SOUTH KOOL Handheld 3D SLAM Laser Scanner

Fast handheld 3D scanning for real-world sites

The SOUTH KOOL Handheld 3D Laser Scanner is designed for professionals who need to capture buildings, structures and terrain more efficiently than with stationary scanning alone. Using SLAM technology, the scanner calculates its position while the operator moves through the site, allowing large areas and connected spaces to be recorded in a continuous survey.

This mobile workflow is particularly useful in environments where setting up an instrument at multiple stations would take too much time. Surveyors can walk through rooms, corridors, stairwells, tunnels or industrial areas while the KOOL records the surrounding geometry. The resulting point cloud provides a detailed digital representation that can support measurement, documentation, modelling and comparison work.

Wide coverage with fewer missed areas

The scanner has a 360° horizontal and 130° vertical field of view. In practical use, this broad viewing angle helps capture surfaces above, below and around the operator, including walls, floors, ceilings, pipework and structural elements. It reduces the need to repeatedly turn or reposition the scanner to cover the complete environment.

SOUTH uses a mixed solid-state laser sensor and a non-repetitive scanning pattern. Rather than repeatedly following identical scan lines, the system distributes measurements across the scene as the operator moves. This is intended to reduce blind spots and improve data coverage without creating unnecessarily large datasets.

Real-time point-cloud feedback

The KOOL supports real-time point-cloud display through the MapStar field application. Operators can review the developing scan during data collection and identify areas that may require another pass. This immediate visual check is valuable on busy construction sites, in restricted-access locations or during time-sensitive surveys, where returning to collect missing information may be difficult.

Both real-time and post-processing workflows are available. Real-time visualisation supports field quality control, while post-processing provides the tools required to refine, reference and prepare the point cloud for use in downstream software.

Detailed geometry and realistic colour

The scanner records 200,000 measured points per second. SOUTH states an equivalent rate of up to 1.2 million points per second through its non-repetitive scanning and variable-frequency technology. Relative accuracy is specified at up to 1 cm, making the system suitable for many building, engineering, volume and documentation tasks where centimetre-level point-cloud detail is required.

Two integrated 12 MP cameras collect image data for colourising the point cloud. Colour information makes scanned environments easier to interpret by helping users recognise materials, building elements, signs, equipment and surface changes. It can also improve the presentation of digital twins, condition records and visual project documentation.

Suitable applications and users

The KOOL is suited to land surveyors, measured-building surveyors, construction professionals, architects, BIM teams, civil engineers, tunnel specialists, mining and quarry personnel, GIS teams and emergency-response organisations.

For building interiors, the scanner can capture connected rooms, corridors and staircases for floor-plan production, renovation planning or as-built documentation. Architects and façade specialists can use the point cloud to record exterior geometry and complex building features. Construction teams can document progress, compare completed work with design information and preserve a digital record before areas are covered or altered.

In tunnels and underground environments, SLAM scanning provides a practical solution where GNSS reception is unavailable. For stockpiles, the collected surface data can be processed to calculate volumes of aggregates, soil, minerals or stored materials. Landscape and heritage teams can record irregular terrain and complex structures, while emergency-response users can rapidly document damaged or hazardous locations while limiting time spent in exposed areas.

Portable design for field use

At 1.12 kg, the KOOL is light enough for handheld operation across extended survey routes. Its compact dimensions of 111 × 222 × 33 mm make it easier to carry through narrow spaces and transport between projects. The handgrip contains a 3,150 mAh, 45.36 Wh battery, providing a stated operating time of up to 150 minutes under suitable conditions.

The scanner stores data on an expandable 128 GB memory system and supports TF card and USB Type-C data management. Its operating temperature range of -20°C to 45°C supports use across a wide variety of field environments. The IP5X rating provides protection against dust ingress, although the instrument should still be handled appropriately in rain, heavy dust and other demanding site conditions.

Point-cloud processing with AcuteLas Studio

Captured data can be processed using AcuteLas Studio. The wider software platform supports workflows such as SLAM processing, control-point adjustment, point-cloud colourisation, coordinate transformation, classification, measurement, volume calculation, terrain processing and specialised engineering analysis.

Control points can be used to localise the scan within a project coordinate system. This is important when the point cloud must align with existing survey control, CAD drawings, BIM models, GIS datasets or other geospatial information. The most suitable control method and field procedure will depend on the required absolute accuracy and the final project deliverables.

A practical tool for rapid reality capture

The SOUTH KOOL fills the gap between slower static scanning workflows and lower-detail visual documentation. Its combination of handheld operation, broad field of view, real-time feedback, colour cameras and compact weight makes it a practical choice for teams that need to capture complete environments quickly.

Global GPS Systems can advise on the scanner configuration, compatible field and processing software, control-point workflow and accessories required for your type of project. This helps ensure that the complete system matches the intended use, whether the priority is building documentation, construction verification, tunnel mapping, stockpile measurement or general 3D reality capture.