What is the main difference between Leica BLK360 and RTC360?

The Leica BLK360 is an ultra-compact scanner designed for quick, lightweight indoor scanning, while the RTC360 is a professional-grade system offering longer range, higher accuracy, and automatic VIS registration for demanding industrial and construction projects.

Which scanner is faster?

The RTC360 captures up to two million points per second and completes a scan in under two minutes, making it roughly three times faster than the BLK360 Gen 2, which records about 680,000 points per second.

What is VIS technology in RTC360?

VIS (Visual Inertial System) automatically tracks the scanner’s position between setups, allowing real-time pre-registration of scans without targets or manual alignment.

Can BLK360 and RTC360 share the same software?

Yes. Both scanners use Leica Cyclone FIELD 360 in the field and Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS for office registration, ensuring a unified workflow from capture to deliverable.

Which scanner is best for architectural projects?

The BLK360 Gen 2 is ideal for architecture and interior design where portability, speed, and simplicity are priorities. The RTC360 is better suited for large, complex structures requiring higher accuracy.

Is the BLK360 waterproof or weather-resistant?

The BLK360 offers basic dust and splash protection (IP54 rating), making it suitable for mild outdoor conditions, whereas the RTC360 provides more robust field durability.

Leica BLK360 vs RTC360 (2025 Comparison): Which 3D Laser Scanner Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Leica BLK360 and the Leica RTC360 depends on your project scale, accuracy requirements, and workflow speed. This 2025 comparison explains the key differences in performance, range, portability, and software integration so you can make an informed decision.

Both scanners are manufactured by Leica Geosystems, known for precision survey equipment. The BLK360 focuses on simplicity and mobility, while the RTC360 delivers industrial-grade speed and accuracy. Together, they cover everything from small interior scans to large-scale construction projects.

Quick Comparison Table

Specification	Leica BLK360 Gen 2	Leica RTC360
Range	Up to 45 m	Up to 130 m
Scan Rate	680,000 pts/sec	2 million pts/sec
Accuracy	±4 mm @ 10 m	±1.9 mm @ 10 m
Weight	0.85 kg	5.35 kg
Average Scan Time	20–30 sec	< 2 min
VIS Automatic Registration	No	Yes
Ideal For	Architectural & Interior projects	Construction, Industrial, Infrastructure

Leica BLK360 — Portability and Accessibility

The BLK360 is designed for ease of use. Weighing less than a kilogram, it can be operated via smartphone or tablet using Cyclone FIELD 360. Its compact form makes it perfect for interior designers, architects, and quick on-site documentation tasks.

Leica RTC360 — Speed and Precision

The RTC360, on the other hand, is engineered for professionals needing survey-grade results. With integrated VIS technology, it automatically registers scans in real time, minimizing post-processing. Its extended range and HDR imaging capabilities make it suitable for construction, engineering, and heavy-industry environments.

Performance and Accuracy

While both scanners deliver outstanding detail, the RTC360 clearly leads in precision. Capturing 2 million points per second with sub-2 mm accuracy, it ensures high-fidelity datasets for digital twins and BIM coordination. The BLK360 prioritizes efficiency — producing complete room scans in seconds with enough detail for design and documentation.

Software Integration and Workflow

Both devices share Leica’s unified ecosystem:

Cyclone FIELD 360: For remote control, scan visualization, and annotation on-site.
Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS: For registration, QA/QC, and data export.
CloudWorx plug-ins: For direct CAD/BIM integration in AutoCAD, Revit, and MicroStation.

This interoperability ensures smooth transitions between field and office, regardless of which scanner is used.

Use-Case Scenarios

BLK360: Ideal for small-to-medium projects — residential surveys, interior fit-outs, and quick as-built documentation.
RTC360: Designed for large-scale projects like bridges, factories, and infrastructure where accuracy and long-range coverage matter most.

Durability and Field Performance

The RTC360 is built for rugged outdoor use and varying environmental conditions. The BLK360 is better suited for mild weather or indoor settings due to its smaller form factor and lighter housing.

Price and ROI

While the BLK360 costs significantly less, the RTC360’s speed and accuracy can justify its higher price in high-throughput environments. For firms that handle both small and large projects, owning both devices can maximize flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the key difference between BLK360 and RTC360?

A: BLK360 focuses on portability and simplicity; RTC360 emphasizes speed, accuracy, and real-time VIS registration for complex sites.

Q: Which one scans faster?

A: The RTC360 captures data faster overall, though the BLK360 completes smaller room scans very quickly.

Q: Can both use the same software?

A: Yes, both integrate with Leica Cyclone FIELD 360 and REGISTER 360 PLUS.

Q: Is VIS available in BLK360?

A: No, VIS is exclusive to the RTC360 for automated pre-registration.

Q: Which scanner is best for architects?

A: The BLK360 Gen 2 is perfect for architects and interior professionals needing a lightweight, rapid-capture tool.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Leica Scanner for 2025

If you prioritize speed, accuracy, and automation, the Leica RTC360 remains the industry leader. If you value portability, simplicity, and affordability, the Leica BLK360 Gen 2 is unbeatable for quick scanning. Both devices integrate perfectly with Leica’s software suite — BLK360 and RTC360 — ensuring efficiency from capture to final deliverable.