Measured Survey Deliverables: What You Get and What They Mean
When you commission a measured building survey, understanding what deliverables you'll receive — and what each format means for your project — helps you specify the right scope upfront.
Core File Formats
| File Type | Format | Purpose |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CAD drawings | .DWG (AutoCAD) | Editable 2D drawings for architects and engineers |
| PDF drawings | .PDF | View/print-ready for reference and submissions |
| Point cloud | .E57, .RCP | Raw 3D laser scan data for CAD/Revit use |
| BIM model | .RVT (Revit), .IFC | 3D intelligent model for coordination and FM |
Standard Deliverables
Included in every measured survey:
| Deliverable | Description | | --- | --- | | Floor plans (all floors) | Room layouts, dimensions, levels, openings, structural elements | | External elevations | Facade details — all sides | | Cross-sections | Internal heights, floor levels, roof structure | | Floor levels | Accurate levels throughout | | DWG files | AutoCAD — editable for your architect | | PDF drawings | For reference, printing, and submission |
Optional Deliverables
| Deliverable | When to Add | | --- | --- | | Reflected ceiling plans (RCP) | Interior design, M&E coordination | | Internal elevations | Heritage buildings, interior design | | Roof plan | Loft conversions, roof extensions | | Site plan | Combined with topographical survey | | Point cloud / E57 file | Scan-to-BIM workflows, MEP coordination | | Revit BIM model | BIM projects, design coordination, FM handover | | Orthophotos | Heritage recording, planning submissions |
Level of Detail (LOD)
LOD defines the depth of information in survey data:
| LOD | Detail Level | Typical Use | | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 100 | Conceptual / approximate | Early feasibility | | LOD 200 | Basic geometry, approximate dimensions | Concepts, space planning | | LOD 300 | Accurate dimensions, materials | Standard for most designs | | LOD 350–400 | Assembly / coordination details | Design development, MEP coordination | | LOD 500 | As-built, constructed state | Facility management, handover |
Most measured building surveys for planning and design use LOD 200 or LOD 300.
RICS Specification
All professional measured surveys follow RICS Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities, 3rd Edition:
- Defines accuracy bands for different detail levels
- Requires output-driven deliverables matching client requirements
- Specifies feature tables, tolerances, and deliverable formats
- Includes BIM as a standard output
What Affects Deliverable Choice?
| Factor | Consider | | --- | --- | | Planning application | Floor plans + elevations + sections | | Extension / refurbishment | Add internal elevations for period features | | BIM workflow | Point cloud + Revit LOD 300 model | | Heritage recording | Point cloud + orthophotos + internal elevations | | M&E coordination | Add reflected ceiling plans + point cloud | | Facility management | LOD 500 BIM model for asset register |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get just the DWG files and not the PDFs?
Yes — specify your required formats in the brief. Standard is both DWG + PDF.
Q: What's the difference between point cloud and Revit BIM?
Point cloud is raw scan data (millions of points). Revit BIM is an intelligent 3D model with walls, doors, windows as objects. Point cloud is used to create the BIM model.
Q: What LOD do I need for a planning application?
LOD 200 or 300 is standard for planning. Confirm with your architect and LPA.
Q: Can occupied buildings be surveyed?
Yes — laser scanners work non-intrusively. Clear access to all rooms is helpful but not always essential.
Q: How long after the site visit until I receive drawings?
Typically 3–7 working days for standard projects. Express turnaround available at +40–60%.