Leica ScanStation P50 HDS Scanner

Leica ScanStation P50 HDS Scanner

The Leica P50 HDS Scanner, officially called the Leica ScanStation P50, is a survey-grade terrestrial 3D laser scanner used to capture detailed measurements of buildings, infrastructure, terrain, and industrial sites. HDS refers to High-Definition Surveying. Typically mounted on a tripod, the scanner records surrounding surfaces as a point cloud—a collection of measured points forming a three-dimensional digital representation of the site.

The P50 uses time-of-flight laser measurement enhanced by waveform digitizing technology to determine distances to surfaces. It offers scanning speeds up to one million points per second and long-range measurement beyond one kilometer under specified conditions. Its maximum range depends on the selected scanning mode, surface reflectivity, and environmental conditions.

With 360° horizontal and 290° vertical coverage, the P50 captures extensive areas from each setup. An integrated camera provides high dynamic range (HDR) imagery, adding color and visual context to the scan data. These combined measurements and images help users recognize features and examine complex environments digitally.

Its long-range capability is particularly useful for surveying tall structures, large infrastructure, and difficult-to-access locations from a suitable observation point. Operators can select specific scan areas and use survey workflows such as backsighting, resection, and traversing to reference their measurements. This supports organized data collection across multiple scanning positions.

After collection, compatible software such as Leica Cyclone and CloudWorx allows professionals to process, inspect, and use the point-cloud data in engineering and CAD workflows. The resulting information supports existing-condition documentation, design planning, and dimensional assessment. The P50’s main purpose is to turn physical environments into detailed, measurable digital records.

Features:

• Scanning speeds up to 1 million points per second.
• Long-range scanning beyond 1 kilometer, under specified conditions.
• Selectable range modes: 120 m, 270 m, 570 m, and beyond 1 km.
• Minimum measurement distance of 0.4 m.
• 360° horizontal and 290° vertical scanning coverage.
• Time-of-flight measurement enhanced by Waveform Digitising (WFD) technology.
• Range accuracy of 1.2 mm + 10 ppm in 120 m/270 m modes.
• Range accuracy of 3 mm + 10 ppm in 570 m/beyond-1-km modes.
• 8-arcsecond horizontal and vertical angular accuracy.
• Class 1 scanning laser.
• Integrated HDR camera, with panoramic imagery up to 700 megapixels.
• Color touchscreen with stylus control.
• Dual-axis tilt compensation.
• Built-in laser plummet for centering over survey points.
• Survey workflows and onboard registration, including backsighting, resection, and traversing.
• 256 GB internal solid-state storage.
• Wireless LAN, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB connectivity.
• IP54 dust and water protection.
• Operating temperature range of −20°C to +50°C.
• Compatibility with Leica Cyclone and CloudWorx processing workflows.