NavVis MLX Wearable Mobile Mapping 3D Laser Scanner

NavVis MLX – Handheld Reality Capture for Surveying and Scan-to-BIM

The NavVis MLX is a professional handheld mobile mapping system designed for detailed 3D documentation of buildings, industrial facilities, and complex indoor environments. Combining a 32-layer LiDAR sensor, visual odometry, and SLAM technology, it enables surveyors to capture spatial data while moving freely through a site.

Unlike larger mobile mapping systems intended primarily for extensive survey areas, the NavVis MLX is particularly well suited to compact spaces, shorter scanning sessions, and projects requiring frequent on-site data collection. Its ergonomic supporting harness helps distribute the equipment weight, allowing operators to navigate corridors, stairways, and other confined environments.

The system integrates high-resolution panoramic imaging, real-time scanning feedback, and survey control point support, providing a practical workflow for existing-condition surveys, Scan-to-BIM projects, and digital building documentation.

Key Features

Survey-Grade Reality Capture in a Handheld System

The NavVis MLX combines a 32-layer LiDAR sensor with SLAM technology supported by visual odometry.

This approach enables continuous 3D data acquisition while walking through buildings and other accessible environments. It is particularly useful for capturing connected spaces where repeated stationary scanner setups would be inefficient.

Ergonomic Design for Confined Spaces

The MLX features a handheld scanning unit with an adjustable supporting harness.

This design provides flexibility when working in narrow corridors, staircases, furnished interiors, and other spaces where larger scanning systems may be difficult to operate.

The scanner can also be transported in a dedicated backpack, making it convenient for professionals working across multiple project locations.

Panoramic Imaging for Detailed Site Documentation

Four integrated 12 MP cameras capture panoramic imagery alongside LiDAR measurements.

The system supports 270° panoramic capture when positioned on the harness and 360° capture when raised above the operator.

These images provide valuable visual context for point cloud interpretation, building documentation, and digital reality capture projects.

Real-Time Scanning Feedback

A built-in touchscreen displays scanning progress, data coverage, and SLAM status during acquisition.

Operators can review coverage while moving through the site, helping identify areas that may require additional scanning before leaving the location.

Survey Control and Georeferenced Point Clouds

The NavVis MLX supports the capture of ground and wall control points using its integrated control point pin.

These control points can be measured using conventional surveying instruments, including total stations and GNSS receivers, to support point cloud registration and alignment with project coordinate systems.

This capability is particularly important for engineering and Scan-to-BIM projects requiring controlled spatial datasets.

Integrated NavVis Software Workflow

The MLX works with NavVis IVION Processing and NavVis IVION to transform captured data into accessible spatial information.

Processed point clouds and panoramic imagery can support collaborative project reviews, building documentation, and digital twin workflows.

Technical Specifications

• Scanning Technology: 32-layer LiDAR with SLAM and visual odometry

• Operational Scanning Range: Up to 50 m

• Scanning Rate: 640,000 points/s

• Point Cloud Accuracy: 5 mm in a dedicated 500 m² test environment

• Panoramic Cameras: Four 12 MP cameras

• Visual Odometry Cameras: Two 2 MP cameras

• Weight: 3.6 kg including battery

• Battery Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes

• Point Cloud Formats: E57, PLY, LAS, PTS, XYZ

The stated 5 mm accuracy represents local point cloud accuracy under specific manufacturer test conditions and should not be interpreted as guaranteed absolute positioning accuracy. Actual results depend on survey conditions, control points, and processing methods.

Applications

Scan-to-BIM and As-Built Documentation

The NavVis MLX is suitable for capturing existing building geometry for BIM modeling and renovation projects.

Surveyors can collect point cloud data across rooms, corridors, and structural areas, providing a spatial reference for creating or updating building models.

Commercial Building and Interior Surveys

For offices, hotels, retail properties, and other commercial buildings, the MLX supports efficient documentation of interior layouts and accessible spaces.

Its compact design is particularly useful for projects involving multiple rooms, stairways, and connected floors.

Industrial Facility Documentation

The MLX can capture existing conditions within factories, production areas, and industrial facilities.

Point clouds and panoramic images provide spatial references for facility planning, equipment layout documentation, and engineering coordination.

Digital Twin Development

When combined with NavVis IVION, the MLX supports the creation of navigable digital representations of physical spaces.

These datasets can help project teams review building conditions remotely, communicate spatial information, and maintain digital records of facilities.

Architectural Renovation and Retrofit Projects

The scanner is useful for documenting existing structures before renovation or modernization.

Its mobile acquisition workflow helps capture building geometry and visual conditions, providing reference data for architects, engineers, and construction professionals.

Professional Reality Capture for Complex Building Environments

The NavVis MLX brings together handheld mobility, detailed LiDAR measurements, panoramic imaging, and survey control integration in a compact reality capture system.

For surveying companies, AEC professionals, and facility documentation teams, it offers a practical approach to collecting reliable spatial data in environments where maneuverability and efficient field acquisition are essential.