Emesent scanners integrate with Trimble to simplify point cloud workflows
Emesent has integrated its mobile SLAM LiDAR scanners with Trimble's software, allowing point cloud data to flow directly into Trimble Connect.
Emesent has announced a new integration that allows data from its mobile LiDAR scanners to flow directly into Trimble's geospatial software platforms. The link, revealed at the Intergeo 2026 conference in Munich, is designed to simplify the process of turning field scans into usable survey and construction deliverables.
The integration connects Emesent's Aura Cloud processing platform with Trimble Connect and Trimble Business Center. This creates a more direct path for dense, georeferenced point clouds, eliminating the traditional need for manual export and conversion steps. From Trimble Business Center, the data can feed into broader workflows, including building information modeling in Tekla Structures and 3D modeling with SketchUp.
Ryan Palfrey, Emesent's director of product, stated the move's significance. "This integration brings the power of our proven SLAM-based scanning technology into Trimble’s industry-leading geospatial data management and collaboration software," he said.
Scanner Specifications and Uses
The integration covers two of Emesent's scanners: the GX1 and the Hovermap STX. Both use SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to capture 3D LiDAR data in environments where GPS signals are weak or absent. This capability is key for work around infrastructure, inside buildings, underground, and in other challenging settings.
| Model | Primary Use | Key Accuracy | Deployment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| GX1 | Ground-based surveying | 5-10mm (SLAM), 15mm (RTK/PPK) | Backpack, survey pole, vehicle |
| Hovermap STX | Flexible scanning | Up to 1.92 million points/sec, 300m range | Drone, vehicle, robot, handheld/backpack |
The GX1 scanner combines SLAM with an integrated RTK/PPK receiver and is aimed at surveyors needing high global accuracy. The Hovermap STX is built for more versatile deployment, making it particularly useful for hazardous or hard-to-reach sites where drones are often employed.
Workflow Benefits for Drone Operators
For drone operators, surveyors, and construction teams, the key benefit is interoperability. The goal is to capture a site, process the data, and get it into the software teams already use for modeling and project management with minimal friction. This new integration directly supports that common payload by simplifying the data pipeline from collection to application.
If a point cloud can move from a challenging scan site into an established project workflow without several extra steps, it could make mobile LiDAR technology considerably easier to deploy effectively. The integration addresses a common pain point of managing massive point cloud files and figuring out how they fit into a larger project.
Demonstration and Availability
Emesent is demonstrating the new integration alongside its GX1 and Hovermap STX scanners at the Intergeo 2026 conference in Munich. The event runs through September 17. The announcement focuses on creating a smoother data pathway for professionals who rely on precise geospatial information captured in difficult environments.
