Precision, simplicity and affordability converge in Leica’s latest laser scanning release — the BLK360 SE!

Designed to provide fast, accurate and highly portable scanning capabilities, the Leica BLK360 SE is designed to enhance workflows in architecture, construction, engineering and beyond. When paired with PinPoint software, users unlock a streamlined, powerful solution for data processing, visualisation, and analysis.

The Leica BLK360 SE laser scanner builds upon the strengths of its predecessors—the BLK360 G1 (2016) and BLK360 (2022) SE (stands for Standard Edition) delivering fast scanning, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity and improved integration with third-party software. The BLK360 SE is ideal for users who need a reliable scanner that combines speed with precision at an affordable price.

The BLK360 SE Essentials package bundles the BLK360 SE laser scanner with Leica Cyclone FIELD 360 app and PinPoint processing and modeling software. While the BLK360 scanner is compatible with the same apps and software, they need to be purchased separately to use them with the BLK360. But they are included in BLK360 SE Essentials package, which is one of the biggest differences between each product.

The Leica BLK360 Evolution:

When it was first released in 2016, the original BLK360 represented a giant leap forward in making laser scanning technology more portable, affordable and accessible. In 2022, the next iteration in the BLK360 took the technology to another level by incorporating some of the innovative scanning advances made by Leica, such as a Visual Inertial System (VIS), lightening speed data capture and automation features.

With the launch of the more affordable BLK360 SE, users now have the choice of features to suit their needs, without compromising on accuracy.

Leica BLK360 vs Leica BLK360 SE

Both laser scanners have the same compact design the Leica Geosystems BLK series is known for.  With single-button operation, both scanners remain accessible to all levels of scanning, from new to expert. The operation of both scanners remains intuitive and straightforward so users can capture 3D data easily. Simply mount the BLK360 or BLK360 SE on a tripod, press the button, and you’re off to the races.

The BLK360 SE captures the same exact quality of data as the BLK360, but it takes a little longer to scan. The capture rate, or the time it takes for the scanner to scan the area around it, differs with the BLK360 SE capturing up to 340,000 points per second while the BLK360 can capture up to 680,000 points per second.

The BLK360 SE can capture a full-dome scan with HDR images in just under one minute, while the BLK360 can do the same in 20 seconds. Both scanners use the same imaging system to capture HDR images of the same quality. And the BLK360 SE and BLK360 offer the same range, up to 45 meters.

However, the BLK360 has VIS (Visual Inertial System) technology, which tracks the scanner’s location from setup to setup and pre-aligns all data before transferring to the desktop software, thus speeding up the scanning and registration process. Combined with faster capture rate, this makes the BLK360 well-suited for bigger projects, or for environments where high speed is key.

The BLK360 SE does not have VIS technology, making it more suitable for small- to mid-sized projects. However, the BLK360 SE comes with a field app and software that helps users scan easily and work with data in the office quickly, creating a complete workflow that is just as intuitive as the scanner itself.

Leica BLK360 SE + PinPoint: A Powerful Pairing

While hardware captures the data, it’s software that makes it usable. This is where PinPoint shines. Designed for use with a range of LiDAR scanners—including the Leica BLK360 series—PinPoint enables users to:

• View and manage point clouds in a clean, intuitive interface
• Perform feature extraction
• Measure, annotate, and share datasets with teams or clients
• Mesh outputs to OBJ
• Easily export files to BIM, CAD, or GIS platforms

When used with the BLK360 SE, PinPoint dramatically improves post-processing time. The pairing makes it easier than ever to go from scan to deliverable.

Conclusions

The Leica BLK360 SE represents a new era of accessible high-performance 3D lasers scanning. It’s a solution designed not just for Surveyors or Engineers, but also for Architects, Interior Designers and even Crime Scene Investigators—anyone who needs to capture the physical world quickly and accurately.

With this new offering, Leica is making powerful technology more usable and more affordable, turning the promise of reality capture into an everyday reality. Whether you’re upgrading your toolkit or diving into laser scanning for the first time, the BLK360 SE and PinPoint software combination is well worth your consideration.

Reach out to our Reality Capture team for more info or an online demo: 0800 453 422 or info@globalsurvey.co.nz