How to Choose a Handheld SLAM LiDAR Scanner Malaysia

How to Choose a Handheld SLAM LiDAR Scanner Malaysia

A handheld SLAM LiDAR scanner can capture buildings, factories, tunnels and other complex environments while the operator walks through the site.

However, scanning range and point-cloud rate alone do not determine whether a system is suitable.

Accuracy definitions, SLAM performance, camera quality, software licences, output formats, computer requirements, training and local support can all affect the actual value of the equipment.

This buying guide explains the main factors Malaysian surveying, AEC, construction and industrial users should consider when comparing systems such as the Xgrid Lixel L3 Handheld LiDAR Scanner.

What Is a Handheld SLAM LiDAR Scanner?

A handheld LiDAR scanner emits laser pulses and measures their reflections to create a three-dimensional point cloud.

SLAM stands for Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping.

SLAM helps the scanner estimate its position and build a map while moving through an environment, including indoor areas where GNSS signals are unavailable.

Typical applications include:

Building as-built surveys

Construction documentation

Factory mapping

Warehouse measurement

Data-centre digital twins

Tunnel surveys

Infrastructure documentation

Heritage recording

Virtual tours

Film and simulation content

Start With the Project Requirement

Before comparing scanner specifications, define what the equipment must deliver.

Ask:

What type of site will be scanned?

What is the approximate area?

Is the project indoors, outdoors or both?

What accuracy is required?

Is a point cloud sufficient?

Are CAD drawings required?

Is BIM modelling required?

Is photorealistic visualisation required?

Which software will receive the data?

How quickly must the survey be completed?

A scanner suitable for virtual-property tours may not be suitable for controlled engineering measurements.

1. Understand Relative and Absolute Accuracy

Accuracy is one of the most important—and most frequently misunderstood—specifications.

Relative Accuracy

Relative accuracy describes how consistently surfaces and features within the same scan align with one another.

It affects the representation of:

Room dimensions

Wall alignment

Equipment positions

Pipes and cable trays

Distances between visible objects

Absolute Accuracy

Absolute accuracy describes how accurately the point cloud corresponds to its true position in the required coordinate system.

A point cloud may look internally consistent but still be shifted, rotated or tilted relative to its correct project coordinate.

When comparing scanners, ask whether the published figure refers to:

Relative accuracy

Absolute accuracy

Real-time accuracy

Post-processed accuracy

Maximum error

Average error

RMSE

Point-cloud thickness

These values are not interchangeable.

Xgrid Lixel L3 Accuracy Reference

The Xgrid Lixel L3 states:

Accuracy SpecificationPublished ValuePost-processed relative accuracyUp to 5 mm under stated test conditionsPoint-cloud thickness≤5 mmPost-processed absolute accuracyApproximately 2 cm RMSEReal-time relative accuracyApproximately 1 cmReal-time absolute accuracyApproximately 2.5 cm RMSERTK levelling accuracy0.005°Non-RTK levelling accuracy0.02°

The 5 mm relative-accuracy result was obtained under specified test conditions in an area of approximately 500 square metres. It should not be treated as a universal guarantee for every project.

2. Check the LiDAR Range

Scanning range affects the size of the environment that can be captured.

A longer range can be useful for:

Large warehouses

Building façades

Factories

Tunnels

High ceilings

Open industrial areas

Infrastructure

The Xgrid Lixel L3 has a stated scanning range of 0.7–120 metres.

The maximum published range does not mean that every surface will produce equally strong or accurate data at 120 metres.

Actual results may depend on:

Surface colour

Surface reflectivity

Incidence angle

Dust or rain

Lighting and environmental conditions

Required point density

For critical projects, evaluate performance at the distances normally encountered on site.

3. Compare Point-Cloud Rates

Point-cloud rate indicates how many points the scanner can record per second.

The Xgrid Lixel L3 is available in:

16-channel: Up to 320,000 points per second

32-channel: Up to 640,000 points per second

A higher point-cloud rate may help when scanning:

Large facilities

Dense M&E installations

Complex machinery

Detailed infrastructure

Fast-moving survey routes

However, higher density also creates larger files and may require a more powerful processing computer.

More points do not automatically guarantee better accuracy.

4. Evaluate SLAM Performance

SLAM performance is critical when scanning without GNSS.

Common challenging environments include:

Long corridors

Repetitive rack aisles

Featureless rooms

Large open warehouses

Tunnels

Symmetrical building layouts

Areas with many moving people

Sites containing reflective surfaces

Ask the supplier to demonstrate the scanner in an environment similar to your actual project.

A short showroom demonstration may not reveal the same limitations as a long tunnel, factory or multi-storey building.

5. Check Loop-Closure Requirements

Small SLAM errors may accumulate as the operator moves. This is known as drift.

Loop closure occurs when the scanning route returns to a previously captured location, allowing the system to recognise the area and improve alignment.

When evaluating a scanner, ask:

How should the operator plan the route?

How often are loop closures required?

Can separate scans be combined?

How does the system handle multiple floors?

What happens in a long one-way corridor?

Can control points be added?

How is drift checked?

Operator training and survey planning are as important as the scanner hardware.

6. Consider GNSS and RTK Capability

Integrated GNSS and RTK can support outdoor georeferencing.

The Xgrid Lixel L3 incorporates survey-grade multi-constellation GNSS and supports RTK-assisted positioning.

RTK can be useful for:

Outdoor mapping

Building exteriors

Infrastructure

Open construction sites

Indoor-to-outdoor projects

Georeferenced point clouds

RTK performance depends on satellite visibility, correction availability, communication quality and the surrounding environment.

Tall buildings, roofs, trees and other obstructions can reduce GNSS performance.

7. Confirm Control-Point Support

Projects with strict coordinate requirements may require surveyed control and independent check points.

Before purchasing, confirm whether the software supports:

Ground control points

Check points

Point-cloud transformation

Coordinate-system configuration

ICP alignment

Scan overlay

Accuracy reporting

The Xgrid LixelStudio workflow includes functions such as GCP processing, ICP and scan overlay, depending on the selected software configuration.

8. Evaluate the Camera System

LiDAR captures geometry, while cameras provide visual and colour information.

A good camera system can improve:

Point-cloud colouring

Equipment identification

Material recognition

Site documentation

Photorealistic modelling

Virtual tours

Digital-twin visualisation

The Xgrid Lixel L3 includes:

One front camera

Two panoramic cameras

4096 × 3072 image resolution

1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor

DCG HDR imaging

Image quality may still be affected by poor lighting, rapid movement, reflective materials and changing exposure conditions.

9. Decide Whether You Need 3DGS

Some handheld scanners focus mainly on point-cloud capture. Others also support photorealistic modelling.

The Xgrid Lixel L3 workflow supports 3D Gaussian Splatting, or 3DGS, through Lixel CyberColor.

3DGS can be useful for:

Virtual factory tours

Data-centre visualisation

Heritage projects

Building presentations

Tourism

Film production

Training simulations

Remote site familiarisation

A 3DGS model is designed mainly for realistic visualisation. It should not automatically replace a verified point cloud for technical measurements.

10. Check the Output Formats

Before buying a scanner, confirm that its output files can be used in your existing workflow.

The Xgrid Lixel L3 supports formats including:

Point clouds: LAS, RCP, E57, PLY and iLAS

Images: JPG

Mesh models: OSGB and OBJ

3D Gaussian Splatting: LCC2, LCC and PLY

Other formats: 3D Tiles and USD

Ask your CAD, BIM, GIS or digital-twin team which formats are required.

Do not assume that every scanner output can be imported directly into every software platform.

11. Understand the Software Licence

The scanner price may not include every software function.

Before purchasing, ask:

Which software is included?

Is the licence permanent or subscription-based?

Are updates included?

Is there an annual maintenance fee?

Is 3DGS processing included?

Are Mesh exports included?

Is control-point processing included?

Are project-size limits applied?

Is cloud processing required?

Can data be processed locally?

How many computers can use the licence?

Software and renewal costs should be included in the total cost of ownership.

12. Confirm Computer Requirements

LiDAR and photorealistic 3D data can require significant processing resources.

Ask the supplier for the recommended:

Processor

Graphics card

System memory

SSD capacity

Operating system

Available backup storage

A scanner that captures data quickly may still create delays if the computer cannot process the files efficiently.

The 32-channel Xgrid Lixel L3 can generate denser datasets than the 16-channel version, increasing processing and storage requirements.

13. Check Battery Life and Field Workflow

Battery performance affects how much work can be completed without interruption.

The Xgrid Lixel L3 has a typical operating time of approximately 100 minutes.

For larger sites, consider:

Number of batteries supplied

Charging time

Availability of spare batteries

Whether batteries can be changed on site

Scanner shutdown procedure

Data-saving time

Field power options

The scanning plan should include sufficient battery capacity for the complete project.

14. Consider Weight and Ergonomics

A scanner may be carried for an extended period.

The Xgrid Lixel L3 weighs approximately 2.5 kg including the battery.

Before purchasing, arrange a practical demonstration and evaluate:

Comfort

Handle design

Balance

Screen visibility

Control accessibility

Suitability for stairs

Use in narrow areas

Fatigue during long scans

Compatibility with optional carrying systems

A scanner that is uncomfortable to operate may affect both productivity and data quality.

15. Review Environmental Protection

The Xgrid Lixel L3 has an IP54 protection rating and a stated operating temperature range of -20°C to 50°C.

IP54 generally indicates protection against limited dust ingress and water splashes. It does not mean the instrument is waterproof.

For Malaysian projects, consider:

Rain

Humidity

Dust

Construction debris

Direct sunlight

Hot vehicles

Industrial contamination

Sudden indoor-to-outdoor temperature changes

Always follow the manufacturer’s operating and storage requirements.

16. Check On-Site Preview Functions

On-site preview helps the operator identify incomplete coverage before leaving.

The Xgrid Lixel L3 includes a 4.3-inch display with brightness of up to 1,000 nits.

Useful field functions may include:

Real-time point-cloud preview

Coverage checking

Basic measurement

System-status monitoring

Storage monitoring

Battery monitoring

A strong field-preview function can reduce repeat site visits.

17. Ask About Privacy Features

Mobile scanners with cameras may capture sensitive information.

Depending on the project, the data may include:

Faces

Vehicle registration plates

Computer screens

Factory processes

Equipment labels

Security systems

Data-centre layouts

Xgrid processing functions may support face and vehicle-plate blurring, depending on the software version and workflow.

Before scanning, confirm the customer’s privacy, data-storage and confidentiality requirements.

18. Evaluate Training and Technical Support

A handheld SLAM scanner is not simply a point-and-walk camera.

Users need training in:

Scan-route planning

Loop closure

Walking speed

Control-point placement

GNSS and RTK setup

Data transfer

Processing

Alignment

Export

Accuracy checking

Troubleshooting

Ask whether the supplier provides:

Initial product training

Software training

Demonstration projects

Application support

Remote troubleshooting

Warranty support

Repair arrangements

Software-update guidance

Good technical support can be more valuable than choosing the lowest-priced system.

19. Arrange a Real-Site Demonstration

Before buying, test the scanner in an environment similar to your intended application.

Possible demonstration sites include:

An office building

A factory

A warehouse

A data centre

A tunnel

A construction site

A multi-storey building

During the test, review:

Setup time

Operator comfort

Real-time preview

Scan coverage

Processing time

Point-cloud quality

Colour quality

Measurement consistency

Control-point workflow

Export compatibility

Use known dimensions or check points to evaluate the results.

20. Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership

The purchase price is only one part of the total investment.

Include:

Scanner

Batteries

Accessories

Software

Annual renewal

Processing computer

Storage

Training

Calibration or verification

Warranty extension

Travel and demonstration costs

Staff learning time

Technical support

A lower-priced scanner may become more expensive if essential software modules or support services are excluded.

Xgrid Lixel L3 Overview

ItemXgrid Lixel L3Versions16-channel and 32-channelPoint-cloud rate320,000 or 640,000 points per secondScanning range0.7–120 metresPost-processed relative accuracyUp to 5 mm under stated test conditionsPost-processed absolute accuracyApproximately 2 cm RMSEGNSS and RTKIntegratedHDR camerasYes3D Gaussian SplattingSupported through Lixel CyberColorInternal storage1 TB UFSTypical operating timeApproximately 100 minutesWeightApproximately 2.5 kg including batteryProtection ratingIP54

The Xgrid Lixel L3 is suitable for consideration when the project requires both technical point-cloud data and high-quality visual outputs.

Final Selection Checklist

Before confirming a handheld SLAM LiDAR scanner, check:

Required relative accuracy

Required absolute accuracy

Project size

Indoor and outdoor conditions

Scanning range

Point-cloud rate

SLAM performance

RTK capability

Control-point workflow

Camera quality

Output formats

Software licence

Computer requirements

Battery life

Weight

Environmental protection

Privacy requirements

Training

Warranty

Local support

Total cost of ownership

The best scanner is not necessarily the model with the highest specification. It is the system that can reliably produce the required deliverables within the project’s accuracy, time and budget requirements.

Request an Xgrid Lixel L3 Consultation in Malaysia

The Xgrid Lixel L3 combines handheld LiDAR scanning, SLAM, RTK, HDR imaging and photorealistic 3D modelling in one workflow.

Before purchasing, Malaysian users should arrange a relevant demonstration and confirm the complete hardware, software, training and support package.

Contact MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd. to discuss the Xgrid Lixel L3 for surveying, AEC, construction, factories, data centres, tunnels and digital-twin applications in Malaysia.

Contact MTM Precision

MTM Precision Sdn. Bhd. (744811-A)

Telephone: +603-8080 7172

WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346

Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com / enquiry@mtmpre.com.my

Website: www.mtmpre.com.my

Showroom & Service Centre:

No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,

Pusat Bandar Puchong,

47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.