Carlson Scan vs Propeller: Complete Comparison (2026)
An in-depth comparison of Carlson Scan and Propeller to help you choose the right tool for your business.
Last updated: November 2026
Carlson Scan
4.8/10
Windows software that runs Carlson's laser scanners and borehole tools to capture, mesh and measure underground voids, stopes and boreholes for mining and civil surveyors.
Propeller
6.8/10
Propeller is a cloud 3D mapping and survey analytics platform. It turns drone and GNSS data into measurable site models for earthworks, construction, mining and aggregates teams.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | C Carlson Scan | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall Rating | 4.8/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Analytics | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Cost | 6/10 | 4/10 |
| Customization | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Integration | 4/10 | 7/10 |
| Scalability | 4/10 | 7/10 |
| Security | 4/10 | 7/10 |
| Support | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan | No | No |
| Cheapest paid plan | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Estimated cost for 10 users | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Features | ||
| Inspection Automation | ||
| LiDAR Processing | ||
| Digital Twin | Not listed | |
| Document Control | Not listed | |
| Drone Inspection | Not listed | |
| Engineering Design | Not listed | |
| GIS and Mapping | Not listed | |
| Offline Field App | Not listed | |
Which One Should You Choose?
CWhy choose Carlson Scan
- Higher Cost score (6/10 vs 4/10)
Why choose Propeller
- Higher Analytics score (8/10 vs 5/10)
- Higher Integration score (7/10 vs 4/10)
- Better fit for construction (9/10 vs 5/10)
Pros & Cons
CCarlson Scan
Pros
- Shows the point cloud and mesh live during a scan, so crews can check coverage before they leave the site.
- Calculates closed surfaces and volumes on the spot, which suits stope and void reconciliation.
- Processes data on the device, so it works underground with no internet connection.
- The license allows installation on any number of tablets, and version updates have been free for hardware owners.
- Exports to E57, LAS, PTS and DXF for use in CAD and blast design tools.
Cons
- Works only with Carlson's own scanners and probes, so it cannot be bought or used on its own.
- Older C-ALS Mk3 and original Void Scanner units cannot move past legacy version 1.3.6.
- There is no public pricing, and the hardware must be quoted through sales or dealers.
- Almost no independent user reviews were found, which makes it hard to compare against rivals.
- Runs on Windows only.
Propeller
Pros
- Combines drone, LiDAR, GNSS rover and total station data on a single map, regardless of which hardware captured it.
- AeroPoints give survey-grade ground control without the manual surveying normally needed to set control points.
- Strong stockpile, cut and fill, and progress tooling, with a long track record in earthworks and aggregates.
- Integrates with common construction systems such as Procore, Trimble Connect, Autodesk Build and HCSS.
- The trust center shows a SOC 2 Type 2 attestation.
Cons
- No published software pricing, so buyers have to request a quote.
- Hardware such as AeroPoints and DirtMate adds separate costs on top of the software.
- Reviewers find less depth for vertical construction and interior fitout work.
- Some reviewers say the price may seem high to smaller clients.
Not sold on either?
Air Inspection Automation (AiA)Our product
Plans DJI drone inspection missions for power line towers from LiDAR scans: it finds the towers, places photo stops, checks clearance, and splits the route into battery flights.
Made by the team behind b stack radar. Shown here because it fits this topic. It is not part of our rankings. How we rank tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Propeller scores higher on our Industrial & Infrastructure Software criteria: 6.8/10 against 4.8/10 for Carlson Scan. The largest gap is in Analytics: 5/10 for Carlson Scan and 8/10 for Propeller.
No, neither Carlson Scan nor Propeller lists a free plan.
Propeller is the better fit for construction: we rate it 9/10 for them, against 5/10 for Carlson Scan.
