In the rapidly evolving world of 3D capture, creators and professionals have long been forced to choose between the convenience of smartphone apps and the exorbitant cost of industrial-grade equipment. While smartphone LiDAR apps have made spatial scanning accessible, they often lack the stability and point density required for serious professional projects. On the other end of the spectrum, high-end terrestrial scanners capable of mapping entire environments typically start at $20,000, leaving a significant gap for those who need “survey-grade” performance on a mid-range budget.
That’s why 3DMakerpro is introducing the Raven series, new LiDAR-based spatial 3D scanners that bring professional-grade scanning to creators. The series comprises two scanners: the Raven and the Raven Max. Equipped with a built-in battery LiDAR sensor and advanced imaging systems, both scanners can easily, accurately, and quickly capture 3D point cloud data. The Raven series delivers professional LiDAR technology with an accuracy of up to 20mm and 150,000 points/sec. With the Raven being priced at $1,699 and the Raven Max at $2,699, they are affordable options. Early bird prices will also be available until the end of April, with the Raven at $999 and the Raven Max at $1,499.
Scanning results from Raven
What are the Benefits of Raven?
Both the Raven and Raven Max have an 8-core 2.4GHz processor and 32GB of storage. The Raven scanner features a single 12MP camera system, while the Raven Max features dual 12MP cameras for speedier, more comprehensive data capture. With a 100-meter range and a 360° horizontal field of view, the Raven series is designed for “big picture” scanning. It allows users to stand in the center of a site and capture a massive radius of data points instantly, significantly reducing the time spent walking around a project site to gather measurements.
To handle the massive datasets generated by its LiDAR sensor, the Raven series includes a TF card expansion slot. This allows for completely untethered, mobile scanning, ensuring users never run out of storage space while capturing large-scale environments or complex architectural sites.
Beyond LiDAR, Raven can connect to external cameras, capturing photorealistic color and creating stunning Gaussian splats for immersive VR/AR experiences. Combined with dual 12MP Sony sensors, it delivers vibrant 4K color point clouds that bring digital assets to life. Specifically, they can produce 3D Color Point Clouds (PLY), 3D Gaussian Splatting (PLY), and 3D Colored Polygonal Model (OBJ).
Holding the scanners is no trouble either, weighing just 1.1kg with a brilliant 3.9” AMOLED screen, users can process sprawling outdoor scenes or multi-room interiors without compromise. Plus, Raven features a modular 12,000mAh battery that easily swaps for continuous workflow.
The Raven series is meant for scanning large areas
The Raven User Experience
Operating the Raven is designed to be a straightforward, mobile process. To begin, users simply attach the battery handle or connect an external Type-C PD power supply. Once powered on, the device requires only a few minutes of setup on a stable surface before it is ready to capture data.
Before starting, users can optimize the scanner for their specific environment by toggling between “Indoor” and “Outdoor” modes and adjusting the exposure. The scanning process itself is as simple as walking through a space:
- Movement: For the best results, users should walk at a steady pace of 3 km/h or slower.
- Positioning: The scanner must be held horizontally, ensuring that the LiDAR and camera lenses remain unobstructed and at least 1 meter away from any objects.
- Flexibility: As lighting conditions shift while moving through a site, the camera exposure can be adjusted in real-time to maintain data quality.
Compatible Software
Once a scan is complete, users have two primary ways to transfer their data. They can directly export files to a Type-C USB drive or portable SSD (supporting exFAT and NTFS formats). Or, they can do it wirelessly by connecting to a WiFi hotspot, to transfer data to a computer using 3DMakerpro’s RayStudio software.
For post-processing, the complimentary RayStudio software allows users to analyze the 3D data and perform essential tasks like point cloud denoising and filtering. This ensures the final output is a high-quality, clean point cloud ready for professional use. Note that the current version of RayStudio does not support macOS.
The Raven Max (left) and Raven (right)
Diverse Applications
The data captured by the Raven series is optimized for a wide range of professional workflows. While capable for 3D printing, the system’s primary strengths lie in architectural design, game animation, and high-precision surveying. To further extend its utility, the Raven series is compatible with an extensive ecosystem of auxiliary add-ons. These include:
- Surveying & Mapping: RTK Expansion kit for centimeter-level positioning.
- Mobile Capture: Bicycle, Automotive, Backpack, and Drone kits for large-scale site mapping.
- Visual Integration: Insta360 X4/X5 Expansion kits for overlaying high-resolution imagery onto 3D data.
By bringing survey-grade LiDAR within reach of individual creators and small firms, the 3DMakerpro Raven series bridges the gap between consumer-level experiments and industrial-grade professional projects. Whether you are mapping a historic site for preservation or designing a high-fidelity digital twin for the metaverse, the Raven offers the range and speed needed to turn the physical world into a digital reality, without the traditional five-figure price tag. You can learn more about the Raven series HERE.
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*All Photo Credits: 3DMakerpro