FJD Trion P1 Survey for Planning Permission: UK Guide
The FJD Trion P1 handheld SLAM scanner can produce all standard planning survey deliverables for UK applications — at ±20mm relative accuracy and 5cm absolute accuracy.
Trion P1 Specifications for Planning Surveys
| Parameter | Specification | Planning Suitability | | --- | --- | --- | | Accuracy | ±20mm relative, 5cm absolute | Suitable for most planning applications | | Range | 70m maximum | Good for residential and small commercial | | Weight | 1kg — lightweight | Easy access to tight spaces | | Scan speed | 200,000 pts/sec | Fast data capture | | IP rating | IP55 | Works indoors, outdoors, daylight, dark |
UK purchase price (2025): £9,500 recommended list price. Hire available from authorised UK suppliers.
Planning Permission Deliverables
The Trion P1 produces all standard planning survey deliverables:
| Deliverable | Format | | --- | --- | | Floor plans | 2D CAD and PDF | | Elevations | External and internal | | Cross-sections | DWG and PDF | | Topographic maps | With contours | | 3D models | BIM and Revit, DEM, 3D mesh | | Point cloud data | LAS, PCD, PTS, PLY formats | | Distance, area, and volume calculations | Measurement reports |
UK Planning Requirements (2025)
For planning permission, surveys must show:
| Required Element | Details | | --- | --- | | Boundaries | Precise site boundaries (where available) | | Building footprints | Threshold, eaves, and ridge levels | | Ground levels | Spot levels and contours | | Features | Walls, fences, trees, drainage, utilities | | Coordination | Tied to Ordnance Survey (when required) |
Note: SLAM scanners are increasingly accepted by LPAs, but some may still require traditional total station survey for absolute control. Always check local validation requirements.
2025 UK Costs
| Option | Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Trion P1 purchase | £9,500 | | Measured survey service (basic residential) | From £495 | | Processing ratio | ~3:1 scan-to-post-processing time |
Additional costs to consider: Trion Model software, CAD or Revit licensing, surveyor labour if not self-operating.
Workflow
- Capture — Walk and scan with real-time point cloud viewing on mobile app
- Process — Import LAS/PCD/PTS/PLY into Trion Model or third-party software
- Deliver — Generate floor plans, elevations, sections, and BIM models
The P1 is ideal for budget-conscious surveyors beginning SLAM scanning — it trades some absolute accuracy versus higher-end models (FJD S2's 1.2cm) but offers significant cost savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is SLAM scanning accepted by all LPAs for planning?
SLAM scanners are increasingly accepted, but some LPAs may still require traditional total station survey for absolute control. Confirm with your local planning authority.
Q: What accuracy does the Trion P1 achieve for planning?
±20mm relative accuracy; ±5cm absolute accuracy. Sufficient for most planning applications.
Q: What deliverables do I receive?
Floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, topographic maps with contours, 3D BIM models, and point cloud data.
Q: Can the Trion P1 be used for listed building planning?
For listed buildings requiring millimetre precision, terrestrial laser scanning may be more appropriate. Confirm with your conservation officer.