L2 Pro vs. VLX2
Key insights from RealityCapture Training’s comparison article On March 6, 2025 by 3ds-scan.de and Metrika360
Head-to-Head Comparison
The article provides a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the XGRIDS L2 Pro and NAVVIS VLX2 handheld laser scanners, tested under identical indoor and outdoor conditions by 3ds-scan.de and Metrika360 without control points, referencing a static Leica RTC360 scan.
Core Technical Comparisons:
Range and Accuracy:
The article presents feature and workflow comparisons but does not rigorously validate absolute accuracy against matched-control benchmarks throughout identical indoor and outdoor environments.
Scan Rate and Density:
NAVVIS VLX2 captures about 1.2 million dots per second (2 × 600,000), processed with a minimum 5 mm grid filtering post-capture.
L2 Pro scans between up to 640,000 points per second and achieves point cloud density of up to 1 million dots per square meter with minimum 1 mm grid filtering, producing denser and finer point clouds.
Cameras and Panoramas:
NAVVIS VLX2 uses four 20 MP cameras with a 360° field of view, creating 297 panoramas per scan session (101 billed in IVION). Panoramas must be taken from static positions.
The L2 Pro has two 48 MP panoramic cameras each with 190° horizontal view, producing 680 panoramas continuously in motion at high resolution (10,000 × 5,000 pixels).
Data Processing:
NAVVIS relies on cloud-based, pay-per-use processing with limited offline capabilities, no trajectory output, and automated processing but fewer options for user intervention.
XGRIDS L2 Pro includes bundled local processing software with no additional fees, full access to data except raw images, and supports offline processing. It also allows manipulation of custom height systems, segmentation, and merging of point clouds/splats.
Portability:
The L2 Pro is compact enough for hand luggage on flights, facilitating mobility.
NAVVIS comes with a larger, heavier case making travel less convenient.
Performance & Workflow Insights:
The L2 Pro's SLAM is described as highly robust and capable of fast operation, reliable in complex environments with high drift potential. NAVVIS SLAM is noted as more sensitive, with fewer manual intervention options if mapping errors occur.
The L2 Pro supports Gaussian splatting, delivering advanced photorealistic point clouds and mesh-like visualization outputs, which NAVVIS does not currently support.
Scan time differences: The RTC360 took 2.5 hours (65 scans), L2 Pro about 20 minutes, and NAVVIS 25 minutes for the tested areas.
Number of points captured: L2 Pro (~185 million) exceeds NAVVIS VLX2 (~163 million).
Pros and Cons Summary:
NAVVIS VLX2 Pros:
User-friendly cloud platform with automated panorama blurring, reporting, and simplified evaluation tools.
Fixed installation and simple operation with automated filtering.
NAVVIS VLX2 Cons:
No RTK or trajectory output, limited local processing, sensitive SLAM, max 5 mm resolution, larger system size, pay-per-use costs.
XGRIDS L2 Pro Pros:
Survey-grade RTK, very robust SLAM, no processing fees, local software included, portable case, advanced data manipulation, continuous high-res panoramas, quick manufacturer support, flexible output formats.
XGRIDS L2 Pro Cons:
No integrated display (requires smartphone), requires two software programs for point cloud and splat processing, lacks cloud hosting (though local viewer available).
In summary, the XGRIDS L2 Pro excels in range, data density, processing flexibility, portability, and professional-grade georeferencing with RTK, making it suitable for high-precision, large-scale, or outdoor projects. NAVVIS VLX2 offers a user-friendly, cloud-centric workflow optimized for indoor and controlled environments but sacrifices some accuracy, data control, and processing flexibility.
For a complete breakdown—covering panorama counts, processing workflows, and side-by-side data downloads—read the full, original article here:
XGRIDS L2 Pro VS. NAVVIS VLX2 at RealityCapture Training
