2025 Survey Costs (ex VAT)
| Property | Standard | Fast Track (+25%) | Rush (+50%) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2–3 bed | £400–£600 | £500–£750 | £600–£900 | | 4+ bed | £500–£800 | £625–£1,000 | £750–£1,200 | | Commercial | £800–£1,500 | £1,000–£1,875 | £1,200–£2,250 |
Survey Deliverables Reference
| Deliverable | Format | Use | | --- | --- | --- | | Floor plans | DWG + PDF | Design reference | | Elevations | DWG + PDF | Planning submission | | Sections | DWG + PDF | Building regulations | | Site plan | DWG + PDF | Planning boundary |
Point Cloud to BIM: The Full Workflow Visualised
The scan-to-BIM workflow converts laser scan data into a BIM model. This article visualises the complete process from site scanning through to BIM model delivery.
Step 1: Project Definition
Before scanning, define the project requirements:
Scope definition: Which buildings, floors, or areas will be scanned? What LOD is required for each element type?
Deliverable specification: What BIM model format and version is needed? What software will the model be used in?
Programme: When will scanning occur? When are deliverables required?
Access provisions: How will the scanning team access the site? Any restrictions or special requirements?
Clear project definition ensures the scanning team understands exactly what is needed.
Step 2: Site Reconnaissance
Before the scan, the scanning team visits the site:
Scan position planning: Identify positions where the scanner will be set up to capture complete coverage.
Access confirmation: Verify access to all areas. Note any access restrictions.
Condition assessment: Note any specific existing conditions — heritage features, hazardous areas, occupied spaces.
Coordination: Confirm scanning schedule with site operations to minimise disruption.
Site reconnaissance ensures scanning proceeds efficiently on the day.
Step 3: Laser Scanning
The laser scanner captures millions of measurement points:
Scanner setup: The scanner is set up at each planned position. Multiple positions ensure complete coverage.
Data capture: The scanner rotates, emitting laser pulses and recording returns. Each position captures millions of points in minutes.
Target placement: Targets are placed at reference points for accurate registration. Targets are surveyed to known coordinates.
Quality check: The scanning team reviews each scan for completeness before moving to the next position.
Scanning time depends on site size. A typical building may require several hours of scanning.
Step 4: Point Cloud Registration
Individual scans are combined into a single point cloud:
Registration: Software aligns scans using common features or targets. Registration combines all scans into one coordinate system.
Accuracy verification: Registered point cloud is checked for accuracy. Gaps or misalignments are addressed.
Cleaning: The point cloud is cleaned — noise removed, errors corrected.
Export: The cleaned point cloud is exported in the required format — typically LAS or RCP.
The point cloud is now ready for use in BIM modelling.
Step 5: BIM Modelling
A technician models building elements from the point cloud:
Reference setup: The point cloud is loaded in BIM software — Revit, for example — as a reference background.
Element modelling: The technician traces building elements from the point cloud. Walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, stairs are modelled as BIM elements.
Classification: Elements are classified correctly — structural walls vs partition walls, for example. This classification is essential for downstream use.
LOD control: Modelling is checked against LOD specification. Elements should be modelled to the required level of detail.
Quality review: The BIM model is reviewed for accuracy against the point cloud and for LOD compliance.
BIM modelling time depends on the complexity of the building and the LOD required.
Step 6: Deliverable Production
The BIM model is prepared for delivery:
Format preparation: The model is saved in the required format — Revit, DWG, or IFC. Version compatibility is confirmed.
Coordinate system: The model is positioned in the correct coordinate system and datum.
Metadata: Project information, survey date, and accuracy standards are included in the model.
Quality check: Final quality check ensures the model is complete and accurate.
Delivery: The model is delivered electronically via secure file transfer or cloud storage.
Step 7: Client Review and Revisions
The client reviews the BIM model:
Review: The client opens the model in their software and reviews against requirements.
Comments: Any issues or corrections are documented.
Revisions: The scanning team implements agreed revisions. Revision rounds are specified in the scope of work.
Approval: The client approves the model. Approval is documented in writing.
The scan-to-BIM workflow is complete when the client approves the model.
Workflow Visualisation Summary
- Project definition — scope, deliverables, programme
- Site reconnaissance — scan position planning, access confirmation
- Laser scanning — multiple scan positions, target placement
- Point cloud registration — combine scans, verify accuracy
- BIM modelling — element modelling from point cloud, LOD control
- Deliverable production — format preparation, quality check
- Client review and revisions — review, comments, approval
Each step builds on the previous. Quality in early steps ensures quality in final deliverables.
Typical Timeline
A typical scan-to-BIM project timeline:
Project definition: 1 to 2 weeks for scope development and approval.
Site scanning: 1 day to 1 week depending on site size.
Point cloud processing: 1 to 3 days for registration and cleaning.
BIM modelling: 1 to 4 weeks depending on building complexity and LOD.
Revisions: 1 to 2 weeks depending on revision scope.
Total timeline: 4 to 10 weeks from project definition to final delivery.
Fixed-Fee Scan-to-BIM from icelabz
icelabz provides fixed-fee scan-to-BIM services following the complete workflow. All steps are included in the fixed fee. No hidden charges.
Contact icelabz with your project requirements for a fixed-fee quote.