Question 1

Can we hire Mobile 3D Laser (Lidar) Scanners for individual based projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While we don’t hire out the devices alone, we do offer a scanning service whereby we send one of our trained experts out to your site to complete a scan for you. We then send you the required data to use as needed.

Question 2

What industries or use cases can scanning be used for?

Accepted Answer

We can assist with scanning for any use case or industry - from utility inspections, construction, agriculture, mining, insurance records, marine vessels, stockpile management, engineering, as-builts, architecture, project and facilities management and more!   To find out if your project is suitable to scanning, email support@archi-tech.co.za or submit a request here.

Question 3

Can you create asbuilt floor plans and architectural documentation for us?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our skilled and experienced Architects are on hand to assist with any architectural floor plans, documentation, audits and building budgets you may require. We can also assist with Tolerance checks, audits, plans, renovations, consultation advice and council submissions. Our legal team is able to offer assistance with any property related matters, including conveyancing & transfers, disputes, dealing with Body Corporates and Home owners Associations, as well as drafting of special resolutions & JBCC contracts.

Question 4

Do you sell 3D Lidar Scanners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are the authorised resellers for the BLK2GO Handheld Mobile Laser Scanner in Southern Africa and can assist with demos, questions, quotes and local technical support.

Question 5

Do you offer Point Cloud Software?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have partnered with a number of leading software providers as well as can recommend a number of external software options to use for your specific requirements.   Archi-Tech are the resellers for both Geo Plus & Leica Software Products in South Africa   Feel free to get in touch with us for advice or recommendations on the best tools for your specific needs.   (Contact: support@archi-tech.co.za)

Question 6

Do you offer technical support?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are always happy to help. If you are struggling with data from a scan or require specific data, documents or BIM enabled files we can gladly assist.

Question 7

Can I pull measurements from my 3D scan / Point Cloud files?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can pull accurate measurements from your scan using our free software tools as well as through a number of third-party software applications. You can also pull your Point Cloud files into most design software, like Cad or REVIT.

Question 8

Where are you based? And what areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

Our Head Office is in Cape Town, we do however have representation in Gauteng as well.  We currently provide the bulk of our services to the greater Western Cape and Gauteng Provinces; however, we are able to travel to all parts of Southern Africa for larger, Industrial, commercial, agricultural, mining or forestry projects outside of these Provinces. Our hardware offerings be purchased from us throughout South Africa with delivery to your door.

Question 9

What Mobile/ Handheld Scanning devices do you use?

Accepted Answer

Archi Tech uses a number of different devices and technology depending on the use case.    In our mobile tool kit we have PX-80 & BLK2GO devices for projects big or small. We also have drone devices for other mobile applications.   We can also assist with tripod based terrestrial scanning services where needed.

Question 10

How does the BLK2GO handheld scanner work?

Accepted Answer

The BLK2GO is a compact hand-held laser scanner capable of full 6-DoF positional tracking. It uses SLAM technology which is a unique fusion of LiDAR, color imagery, and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) data. This fusion makes this scanner robust and reliable in a variety of environments.

Question 11

What is included in a BLK2GO order?

Accepted Answer

The BLK2GO comes with all the software and hardware needed to start scanning.    BLK2GO System Package, consisting of: 
1x BLK2GO Scanner
1x BLK2GO Transportation Case
3x GEB821 Li-Ion Battery
1x GKL821 Multicharger incl. AC-Adapter
1x BLK2GO Table Stand
1x GEV287 USB C Cable
1x BLK2GO Wrist Strap
1x BLK2GO Quick Guide
1x BLK2GO QR Card
1x BLK2GO USB Documentation Card   We also have a number of software options which can be included in your order:   - Cyclone REGISTER 360 (BLK Edition)
- CloudWorx Ultimate
- Jetstream Enterprise
- JetStream Connector
- Cyclone JetStream PUBLISHER

Question 12

What is the scanning range and accuracy of the BLK2GO?

Accepted Answer

Range: 0.5-25 meters.   BLK2GO scans currently provide 0.6-2cm relative accuracy. We define relative accuracy as what you can measure from a single LiDAR sweep.   The accuracy is consistent throughout the range and not affected by sunlight.

Question 13

What’s the battery life?

Accepted Answer

The BLK2GO comes standard with 3 exchangeable, rechargeable Li-Ion batteries with a battery life of approximately 45-50 minutes each.   Batteries can be recharged while you work, and additional batteries can be purchased where needed.

Question 14

How long does it take to setup?

Accepted Answer

Since the BLK2GO doesn’t need targets or tripods, there’s not much setup involved. Once it is turned on, it takes about 30 seconds for the LiDAR to initialize at the start of each scan.

Question 15

How long does it take to scan? What’s the scanning speed?

Accepted Answer

Total scan time is largely dependent on the environment. For example, a 10,000m2 office complex might take longer than a 50,000m2 warehouse. The short answer: scan time is about the time it takes to walk through a space. At an average walking pace, you can typically capture 100 -200m2 a minute, at 400,000 points per second.   The BLK2GO internal memory allows for 24 hours of scanning (compressed data) / 6 hours (uncompressed data).

Question 16

What is the processing/exporting time?

Accepted Answer

Scan time to processing time is about 1 to 4. You can choose to process after each scan or wait until the end of your project to batch process them all at once.

Question 17

Does it work indoors and outdoors? What are the lighting requirements?

Accepted Answer

The BLK2GO is designed to work in both indoor & outdoor environmoents and operates well in a variety of environmental conditions. Light isn’t required for the LiDAR to work, but it helps the camera colorize the scans.

Question 18

Does it run real-time? How do I know if I’ve successfully captured what I needed?

Accepted Answer

The BLK2GO Live app for iPhone (iOS 12.1 or later) offers live 2D and 3D visualization while scanning, device status and data management

Question 19

How much can the scanner move?

Accepted Answer

We recommend scanning at a steady walking pace. You can rotate the device to capture at different angles, but we recommend only having significant movement on one axis at a time. The beauty of a handheld system is that you can move it to capture at unique angles and fit into tight spaces.

Question 20

Does the BLK2GO have a built-in GPS? Are the scans geolocated?

Accepted Answer

Currently, it does not have built-in GPS so each point cloud is not associated with any coordinate system. To position a scan within your project, you can use site control to add real-world coordinates. This can be done with a variety of point cloud processing tools.

Question 21

Can I scan reflective surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Mirrors will always reflect but won't necessarily ruin a scan. Extra noise created by reflective surfaces can usually be cropped out afterward.

Question 22

Do I need WiFi to scan or process my data?

Accepted Answer

WiFi is not needed to scan. BLK2GO and the scanning app has its own connection and does not rely on WiFi to function. All processing is done on device. USB and Ethernet ports are available to transfer point clouds.

Question 23

Is loop closure required?

Accepted Answer

The SLAM algorithm does have loop closure, but loop closure is not required to get a good scan. If you are scanning for long linear distances (like multiple city blocks or long winding interior hallways) then we recommend loop back to the starting position to help correct any drift that might have occurred.

Question 24

What software is included?

Accepted Answer

The iOS scanning app is free to download and use.   Additional registration and point cloud software can be purchased seprately if needed, or you can choose a package option, like the BLK2GO CAD Elite Subscription Package which includes: 
- Leica BLK2GO handheld imaging laser scanner
- 1 Year Subscription to Cyclone REGISTER 360 (BLK Edition)
- 1 Year Subscription to CloudWorx Ultimate
- 1 Year Subscription to Jetstream Enterprise
- 1 Year Subscription to one (1) JetStream Connector
- 1 Year Subscription to Cyclone JetStream PUBLISHER.

Question 25

What point cloud tool can I use?

Accepted Answer

Tasks like point cloud registration, cropping, sectioning, editing, and viewing can be done in a variety of popular tools already on the market. Our favorite free tools are CloudCompare & Autodesk ReCap.   The BLK Leica Software which is available and highly recommended is: - Cyclone REGISTER 360 (BLK Edition)
- CloudWorx
- Jetstream  - Pointfuse   Geo-Plus Vision Lidar suite is also highly recommended if you are in the AEC industry.

Question 26

How are scans registered?

Accepted Answer

We recommend using Cyclone 360 to automatically (or manually if needed) register scans. To make registration easier, we recommend capturing about 20% of overlap in each scan. Targets can be used, but are not required.

Question 27

Are there ways to improve the accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our team is always exploring new methods to improve accuracy. The biggest benefit to our solution is that its mobile, easy to use, and the overall workflow is 10x faster than traditional methods. Many of our customers will happily trade mm accuracy for an easier data capture solution.

Question 28

What about drift?

Accepted Answer

Drift is an inherent challenge for SLAM-based systems. While drift is not noticeable in small area scans, it may become a problem in larger areas. For large areas, we recommend returning to starting location before finishing a scan to close the loop. This method will help our system correct for drift.

Question 29

Is the BLK2GO eye safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the LiDAR sensor in the BLK2GO is a class 1 laser product, which is considered the safest kind of laser and will not damage your eyes. According to the manufacturer, the laser has about 0.02% of the power output in a standard 10-watt LED headlamp bulb on a low-beam setting.

Question 30

What is the level of security and IT?

Accepted Answer

All captured data stays on the device and is not uploaded to the internet. Data can be transferred to local devices by USB, ethernet, or an external hard drive. Crash reports are only uploaded to Leica servers to help debug any issues users might have.

Question 31

How can I schedule a demo or try the scanner on a project?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We understand that many prospective customers feel more comfortable adopting new technology when they’ve had the chance to try it first. Let us know if you're interested in taking the BLK2GO for a test drive and we can happily arrange an on-site demo.

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