New MultiMapper adds compact agility to Leica’s airborne portfolio

Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, has introduced the Leica MultiMapper – a compact hybrid airborne system that integrates imaging and Lidar in a single, easy-to-deploy platform. Designed for helicopters of all sizes and light fixed-wing aircraft, the system is positioned to deliver efficient, high-performance data capture across a broad range of mapping applications.

Weighing under 25kg, the MultiMapper is engineered for ease of handling, transport and installation. Its lightweight design supports pilot-only operations and reduces operational complexity in the field. Deployment, flight and demobilisation can be completed within a single day, enabling organisations to respond quickly to time-sensitive assignments, including missions in remote or hard-to-access environments.

This agility makes the system particularly suited to corridor mapping, infrastructure inspection and post-event assessment, where turnaround time and platform flexibility are decisive factors.

Hybrid data capture in one platform

Building on Leica Geosystems’ established expertise in airborne hybrid data collection, the MultiMapper integrates a multi-view nadir and oblique camera with high-density Lidar in a single sensor head. Imagery and Lidar data are captured simultaneously, supporting workflows from city modelling to asset documentation without requiring multiple flight campaigns.

The system is fully integrated into Leica Geosystems’ workflow environment. The Leica AirPro FIELD app provides a tablet-based interface that allows operators to control sensors in flight, adjust mission settings and review flight parameters in real time, enhancing operational oversight and data confidence.

Strategic extension, not a scaled-down alternative

Rather than serving as a smaller version of existing systems, the MultiMapper represents a strategic expansion of Leica Geosystems’ airborne portfolio. By combining Lidar with vertical and oblique imagery in a sub-25kg hybrid sensor, it brings high-spec performance to helicopters and smaller aircraft equipped with nose or strut mounts.

Its reduced footprint – compared to platforms such as the Leica CityMapper-2 – enables flexible deployment without positioning the system as a budget option. Instead, the MultiMapper addresses adjacent mission profiles where platform compatibility and operational agility are central. In doing so, it complements larger airborne sensors in the range and broadens market reach rather than competing within the same segment.

“The Leica MultiMapper builds on a decade of leadership in hybrid imaging and Lidar technology, re-engineered into a compact, highly portable format,” said Werner Kirchhofer, vice president of product development at Leica Geosystems, Scanning & Mapping Division. “More than a new system, MultiMapper marks a shift in how airborne mapping can be deployed and scaled. By enabling faster, more agile execution across diverse mission profiles, it opens the door for new users while empowering existing customers to expand their capabilities and and service portfolios.”