SHARE SLAM S20 vs S20 SE vs S100: Handheld LiDAR Scanner Comparison

SHARE SLAM S20, S20 SE and S100 are handheld laser scanning devices designed for 3D spatial data capture. They can be used for on-site point cloud acquisition, spatial measurement, as-built documentation, CAD/BIM modeling reference, engineering review and 3D visualization. Their operating logic is similar, but their product positioning is not the same.

For users, model selection should not be based simply on which device has the highest specifications. The first step is to clarify the project objective: whether the project requires lightweight deployment with basic measurement, higher-quality imagery and 3DGS/Gaussian Splatting visualization, or professional data capture for large-scale, long-range and high-intensity engineering scenarios.

This article explains the differences between SHARE SLAM S20 SE, S20 and S100 from the perspectives of product positioning, imaging system, LiDAR performance, RTK configuration, typical application scenarios and deliverable requirements.

1. How Are the Three Devices Positioned Differently?

S20 SE, S20 and S100 can all capture 3D point clouds of the site, and the resulting data can be viewed, measured, clipped, exported and further processed in software. Their main differences lie in project scale, imaging configuration, RTK setup, LiDAR performance and engineering-oriented capability.

S20 SE focuses on lightweight use and cost efficiency. It is suitable for routine scanning, indoor measurement, renovation measurement, retail store surveys and basic CAD assistance. It fits projects that require basic point clouds and dimensional review, but do not have high requirements for premium imagery, RTK or large-scale engineering capture.

S20 is the more capable all-round model. In addition to comparable basic point cloud measurement capability, it adds dual 1-inch 16 MP cameras, integrated RTK and V-SLAM assistance. It is more suitable for colorized point clouds, 3DGS/Gaussian Splatting visualization, integrated indoor/outdoor capture, UAV-ground data fusion and projects that require stronger visual presentation.

The S100 series is designed for professional engineering applications. Compared with the S20 series, S100 uses multi-line LiDAR, offers higher point rates and longer range, and is equipped with larger storage, stronger continuous-operation capability and integrated RTK. It is better suited for industrial plants, campuses, roads, mines, building facades, large spaces and engineering survey assistance.

2. What Are the Key Differences Between S20 SE and S20?

S20 SE and S20 belong to the same product direction. Both are suitable for handheld scanning, indoor and outdoor spatial data capture, point cloud processing and CAD-assisted workflows. Their basic point cloud measurement capability is similar, including LiDAR model, point rate, effective range, point cloud thickness and relative accuracy.

Therefore, the difference between S20 SE and S20 should not be understood only from the perspective of point cloud accuracy. The real differences lie in the imaging system, RTK configuration and auxiliary localization capability.

2.1 Imaging System: Affecting Colorized Point Clouds and 3DGS Results

S20 SE is equipped with dual 1/2.6-inch cameras with 2.3 MP effective resolution. S20 is equipped with dual 1-inch cameras with 16 MP effective resolution, supporting both mechanical and electronic shutters.

For projects that only require basic point clouds, dimensional review and CAD assistance, S20 SE can satisfy many routine requirements. However, if the project requires clearer photos, finer colorized point clouds, better texture detail, or deliverables for 3DGS/Gaussian Splatting visualization, reality-based viewing and project presentation, the imaging advantages of S20 become more significant.

3DGS/Gaussian Splatting results are sensitive to image quality. Photo resolution, sensor size, texture coverage, lighting conditions and scanning route all affect the final visual result. For projects where 3DGS or high-quality visualization is important, S20 is usually a more suitable choice than S20 SE.

2.2 RTK Configuration: Affecting Outdoor Coordinates and Multi-Source Data Fusion

S20 comes with integrated RTK, making it suitable for projects that require outdoor coordinates, UAV-ground fusion, absolute coordinate deliverables or unified multi-source data. S20 SE does not include RTK as standard; RTK is available as an external optional configuration.

If the project mainly involves indoor measurement, renovation measurement or local spatial documentation, relative coordinates and local dimensions are usually the main requirements, and RTK may not be necessary. If the project needs to connect with an external coordinate system or involves outdoor capture, UAV deliverables or multi-phase data overlay, RTK configuration should be carefully considered.

2.3 V-SLAM Assistance: Affecting Capture Stability in Complex Environments

S20 includes V-SLAM camera assistance. In environments with white walls, corridors, repetitive structures, limited features or complex routes, V-SLAM assistance can support trajectory stability. S20 SE is positioned as a lighter basic solution for projects with clearer structure and more conventional scanning routes.

All handheld SLAM devices require proper data capture practice. Good route planning, appropriate loop closures, stable walking speed, additional scanning at key locations and on-site preview inspection remain important conditions for reliable results.

S20 SE vs S20 Comparison

3. What Are the Key Differences Between S100 and S20/S20 SE?

The difference between S100 and S20/S20 SE is more pronounced. The S20 series is oriented toward lightweight handheld scanning and small-to-medium project applications, while the S100 series is oriented toward professional engineering capture — especially projects with larger areas, longer target distances, more complex field conditions or higher workload intensity.

3.1 LiDAR Performance: S100 Offers Higher Point Rates and Longer Range

S20 SE and S20 use the Livox MID-360 LiDAR with a single-return point rate of 200,000 pts/s. The S100 series uses Hesai XT series multi-line LiDAR: S100-16 is a 16-line model at 320,000 pts/s; S100-32 and S100-32PRO are 32-line models at 640,000 pts/s.

In terms of range, S100-16 and S100-32 can reach up to 120 m, with approximately 80 m effective range at 10% reflectivity. S100-32PRO can reach up to 300 m, with approximately 150 m effective range at 10% reflectivity.

3.2 Point Cloud Specifications: S100 Is More Engineering-Oriented

S20 SE and S20 provide point cloud thickness within 1 cm and relative accuracy better than 1 cm. The S100 series can achieve point cloud thickness within 5 mm and relative accuracy better than 1 cm. Final point cloud quality is also affected by site conditions, scanning route, loop-closure quality, control points and post-processing workflow.

3.3 Imaging and Engineering Configuration

S100-16 and S100-32 are equipped with dual 1-inch 16 MP cameras. S100-32PRO is equipped with four 1-inch 20 MP cameras, supports panoramic stitching and RAW format storage. The S100 series includes 1 TB SSD storage, dual batteries and hot-swapping support, with approximately 180 minutes of operating time.

S100 Series Model Comparison

4. Key Specification Comparison

5. Which Device Should You Choose?

5.1 Indoor Measurement, Renovation Measurement and CAD Assistance

These projects focus on capture efficiency, device weight, basic point cloud quality and cost control. S20 SE is well suited. If the project also requires better color visualization or 3DGS deliverables, S20 can be considered.

5.2 3DGS / Gaussian Splatting Visualization

3DGS results depend mainly on photo quality, texture coverage, scanning route, lighting conditions and post-processing. Between S20 SE and S20, if the project focuses on 3DGS or reality-based visualization, S20 is usually recommended. For large areas requiring higher imaging specs, consider S100-32PRO.

5.3 Outdoor Engineering, Campuses, Roads, Mines or Industrial Plants

These projects require stronger range capability, point cloud density, coordinate system support and continuous operation. The S100 series is better suited. For smaller building exteriors or combined indoor/outdoor spaces, S20 can also be used.

5.4 RTK, Absolute Coordinates or UAV-Ground Data Fusion

If a project only requires indoor relative measurement, RTK is usually not necessary. For outdoor coordinates, UAV data fusion or absolute coordinate deliverables, RTK should be considered. S20 and the S100 series both use integrated RTK solutions.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is there a major difference in point cloud accuracy between S20 SE and S20?

Their basic point cloud measurement capability is similar. Both provide point cloud thickness within 1 cm and relative accuracy better than 1 cm. The main differences are in the imaging system, RTK configuration and V-SLAM assistance.

Q2. Can S20 SE be used for 3DGS / Gaussian Splatting?

S20 SE can be used for basic colorized point clouds. If the project focuses on high-quality 3DGS visualization, S20 is more suitable because it uses dual 1-inch 16 MP cameras with better image detail and texture quality.

Q3. Why is S20 more suitable for 3DGS visualization?

3DGS is sensitive to image quality. Photo resolution, sensor size, texture coverage and lighting conditions all influence the result. S20 has a stronger imaging system, giving it advantages in texture detail, colorized point clouds and visual presentation.

Q4. Is S100 always more suitable than S20 for every project?

No. S100 is more suitable for large-area, long-range, high-point-rate and engineering-oriented capture. For lightweight indoor scanning, renovation measurement, CAD assistance or routine 3DGS visualization, S20 or S20 SE may be easier to deploy and more suitable for the budget.

Q5. Which model should be selected for formal surveying deliverables?

Handheld laser scanning devices can support as-built documentation, dimensional review and measurement assistance. If the project involves formal surveying deliverables or statutory acceptance deliverables, the workflow should be evaluated together with control points, RTK, total station, leveling instruments, manual verification and the project acceptance standard.

Q6. What are the main advantages of S20 SE?

S20 SE is lightweight, has longer battery life and offers strong cost efficiency. It is suitable for basic scanning, indoor measurement, renovation measurement, routine point cloud capture and CAD-assisted applications.

Q7. What are the main advantages of S20?

S20 combines lightweight handheld scanning with dual 1-inch high-resolution imaging, integrated RTK and V-SLAM assistance. It is suitable for colorized point clouds, 3DGS visualization, integrated indoor/outdoor capture and UAV-ground fusion.

Q8. What are the main advantages of S100?

S100 provides professional engineering data capture capability. It uses multi-line LiDAR, offers higher point rates and longer range, and includes integrated RTK, 1 TB SSD storage and dual-battery hot-swapping support for large-area, long-duration field projects.

Q9. How can users quickly decide which model to choose?

For lightweight use and budget control, consider S20 SE first. For imaging quality and 3DGS visualization, consider S20 first. For large-area, long-range engineering capture, consider the S100 series first.

7. Summary

S20 SE is the lightweight and cost-effective model, suitable for basic point clouds, indoor measurement, renovation measurement, CAD assistance and budget-controlled scenarios.

S20 is the all-round model with higher-quality imaging, suitable for colorized point clouds, 3DGS/Gaussian Splatting visualization, reality-based 3D, integrated RTK and integrated indoor/outdoor capture.

S100 is the professional engineering-grade series, suitable for large-area projects, longer-range capture, higher point rates, RTK, outdoor engineering, campuses and industrial plants, mining and road scenarios, and high-intensity field operations.

In actual model selection, first define the project purpose, site scale, RTK requirements, visualization requirements, final deliverable format and budget boundary. The closer the selected device matches the project requirements, the more stable the subsequent data capture, processing and delivery workflow will be.

If you are not sure which SHARE SLAM device is more suitable for your project, provide your project type, site scale, accuracy requirements, whether RTK is required, whether 3DGS visualization is needed and the expected deliverable format. Our team can help evaluate the appropriate device model and workflow.