, and review scanned data while working on or off-site, making it the ideal companion app for the BLK2GO.

Key advantages of pairing these two technologies together include the fact users can manage the scanner from the app and can see what the scanner sees. This means less planning is required before visiting a site and the data capture process is more efficient because they’re less likely to miss areas.

But that’s not the only benefit of combining these technologies. Users can also register their scans directly in the field, which can then be used as an in-field deliverable. Links can also be synced back to the scanner and stored there, as well as being transferred to Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS.

With full data synchronisation, scan data will be sent to the app and stored there, and any edits made in the app will automatically be synced to the scanner. Using QuickPlan provides additional in-field deliverables, as users can create and export 2D floor plans (DXF) or IFC files created in the field.

There’s also an option to continue working in the office with Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS (BLK Edition) for precise visual alignment, automatic registration, different visualisations depending on the project, and export options. It has been specifically optimised to enhance data captured with BLK products.

So, why should you pair the Cyclone FIELD 360 app with your BLK2GO scanner?

It’s not just the fact that Cyclone FIELD 360 seamlessly integrates with BLK2GO (or any other Leica Geosystems’ scanner), it’s the fact it streamlines remote workflows, increases productivity and efficiency, and helps users make informed decisions from anywhere, at any time.

Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, whether that’s at work or at home. This combination of reality capture software and hardware does just that, enabling end-users across multiple industries to save time, so they can work smarter (not harder).

Download Cyclone FIELD 360 from the AppStore and Google Play to get started today, or contact us for more information about our laser scanning solutions. For those interested, the BLK2GO is also compatible with our free Leica BLK LIVE application. 

Jan Gabka
Product Engineer
Reality Capture Division