ArcGIS vs Carlson Scan3D Comparison
Compare ArcGIS vs Carlson Scan3D features, pricing, and more.
Last updated: November 2026
ArcGIS
7.2/10
Esri's GIS platform for mapping, spatial analysis and field data collection, used by utilities, governments and infrastructure owners to manage networks and assets.
Carlson Scan3D
5.3/10
A handheld 3D scanning app for iOS LiDAR devices and Carlson Windows tablets. It produces colour point clouds for surveyors, engineers and construction teams.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall Rating | 7.2/10 | 5.3/10 |
| Analytics | 9/10 | 4/10 |
| Cost | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Customization | 8/10 | 4/10 |
| Ease of Use | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Integration | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Scalability | 9/10 | 4/10 |
| Security | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Support | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan | No | No |
| Cheapest paid plan | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Estimated cost for 10 users | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Features | ||
| Offline Field App | ||
| Asset Registry | Not listed | |
| GIS and Mapping | Not listed | |
| Inspection Checklists | Not listed | |
| LiDAR Processing | Not listed | |
| Work Orders | Not listed | |
Which One Should You Choose?
Why choose ArcGIS
- Higher Analytics score (9/10 vs 4/10)
- Higher Scalability score (9/10 vs 4/10)
- Better fit for government (9/10 vs 5/10)
Why choose Carlson Scan3D
- Higher Cost score (5/10 vs 3/10)
- Higher Ease of Use score (7/10 vs 5/10)
Pros & Cons
ArcGIS
Pros
- One platform covers desktop, cloud, self-hosted and mobile GIS, so office and field teams work from the same data.
- Field Maps works fully offline for maps, forms, tasks and utility network tracing.
- Integrates with Cityworks, Salesforce, Power Automate and offers APIs for custom systems.
- G2 reviewers praise how it handles layers and datasets and how easy cloud access makes remote work.
Cons
- No public pricing, and reviewers cite subscription and credit costs as the main complaint.
- Credits are consumed by premium services, which can limit heavy use.
- ArcGIS Online lacks some geoprocessing tools found in ArcGIS Pro and Desktop.
- Reviewers report a steep learning curve without training.
Carlson Scan3D
Pros
- All processing happens on the device, so scans can be made in trenches, vaults or remote sites without a connection.
- Exports DP, E57, RCS, LAS and LAZ files, which load into most point cloud tools.
- Scans can be geo-referenced with Carlson GNSS receivers and survey control files.
- Merges with drone, terrestrial and aerial LiDAR clouds in Carlson Point Cloud to fill gaps.
Cons
- Windows prices are not published, so buyers must go through a dealer.
- Phone LiDAR and depth-camera capture suits small objects and spaces, not large sites.
- There are almost no independent user reviews or ratings to check its performance.
- LandXML model comparison and direct .DP import into Carlson Point Cloud were announced as coming soon at launch.
Not sold on either?
Air Inspection Automation (AiA)Our product
Plans DJI drone inspection missions for power line towers from LiDAR scans: it finds the towers, places photo stops, checks clearance, and splits the route into battery flights.
Made by the team behind b stack radar. Shown here because it fits this topic. It is not part of our rankings. How we rank tools
Frequently Asked Questions
ArcGIS scores higher on our Industrial & Infrastructure Software criteria: 7.2/10 against 5.3/10 for Carlson Scan3D. The largest gap is in Analytics: 9/10 for ArcGIS and 4/10 for Carlson Scan3D.
No, neither ArcGIS nor Carlson Scan3D lists a free plan.
ArcGIS is the better fit for government: we rate it 9/10 for them, against 5/10 for Carlson Scan3D.
