Carlson Scan
4.8/10Windows 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.
Data last updated November 2026 · Our methodology
Overview
Carlson Scan is the Windows software that runs Carlson Software's underground laser measurement hardware: the C-ALS and C-ALS HD cavity scanners, the Void Scanner+, and the Boretrak2 borehole deviation probe. While a scan runs, it shows the point cloud live, builds a mesh from the points, and calculates closed surfaces and volumes. Mining and civil teams use these outputs to measure stopes, voids, caverns and drill holes. The interface has two modes: a touch mode for rugged tablets of around 10 inches in the field, and a desktop mode for office review. Tools include joystick control of the scanner head, multi-station scanning, AprilTag targeting, planarity constraints, georeferencing to known coordinates, and imports of surveyed points or linework as a backdrop. Point clouds export to formats such as E57, LAS, PTS and DXF for CAD and blast design work. The software is not sold as a standalone subscription. It ships with the hardware, the license lets owners install it on as many tablets as they need, and updates such as v1.7.14 (June 2023) were free for existing owners. Hardware prices are only available through sales or dealers. The main limitation is that it only works with Carlson's own devices, and older C-ALS Mk3 and original Void Scanner units are stuck on legacy version 1.3.6. It is a niche capture tool, not a general point cloud platform, and there are almost no independent user reviews of it. It is a different product from Carlson Scan3D, an iPhone and iPad LiDAR app that Carlson sells on an annual subscription.
Our Rating
Who Carlson Scan is best for
Good fit
Its touch tablet mode and offline processing on the device are built for underground field crews.
Less suited
Survey and geotechnical firms use it to measure inaccessible cavities and export the results to CAD.
The volume and surface tools apply to void and cavity checks in civil construction, but the product is aimed mainly at mining.
Pros & Cons
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.
Key Features
Carlson Scan Pricing
Included with Carlson scanning hardware
- Free updates for existing owners
- Hardware priced through sales or dealers
- License allows installation on unlimited tablets
- Ships with C-ALS, Void Scanner+ and Boretrak2 hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is the operating software for Carlson's C-ALS, Void Scanner+ and Boretrak2 hardware, and it comes with those devices.
No. Processing happens locally on the Windows tablet or laptop. An internet connection is only used to check for updates.
Reseller documentation lists E57, LAS, PTS and DXF, plus outputs that can be used in CAD and blast design software.
Version 1.3.6 is the last release that supports C-ALS Mk3 and the original Void Scanner. Newer versions target the current C-ALS models and the Void Scanner+.
The manual describes a non-restrictive distribution license, so it can be installed on as many tablets as needed.
No. Scan3D is a separate iPhone and iPad LiDAR scanning app sold on an annual subscription.
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