Point Cloud Survey Template: What to Include in Your Specification
A clear point cloud survey specification ensures you receive the right deliverables in the right format. Use this template when commissioning your next point cloud survey.
Specification Template Fields
| Field | Recommendation | Example | | --- | --- | --- | | Property address | Full postal address | 12 High Street, London W1 | | Scan method | Specify scanner type | FJD Trion P1 or equivalent | | Scope | Define all areas | All floors, roof, boundary | | Deliverables | List formats | E57, DWG, RVT | | LOD level | Specify target | LOD 200/300/350/400 | | Coordinate system | OS National Grid preferred | OS National Grid, ODN | | RGB requirement | Yes for visualisation | Coloured point cloud | | Excluded areas | List if any | Locked cupboard, roof |
Point Cloud Format Reference
| Format | Best For | File Size | | --- | --- | --- | | E57 | Revit workflows, Leica users | Medium | | PTS (ASCII) | Universal, large files | Large | | RCP/RCS | AutoCAD, Recap | Medium | | LAS/LAZ | GIS, Lidar data | Variable |
LOD Level Guidance
| LOD | When to Use | Typical Deliverables | | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 100 | Initial concept | Point cloud only | | LOD 200 | Schematic design | Cloud + basic floor plans | | LOD 300 | Design development | Cloud + accurate CAD | | LOD 350 | Planning submission | Cloud + full CAD + BIM | | LOD 400 | Construction/FM | Coordinated BIM model |
Common Mistakes in Specifications
| Mistake | Impact | Fix | | --- | --- | --- | | No format specified | Wrong format delivered | State E57/RCP clearly | | No coordinate system | Drawings don't align | Specify OS National Grid | | Excluded areas not listed | Data gaps in deliverables | Walk the site and list all zones | | LOD not specified | Model doesn't meet needs | Confirm LOD with BIM team |
2025 Point Cloud Survey Costs (ex VAT)
| Property | Scan Only | Scan + CAD | Scan + BIM | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2–3 bed | £300–£500 | £600–£1,000 | £900–£1,500 | | 4+ bed | £400–£700 | £800–£1,500 | £1,200–£2,000 | | Commercial | £500–£1,000 | £900–£1,800 | £1,500–£3,000+ |
How to Use This Template
To use this template, copy the fields into your own brief or specification document, then complete the right-hand column with the values that match your project. The six critical fields — scan method, scope, deliverables, LOD level, coordinate system, and excluded areas — are the ones that most commonly cause a re-work cycle if left blank. The LOD level in particular should be agreed with the BIM team before commissioning: LOD 200 is appropriate for planning feasibility, LOD 300 for design development, and LOD 350 for a planning submission that requires BIM evidence. The coordinate system should be OS National Grid with Ordnance Datum Newlyn heights for any UK project; specifying this at the brief stage prevents downstream alignment issues. The deliverables list should also confirm whether a deviation report is in scope — this is the document that demonstrates the modelled geometry matches the captured point cloud within the tolerance, and is the QA evidence for downstream design. All icelabz point cloud surveys are issued under the RICS Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities standard (3rd edition) for downstream design, planning, or BIM coordination use.