Precision vs Speed – How to Choose the Right 3D Scanning Method?

Author Szymon Bloch CEO scan 3D - Digital Transformation | Digital Facility Management | Digital Twin | GPR

3D scanning is like choosing the right tool for renovation – a brush, a roller, or a spray gun? Each tool has its purpose, and each works best in different situations. The same applies to 3D scanning – is accuracy your priority, or do you need speed? Do you want to capture every detail, or is your goal to quickly document an entire space?

There is no single best solution for all cases. The key is to match the technology to the measurement goal rather than focusing solely on the brand of the scanner. If we’re talking about stationary scanners, the brand doesn’t really matter. Whether it’s Leica, Faro, Trimble, or Z+F – they all deliver similar data, with differences mostly in software, workflow, and a few additional features.

But if someone shows up to scan an industrial hall with an iPad and claims that it’ll work just fine, well… let’s hope precision isn’t a factor. ??

Stationary Scanners – When Accuracy Matters Most

Stationary scanners (Leica RTC360, Faro Focus, Trimble X7, Z+F Imager) are the best choice when high precision and resolution are required.

What Kind of Data Do They Provide?

?? High-resolution scanning – capable of capturing installations as small as DN20, meaning pipes with a 20 mm diameter.

?? Detailed architectural features – perfect for ornaments, sculptures, and historic facades.

?? Precise documentation of steel structures – if you need to capture every joint, bolt, or weld, mobile scanners may not be enough.

Comparison – Stationary vs. Mobile Scanners

?? Imagine taking a photo of a painting in an art gallery.

• A stationary scanner is like a DSLR camera with a macro lens – it will show every crack, every brushstroke, and the texture of the paint.
• A mobile scanner is like a smartphone camera – it takes a full image, but zooming in won’t reveal fine details.

When to Choose Stationary Scanners?

? Heritage and historical documentation – where every architectural element matters.

? Industrial installations – capturing small pipelines, ducts, and technical installations with precision.

? Structural steel analysis – for high-precision, engineering-level documentation.

Stationary scanners aren’t the fastest, but their resolution ensures that you won’t miss key details – preventing costly mistakes.

Mobile Scanners – The Best Choice for Architecture and Large Spaces

When speed and scale are the priority, mobile scanners like NavVis VLX or Leica BLK2Go are unbeatable.

?? Fast scanning – just walk and scan, no need to set up a tripod.

?? Perfect for large buildings – offices, warehouses, production halls, shopping centers.

?? Simple and efficient – the process is much faster than using a stationary scanner.

But… There’s a Trade-Off

? Lower resolution – if you need to scan HVAC installations, small cables, or intricate construction details, the data may be too simplified.

? Requires control points – for precise data, mobile scanners must be referenced to geodetic control points.

?? When Should You Use Mobile Scanners?

? Office and commercial building scans – quick layout capture.

? Industrial site documentation – factories, warehouses, and large industrial spaces.

? Infrastructure expansion surveys – train stations, airports, shopping malls, where speed is key, and interruptions must be minimized.

This is the best solution for architects and engineers when small details aren’t a priority.

Where Do Drones Fit in?

Drones complement terrestrial scanning, especially when access to the site is difficult.

?? When Are Drones the Best Choice?

? Roof and high-elevation facade scanning – avoiding scaffolding or lifts.

? Surveying large outdoor areas – industrial sites, mines, roads, and infrastructure projects.

? Filling gaps in ground-level scans – completing missing data from an aerial perspective.

Drones won’t replace terrestrial scanners, but they significantly improve the efficiency of large-scale projects.

Which Method Should You Choose?

?? Need detailed, high-resolution data? → Stationary scanners.

?? Looking for fast documentation of large spaces? → Mobile scanners.

?? Scanning roofs, facades, and inaccessible areas? → Drones.

Final Thoughts – How to Avoid Losing the 3D Scanning Game?

Choosing the right 3D scanning technology isn’t about the brand, but the purpose of the scan. If we’re talking about stationary scanners, it really doesn’t matter whether you use Leica, Faro, Trimble, or Z+F – they all deliver comparable results, with differences mostly in software and workflow.

But if someone arrives to scan your site with an iPad or Matterport and claims that it "works too", well… sure, maybe it works – but not for projects where precision is essential. ??

Hopefully, this makes choosing the right 3D scanning method a bit easier! And if not – then it’s definitely time to have a chat! ??

#3DScanning #DigitalTwin #BIM #Surveying #PrecisionVsSpeed #NavVis #Faro #Leica #Trimble #Geospatial #FutureTech