SatLab Cygnus Lite Handheld SLAM LiDAR Scanner with RTK

The SatLab Cygnus Lite is a lightweight handheld LiDAR scanner for capturing 3D point clouds while walking through or around a site. It combines SLAM positioning, an integrated multi-constellation RTK GNSS module and two 12 MP cameras to produce detailed, colorized 3D data.

The Cygnus Lite is designed for surveyors, engineers, architects, construction professionals, BIM specialists, geospatial teams, facility managers and other users who need to capture buildings, infrastructure, stockpiles or complex environments efficiently.

Typical applications include indoor mapping, Scan to BIM, as-built documentation, volume measurement, 3D reconstruction, construction progress recording, topographic data collection and the documentation of spaces that are difficult to measure with conventional equipment.

Yes. The scanner is designed for indoor and outdoor use. SLAM supports mobile scanning where GNSS reception is unavailable, while the integrated RTK module can improve positioning and georeferencing when suitable satellite reception and correction data are available outdoors.

Yes. Its compact handheld design and approximately 1 kg operating weight make it suitable for corridors, stairways, plant rooms, building interiors and other spaces where a larger mobile mapping system may be difficult to operate.

The scanner's 20-degree tilt expands the area covered by the LiDAR during normal handheld operation. This helps capture floors, walls, ceilings and surrounding objects from more useful angles, reducing gaps and missing data in the resulting point cloud.

The published specifications state indoor accuracy of approximately ±2.5 cm and indoor precision of approximately ±1 cm. The integrated RTK module is specified at 0.8 cm + 1 ppm horizontally and 1.5 cm + 1 ppm vertically under suitable RTK conditions. Actual results depend on the environment, scanning method, satellite visibility, correction quality and processing workflow.

Indoor accuracy describes the expected performance of the SLAM-generated point cloud in environments without GNSS. RTK accuracy describes the positioning performance of the GNSS module when it has sufficient satellite reception and valid correction data. RTK performance should not be interpreted as the accuracy of every individual LiDAR point.

SLAM estimates the scanner's movement by matching LiDAR observations as the operator walks. RTK GNSS provides an external positioning reference in suitable outdoor conditions. Combining these technologies can improve positioning stability and place the scan within a real-world coordinate system.

An RTK correction service is required when the project needs RTK-positioned or directly georeferenced results. The scanner can connect to a CORS or NTRIP correction network through a mobile cellular data connection. For indoor or non-georeferenced work, SLAM scanning can still be used without an active RTK correction stream.

Yes. Ground control points can be collected during the survey to help control, verify or georeference the point cloud. A GCP benchmark is included in the standard package described by the manufacturer.

The Cygnus Lite records up to 200,000 points per second at a 10 Hz scanning frequency. Its specified range is approximately 0.1 to 40 metres on surfaces with 10% reflectivity and up to 70 metres on surfaces with 80% reflectivity. Dark, reflective, transparent or distant surfaces may produce different results.

Yes. Two 12 MP HD wide-angle cameras capture imagery for real-time RGB point-cloud colorization. This produces a more recognizable 3D representation and can make features easier to identify during inspection, measurement and modelling.

Yes. The SatPoint mobile app can display the developing 3D point cloud during data collection. Available viewing modes include colorized, elevation and intensity displays, helping the operator check coverage before leaving the site.

The scanner is operated with the SatLab SatPoint app for Android. The app provides device control, device-status information, live point-cloud viewing and project data management.

SatLab recommends Android 12 or later. The published product information lists the Samsung Galaxy S22, S23 and S24 as recommended devices. Compatibility should be confirmed before using a different Android phone or tablet.

SatPoint PC is the desktop software used to process scans, generate point clouds, review projects, combine photographs with point-cloud data and export results. It also supports batch project processing and coordinate-system or projection workflows where applicable.

The published export formats are LAS, PCD and PLY. These widely used point-cloud formats can be transferred into compatible surveying, CAD, BIM, GIS, inspection and 3D-modelling software.

The scanner weighs approximately 1 kg with its battery installed. Its low weight is intended to reduce operator fatigue during extended mobile scanning sessions.

Each 3150 mAh handle battery provides up to approximately 90 minutes of operation under suitable conditions. The standard package described by SatLab includes two handle batteries, allowing one battery to be exchanged when the other is depleted.

The batteries charge through USB Type-C using a PD 30 W charger. The published average charging time is approximately 1.5 hours, although charging time can vary with the power source, battery condition and ambient temperature.

The Cygnus Lite uses removable TF card storage. A 256 GB card is included in the manufacturer's listed package, and storage can be expanded to a maximum of 512 GB using a compatible card.

Data can be transferred wirelessly or through a USB 3.0 connection. The removable TF card also provides a practical way to move project data to a computer for processing and archiving.

The scanner has an IP54 rating, meaning it is protected against limited dust ingress and water splashes. It is not designed for submersion or prolonged exposure to heavy rain. The specified operating temperature range is -20°C to +55°C.

The LiDAR is classified as a Class 1 laser under the published specifications. Class 1 products are considered safe during normal intended use, but operators should still follow the supplied safety instructions and avoid opening or modifying the scanner.