> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.multiset.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.multiset.ai/fundamentals/third-party-scans/leica-scans.md).

# Leica Scans

Capture with Leica RTC360, BLK360 G2, BLK2GO or BLK2FLY and export a structured E57 with panoramas from Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS.

MultiSet AI’s Visual Positioning System (VPS) accepts **structured `.e57` point-cloud files exported from Leica’s Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS**. By pairing Leica’s high-fidelity LiDAR capture with MultiSet’s VPS you can turn large venues into centimeter-accurate AR canvases in hours instead of days. The guide below walks you through recommended devices, capture workflow, export settings and the upload process to the MultiSet Developer Portal.

**Supported Devices**

* **Leica RTC360**
* **Leica BLK360 G2**
* **Leica BLK2GO / BLK2FLY**

> MultiSet parses the panoramic images and intrinsic calibration blocks embedded in the E57. An export without panoramas will be rejected during processing, so tripod scans must be exported as **structured** setups, and BLK2GO / BLK2FLY walks must carry **WayPoint panoramas** (see the BLK2GO and BLK2FLY section below).

### Scanning Workflow

#### 1. Prerequisites

| Item                 | Notes                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Scanner & power**  | Fully charge two batteries and run the current Leica firmware for your scanner.                                                                                                               |
| **Mobile app**       | Leica **Cyclone FIELD 360** on iOS/Android for live QA and alignment.                                                                                                                         |
| **Desktop software** | Leica **Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS**, version **2026.0.0 or later**. Earlier versions export structured E57 files with **no panoramic images** when running a standard (non WORKFLOW) licence. |

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you must stay on an older Cyclone release, open the exported E57 and confirm the panoramas are present before uploading. A structured E57 that contains geometry only cannot be processed for VPS.
{% endhint %}

#### 2. Required Equipment

* **Sturdy tripod** with the survey standard **5/8"-11** thread. The RTC360 mounts on a tribrach or the **GAD122** adapter; the BLK360 G2 uses the **GAD52** adapter, which also ships with 1/4" and 3/8" adapters for photo tripods.
* **Target spheres / checkerboards** if survey-grade alignment is needed.
* **Tablet/phone** with FIELD 360 (Wi-Fi 6 preferred for RTC360’s onboard hotspot). [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en_US\&id=com.leicageosystems.cyclone.field360)

#### 3. Prepare the Environment

1. **Declutter walkways** and remove moving objects if possible.
2. **Set low-resolution LiDAR** when AR is the only deliverable; high-res mode multiplies file size with no VPS benefit.
3. **Turn off HDR** on BLK360; use LDR panoramas to avoid over-saturated textures.

#### 4. Capture the Space

* **RTC360 / BLK360 G2**: place the scanner roughly every 2–3 m, with 30% overlap between setups.
* **BLK2GO**: maintain slow walking speed (< 1 m/s) and follow loop-closure paths.
* Monitor FIELD 360: green spheres = complete scan, yellow = alignment pending.

#### 5. Register & Clean

1. Import data into **Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS**.
2. Run **Auto Cloud** for coarse cloud-to-cloud alignment, then refine with target-based or visual alignment as needed.
3. Crop excess ceiling sky boxes or outdoor noise for faster VPS processing.

#### 6. Export Structured E57

* Choose the **E57 (as one file)** format, then select **Separate Setups (structured / unstructured)**. Tripod setups are written as structured data, with the scan grid and panoramas included. There is no separate "include panoramas" option: structured export is what carries them.
* Do **not** choose **Single point cloud (unstructured)**. It merges every setup into one cloud and may keep only a single panoramic image, which is not enough for VPS.
* Leave **Export structured E57 in compatibility format** unchecked (Settings → Export tab, unchecked by default). It normalises the file for third-party tools such as ReCap and Faro SCENE, and MultiSet does not need it.
* Leave **Sub-sampling factor (Setups)** at full resolution unless the file is unmanageably large. This is the control that actually thins the cloud.
* Export in the **local project coordinate system**. As with other scanners, MultiSet expects local coordinates relative to the scan origin rather than absolute geodetic height, which can otherwise introduce a vertical shift between the map and the device camera feed.

> Expect \~1 GB per 1,000 sq ft at low-res settings. Uploads support files up to **50 GB**, see [Map Upload](/fundamentals/rest-api-docs/map-upload.md).

#### BLK2GO and BLK2FLY captures

Kinematic BLK data does not produce tripod setups, so the structured export above does not apply. Panoramas are generated at **WayPoints** instead:

1. Import the capture into Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS and set a WayPoint interval, for example one WayPoint every 2 to 3 m along the walk.
2. Export to E57 from **Report | Publish Options**, with WayPoints and rectified images included.
3. A **Cyclone WORKFLOW licence** is required for the export to contain the WayPoint panoramas. Without it the E57 carries geometry only and cannot be processed for VPS.

***

### Uploading to MultiSet

* Create Map → Select Leica → Upload.
* Compress the exported `.e57` into a `.zip` and drag and drop it.
* Processing time varies with file size. You will receive an email notification once your scan is complete.

### Best Practices

| Do                                                                                                                               | Avoid                                                                                            |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Keep the scanner out of mirrors and windows.                                                                                     | Scanning within 2 m of shiny cars or glass facades, which creates ghost points.                  |
| Use **low-res LiDAR + LDR pano** for VPS-only jobs.                                                                              | **High-res HDR** when final AR textures are not required, as it adds 3 to 4 times the file size. |
| Validate overlap in FIELD 360 before leaving the site.                                                                           | Expecting Register 360 to fix large gaps automatically.                                          |
| Export **one file per level** for multi-story buildings, then combine them in a [MapSet](/fundamentals/mapset-multiple-maps.md). | A single 40 GB monolithic export.                                                                |


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