FJD Trion P1 Survey for Architects: What You Need
The FJD Trion P1 is a compact handheld SLAM LiDAR scanner increasingly used by UK architectural practices for fast as-built surveys — delivering 90% cost and time savings compared to traditional terrestrial laser scanning.
Trion P1 Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | | --- | --- | | Weight | ~1 kg (lightweight, messenger-bag portable) | | Scan range | 40–70 m maximum | | Accuracy | ±20mm relative; ±5cm absolute | | Point rate | 200,000 pts/sec | | Real-time visualisation | Yes, via mobile app | | IP rating | IP55 — works in daylight, dark, underground | | Battery | ~2 hours (hot-swappable) |
UK purchase price (2025): £9,500 + VAT (authorised UK suppliers).
2025 UK Costs
| Option | Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Purchase (list price) | £9,500 + VAT | | Survey service with operator | £373+ for 3hrs; £684+ for 6hrs | | Scan registration (optional) | £155+ for 3hr data; £283+ for 6hr data | | Measured building survey (typical) | £1,250–£5,000 average |
Deliverables for Architects
| Deliverable | Format | | --- | --- | | Point cloud | LAS, PCD, PTS, PLY formats | | Floor plans and contours | DWG, PDF | | 3D models | Scan-to-BIM output (Revit RVT, IFC) | | Distance, area, volume measurements | Measurement reports | | As-built documentation | CAD and BIM formats |
BIM LOD for Architectural Practices
| LOD | Use Case | | --- | --- | | LOD 300 | Standard coordination — accurate size, shape, location | | LOD 350 | Plant rooms, risers, tight zones (interfaces and connections) | | LOD 400 | Fabrication-level detail — only when design is stable |
Best Practices for Architectural Scanning
- Walk slowly with smooth movements — avoid jerky motions
- Keep scanner central in corridors — ensure visibility at both ends of long spaces
- Avoid negative features — moving people, vehicles, water, fog
- Scan-to-post-processing ratio: ~3:1 (3 hours scanning = 1 hour processing)
- Add control points if absolute positioning is needed (GPS/survey control: £249–£498+ VAT)
- Real-time app check ensures complete coverage before leaving site
- Colour scanning available — free but reduces efficiency by ~3.5 minutes per scan
Why Architects Are Adopting SLAM
- 90% cost and time savings vs. traditional terrestrial laser scanning
- Example: 57m complex surveyed in 4 hours (SLAM) vs. 32 hours (TLS)
- Works in any lighting — bright sun, dark, underground
- No setup or configuration needed — plug-and-play
The Trion P1 is ideal for mid-sized projects (residential, small commercial, interiors) where ±5cm absolute accuracy is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What accuracy does the Trion P1 achieve?
±20mm relative accuracy; ±5cm absolute accuracy. Adequate for most architectural and BIM work.
Q: What BIM deliverables can I receive?
Revit RVT or IFC at LOD 300–350 depending on project requirements. Floor plans, sections, and 3D models.
Q: Is 3:1 scan-to-process ratio typical?
Yes — 3 hours of scanning typically requires 1 hour of post-processing. Colour scanning adds time.
Q: Can the Trion P1 work in complete darkness?
Yes — SLAM technology works in any lighting condition including underground and pitch-black spaces.