Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS Tutorial (2025): The Fastest Way to Process and Register 3D Laser Scans

Learn how Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS simplifies point cloud registration with automation, VIS integration, and CAD-ready exports, how to align, clean and export 3D laser scans faster using VIS automation and direct CloudWorx integration for CAD and BIM projects

Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS is the central hub of Leica’s reality-capture software suite. It combines automated registration, field data integration from VIS, and one-click exports to deliver accurate 3D point clouds ready for design and analysis.

Leica-Cyclone-REGISTER-360-PLUS

Why Post-Processing Matters in Laser Scanning

Raw scan data from a 3D laser scanner is just a collection of millions of points. Without registration, these scans remain disconnected and unusable for measurement or modeling. REGISTER 360 PLUS brings them together with mathematical precision, producing a single, accurate representation of the site.

Overview of Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS

Originally built on Leica’s trusted Cyclone engine, REGISTER 360 PLUS adds automation and ease-of-use for both novice and expert operators. It supports targetless alignment, multi-threaded processing, and tight integration with other Leica applications.

REGISTER 360 vs REGISTER 360 PLUS

  • Up to 2× faster processing through optimized hardware acceleration.
  • Expanded multi-project management capabilities.
  • Improved VIS data handling and error visualization.
  • New QA/QC dashboard for registration verification.

Core Features and Capabilities

  • Automatic Targetless Registration: Aligns scans by overlap geometry and VIS trajectory.
  • Real-Time QA/QC: Heat maps and residual plots display alignment accuracy.
  • Batch Processing: Handle multiple projects or large sites in parallel.
  • Comprehensive Export Options: LGS, E57, RCP, LAS, and PTS formats.
  • CloudWorx Connectivity: Direct streaming into AutoCAD and Revit.

Supported Hardware and File Formats

Scanner Model Integration Level
RTC360 Full VIS and FIELD 360 Support
BLK360 (G1 & Gen 2) Full Registration and Import
P-Series Manual or Target-Based Workflow
Input Formats .LGS, .E57, .RCP, .LAS, .PTS

Step-by-Step Workflow

  1. Import Field Data: Connect to Cyclone FIELD 360 or load raw scan files.
  2. Pre-Register Scans: VIS metadata automatically aligns successive setups.
  3. Quality Check: Use error maps and overlap reports to validate accuracy.
  4. Finalize and Clean: Merge, trim, and apply survey control if required.
  5. Export Deliverables: Send point clouds to CloudWorx or ReCap for modeling.

Integration with Leica CloudWorx and Autodesk ReCap

REGISTER 360 PLUS feeds seamlessly into Leica CloudWorx plug-ins, allowing engineers to work directly with point clouds inside AutoCAD, Revit, or MicroStation. For teams using Autodesk ReCap Pro, exports are clean and optimized for fast rendering.

Advantages for Professional Workflows

  • Reduces office registration time by up to 70 percent.
  • Delivers consistent accuracy with VIS data support.
  • Minimizes human error via automated QA/QC.
  • Shortens learning curve for new operators.

Practical Applications

  • Construction QA/QC: Validate as-built conditions against design drawings.
  • Heritage Preservation: Register delicate structures with non-invasive scanning.
  • Industrial Facilities: Capture dense MEP data for retrofit and safety projects.

Pricing and System Requirements

Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS is available as a subscription or perpetual license. Minimum specifications include Windows 10/11 (64-bit), Intel i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, SSD storage, and an OpenGL-capable GPU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS used for?
A: It registers, verifies, and exports 3D laser scan data from Leica scanners into formats ready for CAD and BIM software.
Q: Which scanners are supported?
A: RTC360, BLK360 (G1 & Gen 2), and P-Series devices.
Q: Is Cyclone FIELD 360 required?
A: No, but it enhances the workflow with field pre-registration and faster office alignment.
Q: Does it integrate with AutoCAD or Revit?
A: Yes, through Leica CloudWorx plug-ins that stream point clouds directly to CAD/BIM applications.
Q: How accurate is the final registration?
A: Typically within millimeter tolerance depending on scanner and survey setup.

Conclusion

Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS sets a new standard for speed, accuracy, and ease of use in 3D scan processing. By combining automation, VIS integration, and seamless data exchange with CloudWorx, it empowers professionals to deliver precise digital models faster than ever.

Visit Leica Geosystems for official downloads and training resources.