Point Cloud Survey Company: UK and London Guide
A point cloud survey uses 3D laser scanning to capture millions of measured XYZ coordinates as a precise spatial dataset. Point clouds are the raw input for 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, and as-built documentation. Choosing the right point cloud survey company ensures you get accurate, usable data for your project. Here is what to look for, questions to ask, and typical 2025 costs.
Top Point Cloud Survey Companies in UK and London
| Company | Location | Key Features | | --- | --- | --- | | Measured Survey 365 | London and UK | Revit and AutoCAD and BIM specialist, quotes in 20 minutes, £495+ for standard London projects | | MB Survey Solutions | Essex | Professional land surveyors, £500–£5,000+ range | | Bidston Draughting | London | Measured building surveys, 3D laser scanning expertise | | Survops | UK-wide | Leica HDS scanners, early UK laser scanning adopters, ±3mm accuracy | | Pinpoint Mapping | Bristol and South West | BIM models, millimetre accuracy, civil engineering focus | | Cadmap Limited | UK-wide | BIM LOD 100–500, delivers E57 and RCP and LAS, IFC and COBie files | | The CAD Room | UK | Leica P-Series scanners, Leica Cyclone software, MEP coordination |
What to Look For in a Point Cloud Survey Provider
| Factor | What to Check | | --- | --- | | Accuracy | ±3mm or better for construction and BIM work | | Equipment | FARO Focus, Leica Geosystems, Trimble, Z+F IMAGER, Topcon | | Point spacing | Define during tender — impacts accuracy and file size | | Colour data | RGB (full colour) vs mono (greyscale) — specify upfront | | Format flexibility | Can deliver E57, RCP, LAS as needed | | BIM capability | LOD 100–500 modelling, Revit, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD support | | Registration report | Quality documentation of scan alignment |
Essential Questions to Ask
- "What point cloud format do you deliver?" — E57, RCP, LAS, LAZ?
- "RGB or mono colour data?" — Cannot easily change after survey
- "What point spacing do you recommend?" — Balances detail vs. file size
- "What accuracy do you guarantee?" — Typical: ±3mm
- "Can you alter format after survey completion?" — Yes, but specify beforehand to save time and cost
- "What software do you use for processing?" — Leica Cyclone, FARO SCENE, or similar
- "Do you provide registration reports?" — Quality documentation of scan alignment
- "Can you deliver 2D CAD drawings or BIM models alongside the point cloud?" — Full workflow capability
- "What is included in the day rate?" — Fieldwork only or processing too?
- "Are there hidden costs?" — Travel, confined space equipment, multiple visits
2025 UK and London Costs
| Service Type | Cost (ex VAT, 2025) | | --- | --- | | Point cloud only | £750–£1,250 per day | | Small UK projects | From £350 | | Standard London project | From £495 + VAT | | Point cloud plus 2D CAD drawings | £1,000–£2,000 per drawing | | Point cloud plus 3D Revit or BIM model | £1,500–£5,000+ | | Confined space scanning | £1,200–£2,500 per day | | Typical daily rate | £750–£2,500 per day |
Costs vary by: property size, complexity, required Level of Detail (LOD), site accessibility, and deliverable type.
Point Cloud Formats
| Format | Type | Best For | | --- | --- | --- | | E57 | Binary (vendor-neutral) | Universal — most software, long-term storage | | RCP or RCS | Autodesk ReCap | AutoCAD and Revit workflows | | LAS or LAZ | LiDAR ASCII or binary | GIS, drone data, topographic surveys | | PTS or PTX | Leica Cyclone | Survey-specific processing | | FLS | FARO SCENE | FARO scanner-specific workflows | | PCD | Point Cloud Data | Universal text format |
Important: Specify your required format before the survey. Conversion after the fact is possible but adds time and cost.
RGB vs. Mono Colour
| Type | Description | Best For | | --- | --- | --- | | RGB (full colour) | Colour photographs overlaid on point cloud | Visualisation, client presentation, heritage | | Mono (greyscale) | Intensity values only | Precision measurement, engineering | | Hybrid | Greyscale with 360° imagery overlay | Best of both — measurement plus context |
Note: Colour mode must be specified before the survey. You cannot add RGB data to a mono scan retroactively.
Applications of Point Cloud Data
| Application | Why It Is Used | | --- | --- | | Scan-to-BIM | Accurate as-built data for 3D modelling in Revit | | 2D CAD drawings | Floor plans, elevations, sections from point cloud | | MEP coordination | Clash detection before installation | | As-built documentation | Complete spatial record of completed works | | Structural monitoring | Deformation measurement over time | | Topographical surveys | Combined with site scanning for full site context | | Heritage recording | Non-contact measurement for fragile or listed structures |
When to Commission a Point Cloud Survey
| Project Type | Point Cloud Recommended? | | --- | ------ | | BIM projects (Scan-to-BIM) | Yes — essential for accurate 3D modelling | | Heritage or listed buildings | Yes — non-contact measurement for fragile structures | | Complex geometry | Yes — captures features difficult to measure manually | | MEP coordination | Yes — clash detection before installation | | Structural monitoring | Yes — deformation measurement over time | | As-built documentation | Yes — complete spatial record of completed works |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a point cloud and a measured building survey?
A point cloud is the raw 3D spatial dataset captured by laser scanning. A measured building survey produces 2D CAD drawings or 3D BIM models derived from that point cloud data. Point clouds are ideal for in-house modelling or complex geometry; CAD or BIM provides editable drawings for design.
Q: How long does a point cloud survey take?
Site visit: 1–3 hours for standard residential properties. Large or complex sites may take 1–2 days. Processing and delivery: 3–7 working days depending on deliverables.
Q: What accuracy does point cloud scanning achieve?
Typical accuracy: ±3mm. High-precision scanners (Leica P-Series, FARO Focus) achieve ±1–2mm for registered point clouds. Individual point accuracy can reach 0.3mm at close range.
Q: What file formats will I receive?
E57 (vendor-neutral), RCP or RCS (AutoCAD and Revit), LAS or LAZ (lidar), PTS or PTX (Leica Cyclone), FLS (FARO). Specify your required format before the survey.
Q: Do I need RGB colour data in my point cloud?
Specify before the survey. RGB is useful for visualisation, client presentations, and heritage recording. Mono (greyscale intensity) is sufficient for precision measurement and engineering workflows.
Q: What is point spacing?
Point spacing (or point density) determines how tightly points are captured. Tighter spacing means more detail but larger file sizes. Typical specifications: 5mm or 10mm spacing depending on project requirements.
Q: Can point clouds be used directly in Revit or AutoCAD?
Yes, but they need to be imported via ReCap (RCP or RCS format for Revit) or registered directly in AutoCAD. For CAD drawings, features must be digitised from the point cloud by a technician.