A guide to what computer you'll need to run LSS
LSS will run on almost any Windows PC. The following specifications are for guideline purposes only. For example, if you're a land surveyor producing surveys with a few tens of thousands of points in them you'll be fine with the basic spec. If you're using drones or laser scanners to collect data which runs into several hundred million points then clearly you'll need a better computer.
Minimum specification (LSS Solo)
- Intel i5 or higher (or equivalent)
- 32bit or 64bit Windows 10 or 11
- No minimum memory or graphics capability - whatever Windows will comfortably run on
- 200Mb free hard disk space for the program and supporting files
- 2.5Gb of free disk space for the installation of movie tutorials (optional)
- 1366x768 resolution screen&
- Spare USB2 port for the connection of the LSS dongle
- 2-button mouse with wheel
- Occasional Internet access for program updates
& This is a minimum screen size. Even at 100% desktop scaling, you won’t have a lot of room to work with and may end up turning off some menu icon bars to free up space. See the recommended spec below for a more approriate specification.
Recommended power-user computer (LSS Vista or Elite, but not LSS Point Clouds)
- Intel i5 or higher (or equivalent)
- 64bit Windows 10 or 11
- 8/16Gb RAM
- 4Gb dedicated Graphics card (such as NVIDIA – Open GL 4.0 or later)
- HD screen (1920x1080 with 100% desktop scaling) or higher
- 500Gb HDD (the LSS program only takes up about 100Mb, but you'll need space for your data)
- Spare USB2 port for the connection of the LSS dongle
- 2-button mouse with wheel
- Occasional Internet access for program updates
Minimum computer for Point Cloud use
- Intel i5 or higher (or equivalent)
- 32bit or 64bit Windows 10 or 11
- 8/16Gb RAM
- 4Gb dedicated Graphics card (such as NVIDIA – Open GL 4.0 or later)
- 500Gb HDD (this is more driven by the amount of data you want to keep on your computer, rather than LSS itself)
- Single HD Screen (1920x1080 with 100% desktop scaling) or 1366x768 with second monitor 1920x1080 or higher
- Spare USB2 port for the connection of the LSS dongle
- 2-button mouse with wheel
- Occasional Internet access for program updates
Future-proofed top-end workstation computer for Point Cloud use
- Intel i7 or higher (or equivalent)
- 64bit Windows 10 or 11
- 32/64Gb RAM
- Minimum spec. for Virtual Reality work – 8Gb 3D Graphics card (such as NVIDIA GeForce RTX2080)
- 1TB SSD
- Dual HD (1920x1080 with 100% desktop scaling) or higher resolution screens (60Hz min refresh for external screen)
- Spare USB2 port for the connection of the LSS dongle
- 2-button mouse with wheel
- Occasional Internet access for LSS program updates (Unity has greater Broadband requirements)
- VR compatibility will require spare USB3.0 port and Display Port connection
Planning to use our Windows Unity Plugin?
See our ‘Future-Proofed’ computer above for the current recommendations, but below are links which will keep you up to date…
The Unity platform is continually being developed and as a result it is vital that you have a future-proofed Windows computer on which to run it. Please check out the following link to see the latest advice from Unity. https://unity3d.com/unity/system-requirements
If you are intending to use VR/AR/MR kit then the specs will be higher. Here’s a link which will lead you to the Microsoft MR compatibility App which will test your computer for compatibility. https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/wmr_requirements.html
Using Apple Mac?
If you are using an Intel-based Mac then it may be possible for you to run Windows on it using Boot Camp. See the following article for details... https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201468
Digitisers and drawing boards
Do you have to digitise from hard-copy drawings? LSS Vista and Elite are able to connect to external USB digitisers. We have worked with PSW Limited, the UK Reseller of GTCO Calcomp drawing boards to ensure that LSS users can purchase the right device with confidence. GTCO Calcomp have redeveloped the Wintab drivers and brought them up to date so that they work with the latest Windows 10 computers via USB. 
Andrew Hand
PSW Limited
16 Alcester Road
Studley
Warwickshire
B80 7NL
Tel: 01527 853136
Email: andrew@psw.co.uk
Website: http://www.psw.co.uk/calcomp-digitisers.asp
