TerraScan
5.8/10Desktop LiDAR point cloud software from Terrasolid that classifies laser scans and extracts vector models for surveying, mapping, and power line corridor projects.
Data last updated November 2026 · Our methodology
Overview
TerraScan is the main point cloud processing module from Finnish developer Terrasolid. It runs inside a CAD host, either Bentley MicroStation or Terrasolid's own Spatix, on Windows. It imports airborne, mobile, and drone laser scan data in LAS, LAZ, E57, PLY, and Terrasolid's binary formats. It organizes large datasets into projects with trajectory information. Automatic classification routines filter points into ground, vegetation, buildings, and other classes, and users can refine the results with semi-automatic and manual tools. The software also extracts 3D vectors. This includes building models up to LOD2, power line wire vectorization, tower placement, danger object analysis, corridor reports, road surface condition checks, and detection of paint lines and curbs. Routines can be chained into macros and run in batch through TerraBatch, including on other workstations over a LAN. Recent builds added support for editing gaussian splats alongside the companion TerraSplat module. TerraScan comes in Full, UAV, and Lite editions. Licences can be bought perpetually, with optional yearly maintenance, or as 12-, 6-, or 2-month subscriptions. Prices are published in euros, net of VAT. It suits survey firms, utilities, and drone LiDAR service providers that need detailed, production-grade classification. The main limitation is the stack. You also need a CAD host and often companion modules such as TerraMatch and TerraModeler. Processing runs on a powerful local workstation, and the software offers no cloud collaboration.
Our Rating
Who TerraScan is best for
Good fit
A dedicated UAV edition is priced for drone LiDAR processing, and drone resellers bundle it.
It is production-grade classification and modeling software that runs inside MicroStation.
It includes power line vectorization, tower placement, and danger object analysis.
Less suited
Its building modeling and road analysis suit public mapping agencies.
Costly perpetual licences, add-on modules, and steep hardware needs weigh on small teams.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It offers deep automatic classification that users can chain into macros and run in batch across LAN workstations.
- Specialized power line tools cover wire vectorization, tower models, and danger object analysis.
- Euro prices for every edition and licence length are published openly, including short 2-month subscriptions.
- It reads many formats, including LAS, LAZ, E57, and PLY, and recent builds added gaussian splat editing.
- Cheaper UAV and Lite editions lower the entry cost for drone LiDAR work.
Cons
- It needs a CAD host (MicroStation or Spatix) and runs on Windows only.
- Strip alignment and surface modeling need extra modules such as TerraMatch, which raise the total cost.
- Processing is local and needs a strong workstation, and the software offers no cloud sharing of deliverables.
- Few public user reviews exist on G2-style sites, and the software has a steep learning curve for newcomers.
Key Features
Not included
- Work Orders
- Offline Field App
TerraScan Pricing
TerraScan Full
- One floating licence per simultaneous user
- Includes a TerraBatch licence for the same computer
- Full classification, vectorization, and power line tools
- 6-month subscription 1,245 EUR; 2-month subscription 612 EUR
- Perpetual licence 5,700 EUR plus optional 855 EUR per year maintenance
TerraScan Lite
- Reduced feature set
- 6-month subscription 371 EUR
- Perpetual licence 1,900 EUR plus optional 285 EUR per year maintenance
TerraScan UAV
- Reduced edition aimed at drone LiDAR data
- 6-month subscription 738 EUR; 2-month subscription 370 EUR
- Perpetual licence 3,420 EUR plus optional 513 EUR per year maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
The Full edition costs 5,700 EUR perpetual plus 855 EUR per year maintenance, or 1,710 EUR for an annual subscription. The UAV edition costs 3,420 EUR perpetual or 1,026 EUR per year. The Lite edition costs 1,900 EUR perpetual or 570 EUR per year. All prices are net of VAT.
Yes. Terrasolid sells 6-month subscriptions for all editions and 2-month subscriptions for the Full and UAV editions.
It runs inside Bentley MicroStation or Terrasolid's Spatix on Windows. It is not a standalone application.
No. The free Terrasolid UAV licences that resellers offered for DJI L1 data expired at the end of 2022.
Terrasolid modules use a floating licence pool, so you need one licence for each simultaneous user. Volume and bundle discounts are available.
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