Leica Cyclone 3DR vs WhiteboxTools
Leica Cyclone 3DR
cyclone3dr.leica-geosystems.comWhiteboxTools
whiteboxgeo.comSide by side
| Figure | Leica Cyclone 3DR | WhiteboxTools |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $61.67/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 10 |
| Spec score · Point Cloud Software | 7.5 (#9) | 7.6 (#8) |
| File formats | The 2024.0 release notes list support for formats including LGS/LGSx, E57, LAS/LAZ, IFC, RVT, FBX, DWG and DXF, with some file types dependent on license. | Listed formats include GeoTIFF, Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFF, LAS/LAZ, COPC, GeoPackage, FlatGeobuf, GeoParquet, GeoJSON, and Shapefile. |
| Integrations | Leica describes Cyclone 3DR as working with Cyclone FIELD 360, Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS, Hexagon GeoCloud and Leica CloudWorx. | Whitebox works with QGIS, Python notebooks, R workflows, scripts, and local desktop processing. |
| License limits | The release notes say DWG requires the AEC or PRO Edition and available license options depend on what was purchased. | The Pro EULA restricts hosted access, SaaS, embedded systems, cloud deployments, and automated batch-processing services unless the company expressly authorizes them in writing. |
| Purpose | Cyclone 3DR transforms point cloud data into 3D models, deliverables and reports using automation and AI classification tools. | Whitebox provides geospatial tools for terrain analysis, hydrology, LiDAR, remote sensing, and vector GIS. |
Plans
WhiteboxTools
- Whitebox Open Core (Python, R, QGIS)Free
- LiDAR & Forest Analytics — Entry$740 a year
- Environmental Risk & Compliance — Entry$890 a year
- Network Planning & Operations — Entry$995 a year
- LiDAR & Forest Analytics — Standard$1,270 a year
- Environmental Risk & Compliance — Standard$1,490 a year
- Network Planning & Operations — Standard$1,795 a year
- Environmental Risk & Compliance — EnterprisePriced on request
- LiDAR & Forest Analytics — EnterprisePriced on request
- Network Planning & Operations — EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Leica Cyclone 3DR
Leica Cyclone 3DR is Windows desktop software for converting point cloud data into 3D models and deliverables. Its workflows cover inspection, modelling and meshing, with tools for cleaning data and automating processing through AI classification and scripting. Users can build 2D and 3D models, meshes and textures, inspect reality-capture data and generate reports. Scan2Verify creates prefilled QA/QC reports from scan data. PRO Edition packages add specialised tools for AEC, Survey and Plant industries.
The software works with Cyclone FIELD 360, Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS, Hexagon GeoCloud and downstream products such as CloudWorx. Listed formats include LGS/LGSx, E57, LAS/LAZ, IFC, RVT, FBX, DWG and DXF, though some depend on the license. The 2024.0 release notes specify 64-bit Windows 10 (Build 1809) or Windows 11. Leica recommends at least 16 GB RAM for regular desktop workflows, and 32 GB plus a supported NVIDIA GPU for auto-classification. A companion Free Viewer supports viewing and basic inspection tasks without using a full Cyclone 3DR license.
WhiteboxTools
WhiteboxTools is geospatial software for terrain analysis, hydrology, LiDAR, remote sensing, and vector GIS. Its Whitebox Next Gen library includes more than 700 tools, with open tools accessible through Python, R, and a QGIS plugin. Functions include terrain derivatives from digital elevation models, watershed delineation, flow routing, point-cloud classification, image analysis, change detection, and vector operations. It fits into QGIS, Python notebooks, R workflows, scripts, and local desktop processing. Listed formats range from GeoTIFF, Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFF, LAS/LAZ, and COPC to GeoPackage, FlatGeobuf, GeoParquet, GeoJSON, and Shapefile. The maker says processing runs locally, which can support on-premises or offline workflows. Windows, macOS, and Linux are listed. The open core is free; paid Entry plans are $740 a year to $995 a year, and Standard plans are $1,270 a year to $1,795 a year. Pro EULA terms allow opting out of optional telemetry, but not license-validation reporting.