About
NavVis is an end-to-end reality capture platform combining precision scanning hardware with powerful data management software to deliver accurate digital twins of physical spaces. The NavVis LX-Series — including the MLX, VLX 2, and VLX 3 — uses proprietary SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to capture photorealistic point clouds and panoramic images faster and more accurately than traditional methods, directly from wearable or handheld devices. Captured data is processed via NavVis System Software, enabling geo-registration, automatic alignment, and generation of high-quality point clouds. The NavVis IVION platform then makes these datasets accessible from any standard web browser, turning raw scan data into intelligent, navigable virtual sites and digital twins that serve as a single source of truth for planning and decision-making. NavVis supports key AEC workflows including Scan-to-BIM, model validation, site assessment, construction verification, and asset tagging. Native integrations with Autodesk Revit and TopoDOT streamline handoffs between field capture and design tools. Customers in surveying, construction, manufacturing, and process/plant industries use NavVis for up to 90% of their projects, benefiting from faster data collection, reduced site revisits, and improved collaboration across distributed teams.
Key Features
- LX-Series Scanning Hardware: Handheld and wearable scanners (MLX, VLX 2, VLX 3) powered by precision SLAM technology for survey-grade accuracy in complex environments.
- NavVis IVION Platform: Browser-based platform that transforms point clouds and panoramic images into navigable virtual sites and digital twins accessible by any team member.
- Scan-to-BIM Workflows: Automated tools for converting scan data into BIM-ready models, including model validation, site assessment, and construction verification.
- Data Management & Synchronization: Centralized data processing pipeline that geo-registers, aligns, and organizes scan data from multiple devices and sessions into a unified dataset.
- Third-Party Integrations: Native integrations with Autodesk Revit and TopoDOT enable seamless end-to-end data workflows from field capture to design and documentation.
Use Cases
- AEC firms capturing as-built conditions of construction sites to validate progress against BIM models and identify deviations early.
- Manufacturing plants creating detailed digital twins of factory floors to support layout planning, equipment maintenance, and process optimization.
- Surveyors using NavVis LX-Series to produce accurate topographic surveys and point clouds that meet professional grade standards.
- Facility managers maintaining up-to-date virtual replicas of complex buildings for asset tracking, space planning, and renovation projects.
- Engineering teams performing Scan-to-BIM workflows to convert reality capture data into Revit models for retrofit and refurbishment projects.
Pros
- Survey-Grade Accuracy: SLAM-powered hardware exceeds industry accuracy standards, making it suitable for demanding surveying and engineering applications.
- Browser-Based Access: NavVis IVION makes digital twins accessible from any web browser without specialized software, enabling broad team collaboration.
- End-to-End Workflow Coverage: Covers the full reality capture pipeline from scanning and data processing to visualization, BIM integration, and asset management.
- Cross-Industry Versatility: Supports a wide range of industries including construction, manufacturing, surveying, and process/plant engineering.
Cons
- Enterprise Pricing: NavVis is an enterprise-grade solution with hardware and subscription costs that may be prohibitive for small firms or individual users.
- Hardware Dependency: Achieving the best results requires NavVis proprietary LX-Series hardware, which represents a significant upfront capital investment.
- Steep Learning Curve: The full platform ecosystem — hardware, System Software, and IVION — requires dedicated onboarding and training to use effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NavVis used for?
NavVis is used to capture accurate 3D scans of physical environments (buildings, factories, infrastructure) and convert them into digital twins or BIM models for use in construction, manufacturing, surveying, and facility management.
What is NavVis IVION?
NavVis IVION is the cloud-based data management platform that hosts processed point clouds and panoramic images, allowing teams to explore virtual sites, tag assets, and collaborate from any standard web browser.
What hardware does NavVis offer?
NavVis offers the LX-Series of mobile mapping devices: the NavVis MLX (handheld), NavVis VLX 2, and NavVis VLX 3. All use SLAM technology for high-accuracy scanning.
Does NavVis integrate with Autodesk Revit?
Yes, NavVis has a native integration with Autodesk Revit, enabling scan data to flow directly into BIM workflows for model validation, Scan-to-BIM, and design verification.
What industries does NavVis serve?
NavVis serves surveying, architecture/engineering/construction (AEC), manufacturing, and process & plant industries — anywhere accurate as-built documentation and digital twins are needed.
