Modern 3D scanning is becoming increasingly complex, both in terms of data volume and accuracy. Especially in areas like surveying, architecture, construction, or digital twins, teams face the challenge of covering large areas and to capture fine details simultaneously.
With the feature Aerial-Ground Fusion within the proprietary XGRIDS LCC Studio-Software, there is a solution that specifically addresses this problem. The big advantage: Automatic fusion of aerial imagery and ground data, without lengthy manual workflows.
In this post, we explain:
what LCC Studio is,
what Aerial-Ground Fusion does,
how it differs from classic tools,
what additional features there are,
where the limits lie and
Answer the most important questions.
LCC Studio (Lixel CyberColor Studio) is a XGRIDS proprietary software platform, which was specifically developed for processing and fusing 3D data captured with XGRIDS hardware.
This is a closed ecosystem:
The software Works only with compatible XGRIDS scanners like the L2 Pro, PortalCam, or K1. External data cannot be processed without restrictions.
LCC Studio is based on modern 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS)-Technology and SLAM algorithms. The software converts raw capture data into lightweight, photorealistic, and measurable 3D models – efficiently, quickly, and without external tools.
Aerial-Ground Fusion is a workflow within XGRIDS LCC Studio that combines two major data types:
3D scan points captured from multiple perspectives, e.g., with an XGRIDS LiDAR handheld scanner such as the L2 Pro or Lixel K1
Structured drone footage with defined overlaps that cover large areas while providing texture and context information.
The special feature of the Aerial-Ground Fusion workflow: The two datasets are automatically transferred to a common coordinate system. The software recognizes features and structural points in both datasets and merges them into one. consistent Gaussian Splatting 3D model.
This results in:
highly detailed, ground-precision models Large-scale coverage by air data no manual alignment between datasets
In classic workflows, a lot needs to be manually configured:
Accuracy of camera parameters,
Image overlap,
Control over reference points,
iterative alignment steps.
This requires expertise and time – and entails sources of error.
With Aerial-Ground Fusion, a large part of these steps is eliminated because LCC Studio automates the merge process. This makes it more accessible to teams that are not experts in photogrammetry or point cloud fusion.
When combining drone imagery and ground data today, it often happens like this:
Drone flight with specialized mapping software
Import in Photogrammetry Software
Separate soil scan import
Manual alignment and optimization
These tools require a lot of experience:
Parameter fine-tuning Control over camera models Selective filtering Often multiple iterations
Import both datasets into a software Automatic alignment and fusion Result: a consistent 3D model without cumbersome external workflows
This not only saves time but also makes the process accessible to teams without deep technical backgrounds. This allows the team to focus on the data capture phase, and the software handles the merge.
With Map Fusion you can Merge multiple ground scan sessions, for example, if a site was scanned into multiple areas and so-called control points were placed in each scan. Merging this ground data can also be linked with aerial photography.
HD Enhancement
A premium feature in LCC is HD Image Enhancement:
You can include additional high-resolution photos (e.g., with a DSLR or iPhone) to enhance the visual quality of scans.
Current restriction: HD Enhancement can be Do not combine simultaneously with the Aerial-Ground Fusion workflow..
That these two premium features do not yet work together is not optimal.
Automated merging without complex rework No deep expertise in photogrammetry necessary Combines large air data and detailed ground data Integrated workflow within software Practical for teams that need quick results
Proprietary binding to XGRIDS hardware HD Enhancement and Aerial-Ground Fusion cannot be used together yet Less control than in traditional photogrammetry software (for experts)
XGRIDS-Scanner
A compatible ground scanner such as Lixel L2 Pro or PortalCam for highly detailed ground data. These scanners are the foundation – without them, the fusion workflow doesn't work, as LCC Studio is proprietary and designed for XGRIDS hardware.
Drone with mapping function
The drone must Structured Overlap Grid Flight Patterns to fly, so that usable aerial data can be generated. In practice, this currently mainly involves DJI Enterprise Models, because only these officially support mapping grid flights with defined overlaps. Normal consumer drones usually do not offer this feature.
RTK module (optional with scanner)
An RTK module is used with the scanner to more accurately reference the position of the ground data — it is not a mandatory component of the fusion workflow, but it can improve geo-consistency. Such a module is at the PortalCam not available and also not a prerequisite for drones, but rather an addition to improve positional data.
Are you interested in developing a virtual reality or 360° application? You may still have questions about budget and implementation. Feel free to contact me.
I am looking forward to you
Clarence Dadson CEO Design4real
LCC Studio (Lixel CyberColor Studio) is proprietary software from XGRIDS for processing and fusing 3D data captured with XGRIDS hardware such as the L2 Pro, PortalCam, or K1. It is based on modern Gaussian Splatting technology and SLAM algorithms, and generates photorealistic, measurable 3D models – without external tools.
Aerial-Ground Map Fusion is a workflow within XGRIDS LCC Studio that automatically combines structured drone imagery with ground data from scanners. Both datasets are transformed into a common coordinate system and merged into a unified Gaussian Splatting 3D model.
The workflow automates many complex steps of classic photogrammetry, such as overlap, ground control points, and iterative alignment. This saves teams time and eliminates the need for deep expert knowledge, making it ideal for efficient workflows.
Classic tools like Metashape or Pix4D require manual alignment, parameter settings, and iterative work. XGRIDS LCC Studio, on the other hand, automatically combines both data types and generates a finished model – without external workflows.
An XGRIDS-compatible scanner (e.g., Lixel L2 Pro or PortalCam) is required for ground data acquisition and a drone with a mapping function. An RTK module can optionally contribute to positional accuracy.
The software is only compatible with XGRIDS hardware. External data cannot be freely integrated, and some functions, such as HD Enhancement, are currently not combinable with the Aerial-Ground Fusion workflow.