What Is 3D Laser Scanning Survey?
A 3D laser scanning survey (also called a measured building survey using LiDAR) captures millions of precise 3D measurement points from a building or site to create a point cloud — a digital representation with millimetre accuracy (±1–2mm). Surveyors use terrestrial laser scanners (e.g., Leica RTC360, FARO) that capture ~1 million points per second without physical contact. It is 80% faster than traditional total station surveying.
How It Works
| Aspect | Details | | --- | --- | | Technology | Terrestrial laser scanner captures distance to surfaces via LiDAR | | Accuracy | ±1–2mm millimetre-level precision | | Speed | 80% faster than traditional total station surveying | | Output | Point cloud (.e57, .las, .rcs, .rcp formats) → CAD/BIM deliverables | | Process | Capture → Register scans → Process point cloud → Create CAD/BIM models |
Typical Costs in Harrow/London (2025)
| Project Type | Cost Range (ex VAT) | Best For | | --- | --- | --- | | Small residential (3-bed house, ~50–100m²) | £450–£2,500 | Renovations, extensions | | Medium commercial (office floor, ~200m²) | £3,000–£10,000 | Refurbishments, BIM models | | Large/complex (hospital, factory, 10,000m²+) | £10,000–£50,000+ | Full-site digital twins | | Measured building survey entry | From £495 | Basic 2D CAD drawings |
Pricing factors: historic buildings add 15–30%; BIM LOD 400 at ~£10/m², LOD 300 at ~£7/m²; night/weekend work +20%; live environments +25%; express turnarounds +30–50%.
Standard Deliverables
| Deliverable | Format | Use Case | | --- | --- | --- | | Point Cloud (raw data) | .e57, .las, .rcs, .rcp, .pts | Direct use, further processing | | 2D CAD drawings | DWG, PDF | Floor plans, elevations, sections | | 3D BIM model | RVT (Revit), SKP (SketchUp) | Design coordination, clash detection | | TruView/virtual tour | Interactive 360° | Stakeholder visualisation | | Cross-sections and volumes | CAD/BIM | Quantity take-off, budget estimation |
Harrow Coverage
We provide 3D laser scanning surveys throughout the London Borough of Harrow including:
- Harrow-on-the-Hill (HA1), North Harrow (HA2), South Harrow (HA3)
- Harrow Weald, Stanmore, Pinner, Hatch End
- Rayners Lane, Kenton, Belmont, Wealdstone
- And all surrounding HA postcode areas
We also cover Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Middlesex for larger projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a point cloud and a BIM model?
A point cloud is raw3D scan data — millions of measured points. A BIM model is an intelligent, object-based representation where walls, doors, MEP services etc. are categorised and parametric. Point cloud data can be used directly in Navisworks for clash detection, or modelled into a Revit BIM model.
Q: What accuracy can I expect from 3D laser scanning?
Modern terrestrial LiDAR scanners achieve ±1–2mm accuracy at typical scan distances. Accuracy depends on scan density, reflector placement, and scan distance from the instrument.
Q: What file formats do I receive?
Standard formats include .e57, .RCP/.RCS, .LAS, and .PTS for point cloud data. BIM models are delivered in .RVT (Revit) and .IFC formats. 2D drawings in DWG and PDF.