A User's Manual for Leica’s

BLK360 Laser Scanner

University of Delaware
Summer Research Team 2020
Dr. Mohsin Siddiqui
Travis Plystak, Logan Lamb, & Julia Weeks
 Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Basic Setup

2.1. Hardware Requirements

2.2. Software Requirement

3. Workflows

3.1. General (w/ Cyclone Field App)

3.2. Recap

3.3. Cyclone Register 360 & Cloudworx

3.4. Usage Scenarios

3.4.1. Scan to BIM through ReCap

3.4.2. Scan to BIM through CloudWorx

3.4.3. As Planned Vs. As Built

3.4.4. Topographic Map

4. Thermal Imaging

4.1. Setup Requirements

4.2. Detailed Analysis Approach

4.3. BLK 360 Capabilities

5. Lessons Learned

6. Moving Forward

6.1. What Can We Use This Technology For?

1. Introduction
The laser we have been using is the Leica BLK360 Imaging Laser Scanner. This laser is
the smallest and lightest of its kind. In three minutes or less, the laser completes a 360-degree
scan and gives the user a high-accuracy point cloud scan with full-color panoramic images.
Leica's imaging laser scans 360,000 points per second and is capable of HDR and thermal
imaging. A user can scan an entire project using just the Leica scanner and register the scans to
an iPad Pro at a later time or use an Ipad Pro to pre-register after each scan. What makes Leica's
scanner so unique is the ease of use, portability, short scan time with great accuracy, and wireless
connectivity over wifi.

Our team spent time performing scans on various buildings including residential
single-family housing and University of Delaware facilities. We used these scans to create 3D
models of the buildings in Autodesk’s Revit software. The team started by importing the point
cloud directly into Revit, and eventually transitioned into importing the point cloud through
Leica’s CloudWorx plugin into Revit. Although not much information exists for the thermal
scanning capabilities for the Leica BLK360, the team still attempted to determine what type of
information could be gleaned from the results.

2. Basic Setup
2.1 Hardware Requirements
The scanner we are using in our research is the Leica BLK360 Imaging Laser Scanner.
The scanner has its own wifi network that connects to its respect device equipped with Leica
software. The laser scanner is light in weight and portable; it weighs only 1kg and fits securely
into a messenger bag with its collapsible tripod stand. The housing for the scanner is bead
blasted, black anodized aluminum. The laser has rechargeable batteries - Leica GEB212 - that
should be removed every time the scanner is not in use. The laser has capabilities to scan in
HDR, with thermal imaging, and in different densities, all customizable. The Leica scanner holds
a digital record of scans that can be visited after the scanning is complete. Leica BLK360 is a
Class 1 Laser, it is considered safe under all conditions of normal use. The laser has a field of
view of 360 degrees (horizontal) and 300 degrees (vertical), a minimum scanning range of .5
meters, and a maximum scanning range of 60 meters. Its visual imaging is a 15.1 Mpixel 3
camera system. The laser is designed for indoor and outdoor use, is equipped with auto tilt, and
can be used in environments within the range of 5℃ and 40℃. The BLK360 can be oriented
upside down to complete scans.
 2.2 Software Requirements
2.2.1 Leica Cyclone Field 360
The software we use in the field alongside our Leica scanner is Leica Cyclone Field 360.
We downloaded Field 360 to an iPad Pro so we can easily navigate around while scanning with a
high-performance mobile-device app. One major advantage of this software is its ability to
simultaneously scan and download projects, it saves numerous minutes at each scan position.
Cyclone Field 360 automatically pre-registers point cloud data and enables users to conduct
on-site quality control checks which makes for better-informed scanning decisions in the field. A
user can turn off pre-registration if they wish to register the scans themselves or if Field 360
recognized two reference points incorrectly. We can export the scans to Register 360 when we
leave the field and have a computer available.

2.2.2 Autodesk Recap

Another software compatible with the Leica scan files is Recap. This application allows
scans to be imported and manually registered; however, larger file sizes and computers not
equipped with enough memory will cause Recap to crash. Recap is a good program to view the
registered scans as it allows its user to pan around and zoom with ease. The user can also
manually register their scans using targets to match up locations. A different software is
recommended if the user is scanning larger projects.

2.2.3 Leica Cyclone Register 360

The computer software that proved best for our project is Cyclone Register 360. To begin
registering scans, either import scans directly from the laser scanner over wifi, or if files are
stored on the computer, drag and drop the files into Register 360. The application should be able
to register all scans together if each of the scans had enough overlap of reference points.
Manually registering scans is another method as well as a combination of both manual
registration and auto-registration. This software allows its user to choose specific slices of the
scan to analyze, for example, if viewing a scan of a two-story house, viewing only the second
floor scan is possible by sliding the slice bar until only the second story floor plan is visible.
Typically, Register 360 will not be able to auto-register a first floor and second floor together,
that is where manual registration is almost always necessary. The scanner has difficulties
registering different elevations together. Zoom, orbit, pan, and select are all features to ensure the
scans are lined up, then the scans are auto-optimized, finalized, and the scans are accepted. This
will create a detailed report of your project and you can transfer that report wherever you would
like in whichever platform you choose.
 2.2.4 Leica CloudWorx
This software is a plugin for Autodesk Revit which allows the user to work way more
efficiently with the point cloud inside of Revit. CloudWorx adds multiple tools inside of Revit
that simplify the viewing and modeling process of point clouds. Some of the major tools
CloudWorx has are the ability to slice and edit the point cloud inside of Revit and automated
detection and modeling of walls, doors, and windows. The plug in also allows the user to directly
upload the point cloud from Leica Cyclone Register 360, so there is no need to use Autodesk
ReCap.

3. Workflow
3.1 General (w/ Cyclone Field App)

1. Extend tripod legs and place the tripod on stable ground. Locate the power button on the
scanner, hold for a few seconds and watch for blinking light to indicate power on.
2. Go into iPad Pro settings and select Wi-Fi called “BLK360-[SSID#]”
3. Decide what structure to scan and where the first scan should be located. Ensure the
scanner’s view is not obstructed.
4. Name your new project a distinguishable name and add a cover photo to help indicate
which structure is being scanned.
5. Adjust the density of the scan, thermal imaging, HDR, and various other
scan-specific settings. Typically, a lower density is used when outdoors because the
 scanner’s view captures a large range and the scan time would be significantly longer.
When indoors, medium/high density is used to capture a finite area. Thermal imaging can
be turned on to see different temperatures within a space. For example, if a basement is
unusually lower in temperature than the rest of the house, a scan of the basement walls
would indicate where the colder air is located and provide a pin-point location of the air
leak.
6. Once the play button is pressed, the iPad will display a bar that reads “scanning” at the
bottom of the screen. The exact time for the scan will be exhibited before the scan begins.
The exact time varies based on chosen settings, wait those few minutes for the scan to
complete.
7. Move the scanner to the next position making sure to leave overlap of the previous scan
to allow for registering scans together. Avoid placing the scanner at a corner of a
building, preferably place one directly before the corner and one directly after.
8. Once two scans have been completed, select the first scan, then select the link icon at the
bottom of the screen, and then select the second scan to bring you to the registration
window. Cyclone will pre-register both scans and will typically get the two aligned.
Rotate, move, and pan around to fix any small imperfections in alignment of the two
scans. Sometimes the elevations of the two scans will be nonaligned and the user will
have to change views. This is done by selecting the “boxed eye” icon at the top left of the
screen. From here, the cyclone user will have to trial and error and visualize the
alignment of the two scans.
9. Click “optimize” and watch Cyclone register the scans an additional time to optimize the
alignment. Then select “create link.” The two scans are now one bundle.
10. Move the scanner to the next scan position and repeat the process. Ensure all links are
correctly linked and the whole structure is uploaded.
11. When done scanning and registering all the scans needed to capture the project, view the
scanned project in aerial map view, 3D model view, and go inside the scan for a 360
degree, in person view. With the scans, a user can do various things such as upload the
scan to the computer application: cyclone register to view or transfer the file to other
applications

3.2 Recap
To view a set of scans in the desktop version of the Ipad application Recap Pro (no longer
supported by Autodesk), launch the application and connect the iPad to a computer using a wired
connection. Select “New Project” in the Recap on the desktop and then select “Transfer from
Mobile Device.” Import and download the scan file from the scanner as a “.rcp” file onto the
computer. Open Recap and select the downloaded “.rcp” file and launch the project.
Pre-registration and manual registration are both options for completing the scan registration.
Recap will occasionally align the scans incorrectly so in some cases it is better to manually
register the scans. To register the scans manually, select two scans with overlap and note the
similarities. Recap will prompt for three color coded point markers to be placed on each scan
where they align. For example, the red point will go on the same spot of a particular wall in each
scan, and so forth with the blue and green point markers. A tip for placing point markers is to
avoid using corners/edges of walls, flat surfaces register the cleanest. The scanner also has
difficulties with glass because of its reflection, so it is best not to choose a window for a point
marker position. Once all the scans in the project have been successfully linked together, view
the registered scan and ensure all the dimensions and structures match. Once the project is
registered and complete, Recap’s user can pan around, zoom in/out, and orbit the project.

3.3 Cyclone Register 360 & CloudWorx

If using the Leica Cyclone softwares and CloudWorx plug in, the user should start by
doing the field scans through the Leica Cyclone Field 360 app or just using the push button
method and importing the scans later. Through the Field 360 app, the user should connect the
IPad to the scanner through wifi, and then start a new project and begin scanning. The setting for
the scan can be adjusted based on the user’s preference for the project. Each scan can be pre
registered on the app to create a bundle. The user can also name each scan, and also upload a
picture if needed. The Field 360 app displays multiple views of the point cloud during the field
scan, so the user can check that the cloud is coming out as it should. Once the field scan is
complete, the user can upload it to the Leica Cyclone Register 360 software. The Register 360
software allows the user to further register the point cloud, clean up any unnecessary points, and
modify the point cloud as needed. To register the point cloud, the user will be asked to select two
scan setups, and line them up in the top down view and vertical view. Like in the Field 360 app,
lining up the setups will create a bundle, and the goal should be to have each scan setup
connected to one bundle to create a full point cloud. Register 360 also provides the user with a
register report. The report will portray how each of the points in the point cloud line up, and
show the user where certain setups do and do not line up. Once the user feels like the point cloud
is complete, the cloud can then be imported to Autodesk’s Revit software through the
CloudWorx plugin. The point cloud should be in an .lgs file. The point cloud will be uploaded
into Revit, and the user can use CloudWorx to model the building based on the point cloud.

3.4 Usage Scenario

3.4.1 Scan to BIM through ReCap

Using the Leica BLK360 with the Autodesk ReCap software makes it possible to upload
field scans onto the computer to see a full 3D point cloud, and then upload the point cloud into
Autodesk Revit. Field scans can be uploaded to the computer by directly downloading from the
scanner. An alternative upload method could be possible if the ReCap IOS app was used during
scanning. The device, usually an iPad Pro, can be wire connected to the computer and
downloaded from there. In ReCap on the computer, scans can be manually registered, the point
cloud can be viewed in many different ways, and the point cloud can be edited. Once the point
cloud is fully registered and edited, the cloud can be saved, and then uploaded to Revit. Scans
done using the Leica Cyclone 360 app cannot be uploaded to Revit, as Revit only accepts scans
coming from ReCap (.rcp files). In Revit, there is an option to insert a point cloud under the
insert tab. After selecting this option, the saved point cloud can be selected and uploaded. The
point cloud will be presented in a 3D view, and will look exactly like how it was saved in ReCap.
The next step is to set the elevation for the point cloud, with the bottom of the cloud near the
level 1 elevation, or 0 feet. Multiple elevation levels can be added as necessary, and will further
separate the cloud into different elevation segments. Once the elevations are set, viewing the
floor plans will show all data captured at that certain elevation. The cloud may need to be rotated
to line up the sides of the buildings properly. Once the point cloud is properly orientated, walls,
flooring, roofs, and any other features can be drawn over the cloud to make a replicated model in
Revit. The point cloud acts like a blueprint to draw over.

3.4.2 Scan to BIM through CloudWorx

Using Leica’s CloudWorx plugin greatly simplifies the scanning to BIM modeling
process. The above section describes how to go through the scan to BIM process through
Autodesk’s ReCap and Revit softwares. However, using CloudWorx allows us to bypass using
ReCap. The user would start this new process by taking field scans using the Leica Cyclone
Field 360 app. Once the scan is complete, the user then uploads the field scans to Leica Cyclone
Register 360 software, where they can edit, register, and configure the point cloud. Without using
CloudWorx, the user would not be able to upload the point cloud to Revit because Revit only
accepts ReCap files (.rcp). But, using the CloudWorx plugin allows the user to directly upload a
Register 360 file (.lgs) into Revit. In general, the use of the Leica software allowed the user to do
more with the point clouds, and was far more easier to use, so going through the scan to BIM
process through CloudWorx is recommended. Once the point cloud is uploaded to Revit, the user
can start modeling the building by aligning it properly. It is better to align the point cloud in
Register 360 using the coordinate system, but CloudWorx also has a tool that allows the user to
rotate the cloud. Once aligned, the user should set the different floor and ceiling levels. Using
CloudWorx, the cloud can be sliced into sections so the floor and ceiling levels are visible. Then
the user can select the levels and name them. Most of the tools CloudWorx has are used through
the 3D view, and the floor and ceiling plan views are used to show how the modeling is coming
out. Once the floors are set, the user can start modeling the building. CloudWorx has multiple
detection and automation tools for different features. The user should first start with the walls. A
point along the point cloud can be selected, and CloudWorx will tell the user how thick the wall
is. The user can then extend the wall as far as necessary to match up with the cloud. Once the
walls are complete, the user can use CloudWorx to detect the windows and doors. The user needs
to create a slice on the point cloud that only shows the window or door. Then using the detection
tool, the user should select this slice, and CloudWorx will tell what dimensions they are.
Currently, CloudWorx has very few options for types of doors and windows. This process should
be followed floor by floor, until the building is complete. The only part of the modeling process
that CloudWorx misses is the roof because the scanner is currently unable to scan the roof, and
CloudWorx does not have a roof automation tool.

3.4.3 As Planned Vs. As Built

Once the point cloud is used to create a 3D model of the building in Revit, the building
can be compared by how it was planned to be built versus how it was actually built. The point
cloud, and any model based on it, represents how the building was actually built. If given the
plans for the building, the as built model can be compared to how it was planned to be built.
Using Revit’s measuring tools, the dimensions of the building can be calculated and compared.

3.4.5 Topographic Map

We tried to see if by using the BLK360 scanner in a field, we would be able to create a
topographic map. We brought the scanner down to the surveying fields on south campus and
took about five to six scans spread out around the field. The resulting point cloud was a mess and
showed no topographic map whatsoever. However, trying to scan the field again would probably
be beneficial if targets were involved somehow. When we did the scans, we did it through
Autodesk ReCap, so using Field 360 could possibly give out better results. However, scans
performed using Cyclone Field 360 of Mentor’s Circle and its surrounding landscape turned out
well and showed some gradation in the terrain. This is probably due to the fact that Mentor’s
Circle has more recognizable objects in the area which allows for easier registration. If we were
to scan on an open field again, we would consider using targets. If the targets still didn’t help
with registration, then we would recommend using a different scanning device to produce a map.

4. Thermal Imaging
The use of thermal infrared (IR) imaging is a valuable tool for inspecting and performing
nondestructive testing of building elements. Leica’s BLK360 Scanner also has the ability to scan
thermal images. Although infrared photogrammetry is nothing new to the scanning industry,
little-to-no information exists for what can be done with the BLK360. Because of this, the team
scanned a variety of locations to glean information on the limits and capabilities of the
technology. The state of the art for thermal imaging is principally a qualitative method for testing
where surfaces can be inspected for irregular thermal patterns that indicate defects in building
envelope. These irregularities can identify missing insulation, thermal bridges, and air leakages,
to name a few.

4.1 Set-Up Requirements

The scanner can only operate in a temperature range of 5-40 degrees Celsius (or 40-105
degrees Fahrenheit). This means that scanning in harsh climates is out of the question. It is
recommended to perform infrared scans on external building elements either at night or during a
cloudy day. Doing so avoids the problem of temperature increase which occurs as a result of the
incident solar radiation and the impact from the absorbed solar energy, which presents a time lag
of a few hours.

4.2 Detailed Analysis Approach

One method for rating the thermal performance of a building envelope is to calculate its
Energy Performance Factor (EPF). The equation is used to calculate the Envelope Performance
Factor (EPF) of a building envelope, which is the sum total of EPF of all its components, i.e.,
Roof, Walls and Fenestrations/Windows. The data related to envelope geometry, material
properties, window proportions and shading can be used to understand and compare their
contribution towards the thermal behaviour of a building. In order to reduce solar heat gains,
these guides recommend increasing thermal resistance, thermal capacity, shading, decreasing
exposed surface area, and introducing buffer spaces (Kaur, et al., 2017). The building
recommendations from their research is as follows:
1. The most preferred orientation is North-South, so that the longer facades of the building
face North and South directions.
2. The Surface Area to Volume (S/V) ratio of a building envelope should be on the lower
side to ensure compactness.
3. The proportion of windows in walls facing various directions need to be optimised. This
proportion is termed as Window-to-Wall (WWR) ratio.
4. Appropriate shading devices should be provided on windows in various directions.
5. Thermal insulation of opaque and transparent components should be preferred.

4.3 Capabilities & Limits

The Leica Cyclone Field Application allows you to identify the major material that you
will scan. In the camera quality menu you can turn on IR scanning and choose from a number of
materials including but not limited to brick, wood, etc. After a scan is finished the user can view
the 360° x 70° panoramic image in the Field App, turn on the thermal imaging function and
review the corresponding data. While the thermal camera has a minimum range of .6m (~2ft),
typical thermal sensors have a range of 100ft before infrared waves are affected by atmospheric
conditions (vapor and carbon dioxide). The BLK360 uses a FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared)
technology based longwave infrared camera. The visualization software that was used (Recap
and Cyclone) do not have the same capabilities as others where the user can set a certain
temperature range. However, when the images are transferred to Cyclone Register 360 the user
has the ability to pick a target object in the IR scan’s point of view and identify its approximate
temperature at the time of the scan.

When the scan is viewed with the IR setting in Cyclone Register 360 the user can view
one setup but also see the thermal data recorded from others within the area, therefore observing
a fuller range than what one setup can obtain. When viewing the IR imagery, the user is given a
thermal color gradient ranging that goes up increasing in temperature from blue → green →
yellow → orange → red. Since the user cannot choose a temperature range using Cyclone
Register 360, some structures may have similar gradients even with varying temperatures.
However, structures or objects that are significantly hotter or colder than their surroundings stand
out clearly. Some examples of objects that stand out are:
● Heating pipe in mechanical room
● Cooling pipe
● Outlets in use (or recently used)
● Asphalt (in the sun)
● Human bodies
● Lights that are on
● Cars and/or metal (outdoor)
● Top corner of basement insulation (faint differential in color where heat was
intruding)
● Manholes (showed to be 60 degrees Celsius on a hot/sunny)
 4.4 What can BLK360 IR scans be used for?
Without more developed IR technology for the BLK360, it will be hard to identify
specific factors that affect thermal performance. The current technology allows the user to see
some slight discoloration in the corners of walls if there is a temperature difference, but it does
not compare to other technologies that can identify studding behind walls or other similar
structures. What we can use this IR technology for is identifying general problem areas around
windows and walls on the building envelopes where a problem could potentially lie. Also, using
the scanner will help identify parts of a building that receive and retain more heat than others
which will help in the design phase of construction.

5. Lessons Learned
1. Always do one scan on the iPad.

a. Start by performing the first scan on the Ipad to ensure connection and that the
data will be saved before moving to Push-Button scanning.

2. Use the Push-Button method as much as possible (if only using Recap Pro).

a. Push-Button scanning allows for quicker scan times. However, the user will have
to manually register the raw scans afterward. This is preferred if the user does not
have the time to register the scans manually on site.

3. Targets.

a. Why Use Targets?

i. Used to rotate and translate the data into a project or local coordinate
system. Helpful when transferring data into a CAD drawing where the
point data and CAD model need to match.
ii. Useful for collecting data along long corridors or areas where there are no
easily identifiable points to match up when registering scans.

4. Ipad sometimes disconnects from the scanner.

a. Occurs connection is bad or the Ipad is too far from the scanner. Helpful to stay
close to the scanner but out of sight if possible. Also some similar issues may
arise from hot temperatures where the battery is overheated. Suggested solution is
to scan in cooler locations and/or replace the battery.

5. Do not locate the scanner in the corner of a hallway. Perform two scans; one on either
side for easier registration.
 a. It is easier to register hallway scans when the user performs two scans around a
corner. Instead of placing the scanner in the corner of the hallway, place it in two
advantageous locations on opposite sides of the hallway corner where similarities
can be identified.

6. Moving Forward

6.1 What Can We Do With This Technology

6.1.1 Mayhew Theater Case Study

Gilbert-Ash, a UK-based construction contractor became one of the first contractors to
use Leica’s BLK360 scanner for their Mayhew Theater project at UK Foreign & Commonwealth
Office in 2019. The project had various space constraints which complicated the design and work
for subcontractors, making it difficult to adapt the design as work progressed. Gilbert-Ash
decided to start work off-site to construct the steel superstructure to determine its dimensions.
Doing so allowed them to pre-erect the theater and determine glass sizes for manufacturing and
delivery. Paul McGeachy, a Gilbert-Ash Design Manager said, “For us to set-out dimensions on
site, the only way we could see to do that was to capture it in 3D.” The precise dimensions
obtained from the BLK360 scans were used to order other materials as well which helped
provide design accuracy throughout the entire construction phase. McGeachy also credits the
Leica scanner with helping their company identify clashes between all disciplines involved and
allowed them to prepare for changes in design, thus speeding up the construction process and
allowing for greater accuracy.

6.1.2 Quality Control Case Study

From Greendale, Indiana, Maxwell Construction Company shares with the world how
Leica BLK 360 Laser Imaging Scanner has benefitted one of their construction teams. Pete
Lyness and his team were working to build a small restaurant. The progress on the build was
going smoothly; however, the team wanted to capture documentation of what they had built to
confirm the build was accurate. During the time of their scan, the concrete foundation had been
poured and the building’s plumbing pipes installed. Lyness and his team spent about thirty
minutes collecting their scans with the BLK360 and then went to the office to review the scans.
They pulled the point cloud file into AutoCAD and overlaid the scans on top of the drawings
they were given for the restaurant. They soon realized that three of the plumbing pipes they laid
were incorrectly placed and were able to correct the mistakes before the next concrete slab was
poured. This saved Lyness and his team money and prevented them from doing complicated
rework later on in the project life cycle. Lyness also stated that some of his company’s job sites
are hours away and having the scanned point cloud file of the project prevents multiple trips to
the jobsite. The benefit of using the Leica scanner allows his team to capture accurate
documentation way faster than the manual data collection they had been using previously.
 Resources

Dollard, Christopher. “Gilbert-Ash Constructs Mayhew Theater at the UK Foreign &

Commonwealth Office Using Leica BLK360.” Digital Construction - Mayhew Theater -
Leica BLK360, Leica Geosystems, 12 May 2020,
shop.leica-geosystems.com/blog/gilbert-ash-construction-leica-blk360.

Kaur, Jatinder, et al. “Thermal Performance of a Building Envelope - An Evaluative Approach.”

Energy Conservation – New Indian Way for Affordable & Sustainable Homes,
ECO-NIWAS, 21 July 2017, www.econiwas.com/pdf/publication/Thermal performance
of a building envelope.pdf.

Wheelis, Matt, et al. “As-Builts from Point Clouds: How Maxwell Construction Is Advancing
Building Documentation.” BIM Learning Center, BIM Learning Center - by Leica
Geosystems , 15 Nov. 2017,
bimlearningcenter.com/builts-point-clouds-maxwell-construction-advancing-building-doc
umentation/.