What Is the Leica BLK2GO?
The Leica BLK2GO is a handheld imaging laser scanner that creates a fully colourised 3D point cloud digital twin while you walk through a space — no tripod, no static setups. It weighs just 650 grams and captures up to 420,000 points per second with a 360° horizontal / 270° vertical field of view.
Its core technology is GrandSLAM, fusing LiDAR SLAM, Visual SLAM, and an IMU (inertial measurement unit) to continuously track position and orientation as you move.
The newer BLK2GO PULSE variant adds dual Time-of-Flight LiDAR sensors and instant colourisation with no post-processing, streaming directly to a smartphone via the BLK Live app.
When Handheld Beats Tripod
| Scenario | BLK2GO | Tripod Scanner (e.g. RTC360) | | --- | --- | --- | | Large multi-storey buildings | Walk through once | Multiple setups needed | | Tight corridors and complex layouts | Mobile, no obstructions | Difficult positioning | | Survey-grade accuracy needed | ±10–20mm | ±1.9mm (RTC360) | | Minimal operator training | Point-and-walk | Requires expertise | | Long range (>25m) | Max ~25–45m | Up to 130m | | Speed of capture | Fastest | Slower, scan-by-scan |
Many firms combine both: BLK2GO for rapid initial capture across large areas, and an RTC360 for control points and high-accuracy detail.
Key Benefits
- Speed — entire buildings captured in minutes; drastically reduces on-site time
- No tripod or specialist operator — any site team member can operate with minimal training
- Access to difficult areas — staircases, plant rooms, confined spaces, underground, and multi-level spaces
- Live visualisation — streams real-time data to a mobile device so you can verify coverage on-site
- Outputs — integrate with Leica Cyclone, AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM workflows
- Battery — 6 hours onboard storage, ~45–50 minutes per charge
Costs in the UK
Purchase: ~£40,800 ex VAT new; reconditioned units ~£21,000 ex VAT.
Equipment hire (self-operated):
- UK-wide (VP-ESS): ~£1,336 ex VAT for a 5-day minimum hire
- With tablet, batteries, and Cyclone REGISTER 360+ software (G2 Survey): 3+ day hire packages available
Survey service (full service with operator + data processing): £800–£2,000+ per day depending on deliverables and travel.
UK BLK2GO Service Providers
- The Future 3D (London, nationwide) — 24-hour response, BLK2GO PULSE service
- Detailed Planning (London and South East) — architectural and as-built surveys
- NOARA Technologies — laser scanning services UK-wide
- G2 Survey — equipment hire and survey services, UK-wide delivery
- VP-ESS — equipment hire with next-day delivery nationwide
- Caddbro (SE London/Kent, M25 corridor) — authorised Leica distribution and hire partner
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How accurate is the BLK2GO compared to a tripod scanner?
The BLK2GO achieves ±10–20mm accuracy — suitable for measured building surveys and refurbishment documentation. For survey-grade precision (setting-out, boundary disputes), a static tripod scanner (e.g. Leica RTC360 at ±1.9mm) remains the better choice.
Q: What is GrandSLAM?
GrandSLAM fuses LiDAR SLAM, Visual SLAM, and IMU data to continuously track the scanner's position and orientation as you walk through a space — enabling handheld 3D capture without static setups.
Q: Is the BLK2GO suitable for BIM?
Yes — outputs integrate with Leica Cyclone, AutoCAD, and Revit. For full BIM workflows, the point cloud data feeds into scan-to-BIM processes.
Q: Is BLK2GO or tripod scanning better for large buildings?
BLK2GO wins on speed and coverage for large multi-storey buildings. For high-accuracy engineering applications, a tripod scanner is preferred. Many surveyors use both in combination.
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