Mobile vs. Terrestrial Scanning: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Project
Hate me for this, but sometimes mobile scanning is better than terrestrial scanning — and sometimes, terrestrial scanning is better than mobile scanning. The real question is: when and where do you use each? How do you leverage that data? What kinds of projects suit terrestrial scanning, and which ones benefit from mobile?
The reason this is such a hot topic is because we tend to oversell either tool. If I only have a terrestrial scanner, I’m going to push terrestrial scanning all day long—guilty as charged. But even I have to admit: sometimes, you need a mobile scanner.
So how do you decide? Let me know in the comments. Most importantly—yes, you do need mobile scanning sometimes. The real question is: how and when do you use it?
And what kind of tech is available today?
My name is Sebastian, and welcome to another episode of The 3D Show. Don’t hate me—I’m not a fanboy.
Okay, maybe I am a little. But anyway… let’s get into it.
Let’s talk about 3D laser scanning—specifically, mobile versus terrestrial. This isn’t a deep dive into specs. It’s a high-level look at how AEC professionals can think about scanning technology. If you’re a service provider, a project manager, or someone evaluating tools, these are some of the decisions you’re going to face.
Let’s be real: getting both scanners isn’t always possible. Budgets are tight. Hardware is expensive. And with new tech like 360° imagery, videogrammetry, and photogrammetry entering the game, it’s not always about just laser scanners anymore.
1. Flexibility vs. Precision
Terrestrial scanners like the RTC360, FARO Focus, and Trimble X7/X10 are incredibly precise. If you’re working within 10 meters, you can often achieve 2-5mm accuracy. That’s crucial in high-precision projects—think automotive retrofits or high-end industrial engineering.
In contrast, mobile scanners offer flexibility. They’re fast. They’re efficient. But they don’t deliver the same density or precision. They’re ideal for general documentation and large area coverage, where pinpoint millimeter accuracy isn’t the priority.
Remember: good documentation supports good project management, which supports better workflows—and that saves money.
2. Ease of Use & Environmental Conditions
There’s always someone who claims to be an expert in everything—photogrammetry, terrestrial scanning, mobile scanning, you name it. But when it comes to real-world use—especially on-site—it’s not always plug-and-play.
With terrestrial scanners, environmental factors matter. You need to understand how your data inputs will impact your outputs. These tools require more technical skill and calibration.
Mobile scanners, on the other hand, are easier to use. They’re designed for fast in-and-out workflows. But that simplicity comes at the cost of precision. It’s great for rapid capture, but when precision counts, there’s no substitute for a solid terrestrial setup.
3. Post-Processing
Here’s the part no one likes to talk about: post-processing.
Mobile scanning, while quick on-site, often requires more post-processing. It collects all the data at once, so your computer has to chew through a lot more information. That means more strain on your hardware, longer processing times, and more potential for things to go wrong if you’re underpowered.
Terrestrial scanners, by contrast, produce segmented scan data. That’s easier to manage. You can work with one scan at a time and build from there. It’s more manageable, especially when hardware resources are limited.
Real Talk: The Future is Hybrid
Now here’s the honest truth:
Mobile scanning is on the rise. It’s fast. It’s slick. It’s being marketed as the all-in-one solution. But it’s not always the right tool. If your project needs 3mm accuracy and you go with mobile scanning, you’re going to have a bad time. I’ve heard horror stories of projects needing to redo entire scans with terrestrial gear—doubling costs because the wrong tool was chosen.
But also—not every job needs that level of precision. If you’re working in oil and gas, automotive, or highly technical environments, terrestrial is the move. But if you’re documenting for planning, estimating, or general site context—mobile might be just fine.
The real future is hybrid. That’s what we’ll explore in upcoming episodes of The 3D Show—when to use mobile, when to use terrestrial, and when to merge both.
So tell me: do you prefer mobile scanning or terrestrial? Do you use both? Have you tried combining your drone data or 360 imagery with your scans?
There’s so much more to explore, and I’m excited to share more with you.
Thanks for watching this episode of The 3D Show. Talk soon.
Ciao ciao.
