Enhanced mobile scanning support in Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS

In this article, product experts Guy Cutting  and Gian-Philipp Patri discuss the features and benefits of the new mobile mapping support in Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS .

Efficiency is critical in the fast-paced world of reality capture, especially during data registration.

Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS now provides greater support for mobile scanner data, including faster data processing times, enhanced editing tools, and LGSx file compatibility for seamless data registration. This means greater efficiency, more flexibility, and less time spent in the office.

With the latest update to Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS, users can expect:

Faster data registration: We have reduced import processing time by as much as 70% through optimising the LGSx file. This reduces desk work so projects can be completed quicker.

Greater flexibility: Enhanced tools and a more intuitive interface give users more options when editing mobile scanner data.

Seamless compatibility: Improved downstream compatibility allows for better integration with tools like Leica Cyclone 3DR, Leica CloudWorx, and Reality Cloud Studio, powered by HxDR.

Trajectories are now shown as "Tracks" and provide a clearer view of scan paths so users can validate and edit scans more easily.

Enhanced Mobile Scanning Import and Visualisation

Import, visualise, and edit mobile scan data directly within Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS.

Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS now supports complete datasets from mobile scanners like the Leica BLK2GO, Leica BLK2GO PULSE, Leica BLK2FLY, and Leica BLK ARC. This includes trajectory data, 3D point clouds, GeoTags, targets, metadata, and panoramic images. Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS) data, such as from the Leica PEGASUS TRK, can also be imported and exported but is not editable.

This update provides more comprehensive data management in a simplified workflow that reduces additional software and processing steps. 

With the new Track Editor, tracks imported from Leica BLK mobile scanners can be edited directly in Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS.

Editable Tracks and WayPoints for Greater Control

Here is how the new update to Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS provides greater control and flexibility during data registration:

A clearer view of scan paths

Trajectories are now shown as “Tracks” – visual representations of how and where the scanner moved during data capture. This provides a clearer view of scan paths so users can validate and edit scans more easily.

The new Track Editor

Tracks imported from Leica BLK mobile scanners can now be edited directly in Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS. This happens through the new Track Editor, which gives users greater control over their data to produce a more tailored end product. 

Tracks now include “WayPoints” – user-defined points along a Track that are associated with panoramic images. Through the Track Editor, these WayPoints can now be added or deleted through a top-down map view.

This enables users to place high-resolution visuals in vital locations along a scan path – such as doorways, intersections, or key structural features. This improves alignment, enhances visualisation, and streamlines the registration process. Users can also take measurements from these images, improving accuracy in post-processing. 

Coloured SLAM confidence levels

The Track Editor also displays colour-coded confidence levels for SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping), enabling users to easily identify, remove, and replace less confident data points to ensure higher data quality.

More organised

Navigating and controlling mobile data is easier because Tracks and WayPoints are now displayed in the sidebar in a hierarchical structure, similar to Bundles and Setups. Tracks are shown with icons, and WayPoints are listed as child objects under each Track.

Users can toggle the visibility of Tracks using the button in the toolbar to access detailed information about each Track and WayPoint, including trajectory details, scanner type, and acquisition data. Right-clicking on Tracks or WayPoints offers options for viewing, editing, or deleting, as well as exporting images, making data management more intuitive and efficient.

Enhanced image export

Import BLK mobile scanner images directly into Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS to create WayPoints anywhere along a track with panoramic image views. The images can then be exported and used in downstream products, like Leica Cyclone 3DR, allowing for enhanced texturing and meshing in the final deliverable, regardless of the number of WayPoints created.

This brings significant benefits to a variety of applications. For example, real estate agents creating 3D tours of buildings can now create panoramic visuals wherever they like along a virtual walkthrough. For civil engineers, the ability to bring up panoramic images for better measurements enhances the accuracy and usability of the data.

Easily import pano images into Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS to create WayPoints anywhere along a track.

New MMS Integration with LGSx file Support

It is now possible to import and export MMS data through LGSx files, reducing the need for additional support in other software. Leica Geosystems developed LGSx as a universal file type that includes a complete project in one file, establishing it as the go-to format for seamless mobile scanning workflows.

Users can directly import LGSx files containing trajectory and scan data, 3D point clouds, WayPoints, GeoTags, and metadata. MMS panoramic images are not yet supported through LGSx, but will be included in a future update.

Our latest LGSx file version imports data 60-70% faster. This enhancement is particularly beneficial when working with large datasets, as it reduces the time spent on data processing and allows for quicker project turnaround.

The ability to export all images from BLK mobile scanners into Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS improves downstream visualisation and meshing.

Everything, Everywhere, for Everyone

The increasing use of mobile scanners means workflows must evolve to support rapid, flexible data capture without sacrificing accuracy. These latest enhancements make Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS more seamless, efficient, and intuitive than ever.

As Leica Geosystems continues to expand support for mobile scanning technologies, we will continue to enhance the usability of Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS for various scanner types, while providing a more open and accessible LGSx file format.

With the latest update, Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS reinforces its position as a powerful, adaptable tool for reality capture professionals – offering everything, everywhere, for everyone.

For more details on the Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS 2025.0.0 release, read the full release notes on our Reality Capture Documentation Hub.