Revit Model from Laser Scan
Creating a Revit model from laser scan data — called Scan-to-BIM — involves capturing a point cloud via 3D laser scanning on site, registering and processing the data, importing it into Revit, and then tracing and modelling elements over the point cloud. UK costs in 2025 range from £800–£2,500 for scanning a typical 3-bedroom house, plus modelling fees of £7/m² for LOD 300 or £10/m² for LOD 400 fabrication-ready models.
This guide covers the full workflow, software tools, LOD levels, typical costs, and everything you need to commission or produce a Revit model from laser scan data.
The Scan-to-BIM Workflow
Step 1: Laser Scanning Survey
A surveyor uses a terrestrial 3D laser scanner — such as the Leica RTC360, FARO Focus, or Trimble X7 — to capture millions of data points across the building.
| Parameter | Details | | --- | --- | | On-site time (house) | 1–2 hours | | On-site time (200m² office) | 4–6 hours | | On-site time (large facility) | 3–5 days | | Accuracy | ±2mm — millimetre-level precision | | Scanner types | Terrestrial (tripod), mobile (SLAM), or a combination |
The scan captures everything visible — walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, stairs, structural elements, and MEP systems — creating a permanent digital record of the existing building.
Step 2: Point Cloud Registration
Raw scan data is processed and aligned to a consistent grid and datum. In the UK, this typically means OS Datum and Grid.
| Step | Description | | --- | --- | | Software | Leica Cyclone, Trimble RealWorks, or Autodesk ReCap | | Registration | Individual scans aligned to a common coordinate system | | Georeferencing | Aligned to OS datum or project grid as required | | Output formats | .RCP, .E57, .LAS — registered point cloud files |
QA checks confirm that alignment drift is within tolerance (typically ±5mm) before the point cloud is approved for modelling.
Step 3: Import Point Cloud into Revit
| Step | Description | | --- | --- | | Open Autodesk ReCap | Create new project, import XYZ/XYZ files | | Index the file | Creates the .RCP file for use in Revit | | In Revit | Insert tab → Point Cloud → navigate to RCP file | | Align coordinates | Assign ground control point (GCP) to Project Base Point — insert by shared coordinates |
For projects requiring georeferencing, the point cloud is placed in its correct OS grid position. For non-georeferenced projects, a local coordinate system is used.
Step 4: Model Over the Point Cloud
BIM modellers use Revit tools — Wall, Floor, Model Line, and component families — to trace elements visible in the point cloud.
| Approach | Tools Used | | --- | --- | | Manual tracing | Revit native tools — wall, floor, ceiling, roof, door, window | | Structural elements | Structural columns, beams, foundations | | MEP systems | Duct, pipe, cable tray routing — if within scope | | Plugins | ClearEdge3D Tools for Revit, Qbitec for Revit, Leica CloudWorx |
Modellers work at the LOD — tracing the geometry visible in the point cloud at the required level of detail.
Step 5: Quality Checks and Delivery
| Check | What Is Verified | | --- | --- | | Geometry validation | Walls, floors, and structural elements match the point cloud | | Level verification | Floor levels and ceiling heights match scan data | | Dimension check | Critical dimensions verified against the point cloud | | Deviation report | Model vs. point cloud deviation within ±15mm for LOD 300 |
The final deliverable package includes the Revit model and supporting files.
LOD Levels Explained
LOD (Level of Development or Level of Detail) defines how much detail is included in the Revit model. Higher LOD means more geometry, more data, and higher cost.
| LOD | Best For | Accuracy | Typical Cost (UK 2025) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 100 | Concept design | Low | Basic massing only | | LOD 200 | General layout, feasibility | Medium | Approximate geometry | | LOD 300 | Detailed design, coordination, clash detection (most common) | High | £7/m² | | LOD 350 | Coordination with connections and junctions | High | £9/m² | | LOD 400 | Fabrication-ready, shop drawings, specialist installation | Very high | £10/m² |
LOD 300 is the most common level for refurbishment, planning applications, and contractor tender packages.
Software Tools for Scan-to-BIM
| Software | Purpose | Used By | | --- | --- | --- | | Autodesk ReCap | Point cloud registration and processing | All scan-to-BIM projects | | Autodesk Revit | BIM modelling | Architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers | | Leica Cyclone | High-end point cloud registration | Professional survey companies | | Trimble RealWorks | Point cloud processing and modelling | Survey and engineering firms | | Leica CloudWorx for Revit | Point cloud navigation and modelling in Revit | BIM modellers | | ClearEdge3D Tools for Revit | Automated and semi-automated modelling | Scan-to-BIM service providers | | Qbitec for Revit | Point cloud management and modelling | BIM specialists | | FARO As-Built for Revit | Point cloud modelling plugin | FARO scanner users | | Navisworks | Clash detection and model coordination | Project coordinators |
What Can Be Modelled in Revit from Laser Scan?
| Element | LOD 200 | LOD 300 | LOD 400 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Walls | Approximate thickness, approximate position | Exact dimensions, layers, finishes | As LOD 300 plus reveals and tolerances | | Floors | Approximate slab geometry | Exact slab, structure, finishes | Fabricated detail with connections | | Doors | Approximate size and type | Exact frame, leaf, ironmongery | Full ironmongery schedule | | Windows | Approximate opening size | Exact frame, sash, glazing, cills | Full specification | | Stairs | Approximate treads and risers | Exact geometry, balustrades, treads | Fully detailed balustrade connections | | Structural | Approximate beams and columns | Exact sections and connections | Fabricated steelwork | | MEP | Rough routing only | Visible services traced | Full system modelled |
Deliverables
| Deliverable | Format | Purpose | | --- | --- | --- | | Revit model | .RVT | Primary BIM deliverable | | IFC export | .IFC | Platform-agnostic BIM exchange | | Point cloud | .RCP, .E57 | Permanent digital archive | | 2D drawings | DWG, PDF | Floor plans, sections, elevations | | Deviation report | PDF | Confirms model accuracy vs. point cloud | | Area schedule | Excel, PDF | GIA, NIA per RICS standards |
2025 Costs in the UK
| Service | Cost Range (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | 3D laser scan (3-bed house) | £800–£2,500 | | Point cloud only | £500–£1,500 | | LOD 200 modelling | £5/m² | | LOD 300 modelling | £7/m² | | LOD 400 modelling | £10/m² | | Full house scan + LOD 300 model | £3,000–£7,000 | | Deviation report | £300–£800 | | Minimum project fee | From £1,499 |
Cost factors: Building size, complexity, accessibility, required LOD, MEP scope, turnaround time, and whether georeferencing is required.
Common Use Cases
| Application | LOD Typically Required | Why | | --- | --- | --- | | Planning application | LOD 200–300 | Accurate floor areas, design drawings | | Refurbishment design | LOD 300 | Exact dimensions for design development | | MEP coordination | LOD 300–350 | Clash detection with structural and architectural | | Listed building surveys | LOD 300 | Accurate as-built record for heritage works | | Construction tender | LOD 300 | Accurate quantities and dimensions | | Fabrication | LOD 400 | Shop drawings and manufacturing data |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I model MEP systems from a laser scan?
Yes — visible MEP systems (ductwork, pipework, cable trays, trunking) can be modelled from the point cloud. However, systems concealed within walls, above closed ceilings, or below floors cannot be captured without additional investigation. A full MEP survey may be needed for hidden services.
Q: How accurate is a Revit model from laser scan?
Laser scanning achieves ±2mm accuracy at typical scan distances. When modelling at LOD 300, the resulting Revit model is typically accurate to ±10–15mm — well within the tolerances needed for design and construction work.
Q: Can I use the point cloud in other software?
Yes — the point cloud can be imported into AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, Navisworks, and most major BIM and CAD platforms. E57 is the most widely compatible format. RCP is the preferred format for the Autodesk ecosystem.
Q: Do I need a georeferenced scan?
It depends on the project. For most refurbishment and design work, a local coordinate system is sufficient. For projects requiring OS grid coordinates — such as large developments, infrastructure projects, or works near listed buildings — georeferencing to OS Datum is required.
Q: How long does a full scan-to-BIM project take?
For a typical house: 1–2 hours on site, 2–3 weeks for modelling. For a commercial building: 1–3 days on site, 4–8 weeks for modelling. Complex or large buildings take proportionally longer.
Q: Can I add data to the Revit model after it is delivered?
Yes — the Revit model can be extended with additional data, annotations, schedules, and specifications. The model is fully editable in Autodesk Revit and can be used as the basis for ongoing design development.
Q: What is a deviation report?
A deviation report compares the Revit model geometry to the point cloud data, identifying any areas where the model deviates from the scan data beyond the specified tolerance. It confirms that the model accurately represents the scanned building and is QA-checked.