Alpine Reality Capture  /  Professional Guide Series

XGRIDS Pro Guide

The complete field and processing reference for K1, L2 Pro, and PortalCam. Built from official documentation, real-world workflow, and hard-earned operator experience.

10 Modules
71 Pages
3 Devices Covered
2 Processing Pipelines

Written and maintained by Ian Jack  •  Alpine Reality Capture

New to XGRIDS? Start with Module 1.

The Module 1 Quick Field Guide covers everything you need before your first scan on K1, L2 Pro, or PortalCam. If you are coming from traditional terrestrial scanning, SLAM vs. Static Scanning explains the fundamental differences that affect every decision you make in the field.

Complete Guide Structure

Ten modules covering everything from first scan to final export. Each module opens to a detailed table of contents with numbered sections.

Module 1
Getting Started
Device unboxing, software installation, and first scan for K1, L2 Pro, and PortalCam. The foundation every other module builds on.
6 pages + Field Guide
Module 2
Hardware Setup
SLAM fundamentals, device comparison, the two-pipeline decision, and the critical facts that cause the most failures in the field and at the workstation.
5 pages + Field Guide
Module 3
Field Technique
Movement, posture, route planning, loop closure, transitions between spaces, and specialized guidance for challenging environments including data centers.
5 pages + Field Guide
Module 4
Positioning and Georeferencing
When absolute coordinates matter, RTK setup and limitations, PPK, ground control points, coordinate systems, and the hybrid approach to maximum accuracy.
7 pages + Field Guide
Module 5
Project Scale and Map Fusion
Planning and executing multi-segment projects using Map Fusion. Covers hard limits, overlap requirements, connection point marking, processing, and data management.
6 pages + Field Guide
Module 6
Advanced K1/L2 Pro
Camera coloring, scan splitting, L2 Pro drone mode with DJI M300/M350/M400, aerial-ground fusion, battery management, and data preparation.
6 pages + Field Guide
Module 7
Advanced PortalCam
LCC Scan app controls, advanced scanning features, mobile viewer field QC, Map Fusion collection strategy, and connection mode troubleshooting.
5 pages + Field Guide
Module 8
LixelStudio Processing
Point cloud pipeline from import through export. SLAM mode selection, Map Fusion in LixelStudio, quality assessment, editing tools, and format-specific export rules.
5 pages + Field Guide
Module 9
LCC Studio Processing
3DGS pipeline for all devices. Single scene, Map Fusion, Aerial-Ground Fusion, HD Enhancement, Spatial Recognition for BIM, and all export formats.
7 pages + Field Guide
Module 10
Resources
Troubleshooting index, error message reference, accuracy specs, firmware updates, device specifications, project estimating, platform compatibility, FAQ, and tools references for LixelStudio and LCC Studio.
10 reference pages

Which Device for Which Project

The three XGRIDS devices share the same scanning principles but differ in output, scale, and processing path. The right choice depends on deliverable type, site scale, and required accuracy.

Lixel K1
Point Cloud & 3DGS via LixelStudio or LCC Studio
  • Scan rate: 200,000 points/sec
  • Range: 40 m
  • Battery: ~90 minutes
  • Storage: 256 GB TF card
  • Best for: Single buildings, interior documentation
  • Processing: LixelStudio (point cloud) or LCC Studio (3DGS)
Lixel L2 Pro
Point Cloud & 3DGS via LixelStudio or LCC Studio
  • Scan rate: 640,000 points/sec
  • Range: 120 m / 300 m
  • Battery: 90 min per charge
  • Storage: 1 TB internal SSD
  • Best for: Large facilities, industrial, aerial drone mode
  • Processing: LixelStudio (point cloud) or LCC Studio (3DGS)
PortalCam
3DGS only via LCC Studio
  • Scan rate: 856,000 points/sec
  • Range: 60 m
  • Battery: 60 min per charge
  • App: LCC Scan (iOS/Android)
  • Best for: Visualization, virtual tours, marketing content
  • Processing: LCC Studio only (no LixelStudio support)

Point Cloud or 3D Gaussian Splatting?

The choice must be made before scanning begins. The two pipelines use the same raw data but produce fundamentally different outputs with no conversion path between them.

LixelStudio → Point Cloud

Dimensional accuracy, measurable geometry, BIM and CAD integration.

  • As-built documentation for BIM
  • Survey and GIS deliverables
  • Construction monitoring
  • MEP documentation
  • Export: E57, LAS/LAZ, PLY, RCP
LCC Studio → 3D Gaussian Splatting

Photorealistic visual quality, web sharing, virtual tours, client presentations.

  • Marketing visualization
  • Virtual tours and walkthroughs
  • Heritage documentation
  • Client review and approvals
  • Export: LCC, PLY, USDZ, 3D Tiles

Site Disclaimer: This guide reflects Alpine Reality Capture LLC's interpretation of publicly available XGRIDS documentation and field experience. It is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official manufacturer documentation, professional training, or a site-specific safety assessment. Users must independently verify all procedures, techniques, and outputs before applying them to any project.