XGRIDS Lixel L3 vs XGRIDS Lixel L2 Pro

The XGRIDS Lixel L3 builds on the professional mapping capability of the XGRIDS Lixel L2 Pro, adding validated 5 mm relative accuracy (post-processed), integrated RTK, 4K HDR imaging, and a more complete on-device workflow. We compare the like-for-like scanners to show where the upgrades matter.

Key takeaways

• L3 delivers greater accuracy: XGRIDS states 5 mm post-processed relative accuracy for the L3, compared with 1 cm for the L2 Pro.

• L3 improves field operation: Integrated RTK, a built-in display, and real-time optimisation reduce reliance on external accessories and post-capture correction.

• L3 advances image quality: Three 50 MP cameras, a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor and 4K HDR improve colour and detail across point clouds, meshes and 3DGS scenes.

• L3 and L2 Pro offer versatility: The L3 and L2 Pro are available as 16 and 32-channel devices, with a 120m scanning range. The L2 Pro 32-channel scanner is also available with a 300m scanning range.

• heliguy™ can help you choose: Our in-house survey team can assess accuracy, range, capture conditions and output requirements across your full workflow.

Lixel L3 vs Lixel L2 Pro comparison table

The table below provides a side-by-side, at-a-glance comparison between the Lixel L3 and L2 Pro.

What has changed from L2 Pro to L3?

The L3 is not simply a new housing around the L2 Pro platform. It brings the scanner, positioning, imaging and field interface into a more integrated system, while increasing the accuracy of the finished data.

The result is a shorter route from capture to a usable spatial deliverable.

Accuracy and levelness

Accuracy is the clearest point of separation.

The L3 achieves 5 mm post-processed relative accuracy, compared with 1 cm for the L2 Pro.

Absolute accuracy improves from 3 cm to 2 cm, while both scanners retain a 5 mm point-cloud thickness.

Levelness also improves. With RTK fusion, the L3 is rated at 0.005°, compared with 0.015° for the L2 Pro. Without RTK fusion, the figures are 0.02° and 0.03° respectively.

Better levelness can reduce point-cloud layering and support cleaner structural extraction.

LiDAR configurations and scanning range

Both scanners are offered in 16-channel and 32-channel configurations.

The L3 range consists of: 16-channel, 320,000 pts/s, 120 m range; and 32-channel, 640,000 pts/s, 120 m range.

The L2 Pro offers those same configurations, and adds a 32-channel, 640,000 pts/s option with an extended 300 m range.

However, from heliguy™'s experience, the 120 m option tends to be more popular than the 300 m device.

Integrated RTK and real-time processing

The L3 features an integrated survey-grade GNSS module with RTK capability, bringing high-accuracy positioning directly into the scanner.

The L2 Pro uses an external surveying RTK module, requiring an additional component in the field.

Integrating this capability gives the L3 a more cohesive setup and reduces reliance on separate accessories.

The L3 also features an advanced stack of on-device real-time algorithms: removal of moving people, noise filtering and smoothing, loop-closure optimisation, WGS 84 and CGCS2000 coordinate conversion, and levelness optimisation.

These processes correct and clean the dataset while the scan is running, helping the real-time point cloud function as a usable output rather than only a coverage check.

Camera system and true-colour outputs

The L3 makes a substantial imaging upgrade.

It uses a 1/1.3-inch sensor and three 50 MP cameras, compared with the L2 Pro camera system built around a 1/2-inch sensor and two 48 MP cameras. Output rises from 4000 x 3000 to 4096 x 3072, and the L3 adds 4K HDR.

HDR preserves information in both highlights and shadows, supporting more natural colour and easier identification of materials, fittings and site features.

Local point-cloud enhancement can also upsample priority objects such as pipework, railings and nameplates without applying the same processing overhead to the whole scene.

That visual improvement carries across the L3 output set, as outlined below.

• True-colour point clouds: Gain richer colour and detail, holding both highlights and shadow detail. The L3 also supports local enhancement (upsampling) of priority objects.

• Meshes: Improved image quality gives the mesh finer structure and texture.

• 3DGS: Richer colour and tonal range across bright and dark areas.

Field operation and ergonomics

The L3 weighs 2.5 kg, including its battery. In contrast, the L2 Pro tips the scales at 3 kg (approx) when its battery, additional surveying RTK module, and third-party phone are included.

A 4.3-inch, 1000-nit display is built into the L3, showing the point cloud, trajectory and coverage without a connected phone. The L2 Pro requires a separate phone to view this type of information.

The table below shows the key specifications of the L3's built-in display.

The L3's support rig combines a shoulder strap, torso brace and telescoping arm so the rig carries the scanner weight while the operator steadies it.

This point is key: The L3 comprises an RTK module and screen, whereas the L2 Pro requires a separate mobile device and the addition of an external RTK module.

The L3 includes a control-point tip at the base of the handle. Operators can aim the tip and trigger a measurement from the screen or power button, including wall points without tilting the scanner. The L3 also has direct compatibility with standard RTK survey poles, whereas the L2 Pro requires XGRIDS' proprietary extension pole.

Performance in difficult environments

The L3 has been optimised for tunnels and other low-feature environments. Combined with real-time loop closure, RTK and high-accuracy inertial sensing, this helps keep long trajectories constrained where GNSS is obstructed or visual features are repetitive.

For survey and engineering teams, the operational benefit is fewer interrupted scans, less misalignment and layering, and a reduced likelihood of return visits or extensive post-capture correction.

One scan and three spatial outputs

The L3 turns one capture into an imaging-grade true-colour point cloud, a detailed mesh and a photorealistic LCC 3DGS scene. The same dataset can therefore support measurement and CAD, Scan-to-BIM, asset management, digital twins, client communication and virtual production.

The L2 Pro also supports professional point-cloud, mesh, and 3DGS workflows, but the L3 strengthens the visual quality across each deliverable and brings more of the cleaning and optimisation into the live capture process.

How heliguy™ can support your XGRIDS workflow

heliguy™ is an XGRIDS partner with an in-house survey team that understands the full workflow from field capture to final deliverable.

Our specialists can assess your accuracy requirements, scanning distances, site conditions and required outputs to help you choose the right L3 or L2 Pro configuration.

Support can include product selection, onboarding, capture planning, data processing and integration with CAD, BIM, digital-twin and 3DGS pipelines. Existing L2 Pro users can also discuss whether the L3 improvements create a meaningful operational or commercial case for upgrading.

Summary

The Lixel L3 succeeds the L2 Pro as XGRIDS flagship high-accuracy handheld scanner. It improves relative and absolute accuracy, integrates RTK and an on-device display, strengthens real-time processing and introduces a larger triple-camera system with 4K HDR.

The L2 Pro remains a capable professional platform, but for teams prioritising accuracy, image quality, and a more integrated field-to-deliverable workflow, the L3 is the stronger choice.

Contact heliguy™ to get started with XGRIDS solutions.