Released in 2019, Lecia Geosystems’ handheld 3D measurement solution, the BLK3D, combines sensors, software and on-device processing to help users measure spaces in real time. Its edge computing capabilities eliminate the need for network connections and cloud services, ensuring professionals can make faster decisions within their daily workflows – whether measuring inaccessible locations, creating floor plans, estimating building installations, documenting construction site progress or creating measurable, as-built documentation.
This week, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has announced that the Leica BLK3D is getting a big update. The new handheld imager touts a doubled operating range and in-picture measurement accuracy for many indoor and outdoor applications, such as exterior building measurements for scaffolding, façade, roofing, and architecture projects.
The BLK3D is a handheld imaging device about the size of a typical smartphone, and it can be used to take photos of what needs to be measured. A pair of calibrated, stereo cameras that are slightly offset are able to perform the measurement calculations, allowing for measurements to be gleaned from within the image. The device also stores metadata (including GPS location, date/time of capture), and its outputs can easily be added to scans using the Cycline Field 360 app on board the BLK3D device.
According to Leica, the upgrade allows BLK3D to capture façades of four-story buildings with centimetre accuracy. In addition, users will receive from guidance and accuracy indication features that allow them to optimise the capturing process to achieve highest measurement accuracy. This is achieved by enhancing existing BLK3D image processing algorithms alongside workflow adaptation which allows for capturing multi-shots with up to 4 shots.
“Detailed project documentation, team collaboration and remote decision making are just a few of the needed abilities for today’s professionals across a wide variety of industries,” said Tobias Heller, senior product manager for Leica BLK3D.
“We designed BLK3D mobile and desktop 3.0 for users starting their journey into digitalisation and digital experts who have already been working in the area for some time. With the increased accuracy, longer range and added functionality, the BLK3D is for anyone who is looking to make their work more efficient, effective and productive.”
