Scan to CAD Drawings in London
Scan-to-CAD converts 3D laser scan point clouds into accurate 2D AutoCAD drawings — floor plans, elevations, sections, and reflected ceiling plans — for planning applications, design work, and construction documentation. In London, where irregular Victorian and Edwardian geometry is common, scan-to-CAD delivers the precise as-built dimensions that manual measurement cannot reliably achieve.
What Is Scan-to-CAD?
Point cloud to CAD is the process of creating accurate 2D drawings from 3D laser scan data. The raw 3D data is captured via laser scanning, then traced and drafted in AutoCAD to produce millimetre-accurate as-built documentation. The result is a layered DWG file and PDF set that architects, engineers, and developers can use directly in their design workflows.
The Workflow: Point Cloud to CAD
| Step | Description | | --- | --- | | 1. 3D laser scanning | High-accuracy scanners (Leica, FARO) capture the site as a dense point cloud | | 2. Registration and cleaning | Multiple scans are aligned, registered, and cleaned using specialist software | | 3. Import into CAD | Point cloud imported into AutoCAD (often via ReCap) and oriented to project coordinates | | 4. Section cuts | Floor plan, elevation, and section cuts are created at appropriate heights and locations | | 5. Tracing | Drafters trace geometry over the point cloud as a reference, creating clean linework | | 6. Annotation | Dimensions, annotations, symbols, and labels are added | | 7. Quality control | Drawings checked against point cloud for accuracy | | 8. Export | Final deliverables exported as DWG and PDF |
Turnaround is typically 3–7 working days. Expedited 48-hour delivery is available for urgent jobs.
What You Get
| Deliverable Type | Description | | --- | --- | | Floor plans | Full layouts of all levels — basements, mezzanines, lofts | | Elevations | Internal and external facades — millimetre-accurate | | Sections | Vertical cuts showing structure, floor-to-ceiling heights, services | | Reflected ceiling plans | Overhead drawings capturing beams, joists, and drainage | | Site and topographic plans | Boundaries, spot heights, landscaping, access routes | | Point cloud files | E57, RCP, RCS for your CAD or BIM software |
CAD Layer Standards
| Layer | Content | | --- | --- | | WALLS | All wall types — structural, partition, internal, external | | DOORS | Door swings, openings, ironmongery symbols | | WINDOWS | Window positions, reveals, cills, lintels | | FIXED FURNITURE | Kitchens, bathrooms, built-in storage | | FITTINGS | Sanitaryware, radiators, consumer unit | | LEVELS | Floor levels, ceiling levels, datum | | DIMENSIONS | Recorded and annotated dimensions | | TEXT | Room names, areas, annotations |
2025 Costs in London
| Service | Cost (ex VAT, 2025) | | --- | --- | | 3D laser scanning (day rate) | £750–£2,500 per day | | Point cloud only | £750–£1,250 per day | | Small project scan (UK) | From £350 | | Standard London project (scan) | From £495 + VAT | | Scan plus 2D CAD drawings | £1,000–£2,000 per drawing | | Full survey (4-bed house, plans, elevations, sections) | £1,500–£3,000 | | Medium commercial (office floor) | £3,000–£10,000 | | Large or complex (hospital, factory) | £10,000–£50,000+ |
Per Drawing Costs
| Drawing Type | Typical Cost | | --- | --- | | Floor plan (single level) | £300–£800 | | Elevation drawings (set of 4) | £400–£1,200 | | Section drawings | £200–£600 | | Reflected ceiling plan | £200–£500 | | Site plan or topographic | £400–£1,000 |
LOD Levels for CAD Drawings
| LOD | Description | Typical Use | | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 100 | Outline and general arrangement | Feasibility and concept studies | | LOD 200 | Approximate geometry with major elements | Early design and planning | | LOD 300 | Precise geometry with full detail | Technical documentation and construction |
When Scan-to-CAD Is Required in London
| Project Type | Scan-to-CAD Recommended? | | --- | --- | | Planning application | Yes — accurate floor plans, elevations, and sections for submission | | Listed Building Consent | Yes — non-contact measurement preserves fragile historic fabric | | Renovation and extension | Yes — as-built dimensions for architect to work from | | BIM or Revit workflow | Yes — point cloud provides the foundation for Scan-to-BIM | | MEP coordination | Yes — accurate existing layout for clash detection | | Party Wall award | Yes — Schedule of Condition and measured drawings for neighbours | | Lease plan or licence to alter | Yes — precise floor areas and dimensions for legal documentation | | Pre-purchase survey | Yes — verified dimensions before committing to buy |
Point Cloud Formats
| Format | Software Compatibility | | --- | --- | | E57 | Vendor-neutral — universal compatibility | | RCS or RCP | AutoCAD ReCap — native to Revit and AutoCAD | | LAS or LAZ | LiDAR — GIS and drone workflows | | PTS or PTX | Leica Cyclone — survey-specific processing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does scan-to-CAD take in London?
Site scanning: 1–3 hours for standard residential properties. CAD production: 3–7 working days depending on complexity and deliverables. Large or complex sites may take 2–3 weeks. Expedited 48-hour delivery available for urgent projects.
Q: What accuracy do I get on CAD drawings?
Typical CAD accuracy: ±5mm. This reflects real-world field conditions including wall irregularities, settled floors, and historical movement common in London properties — significantly more accurate than tape measures.
Q: What software do I need to open the DWG files?
AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, Vectorworks, ArchiCAD, or free viewers like Autodesk True View. DWG is the industry standard for 2D CAD drawings.
Q: Can floor plans be used for planning applications in London?
Yes — scan-to-CAD floor plans are suitable for planning applications, Listed Building Consent, Building Regulations, and Party Wall awards. Always confirm requirements with your local planning authority.
Q: Do I need point cloud data or just CAD drawings?
CAD drawings are sufficient for most projects. Point cloud data is useful if your team has in-house CAD capability and wants to create their own drawings, or for complex geometry requiring multiple drafting passes.
Q: What is the difference between scan-to-CAD and scan-to-BIM?
Scan-to-CAD produces 2D floor plans, elevations, and sections. Scan-to-BIM produces a 3D intelligent model with structured data that can be queried, edited, and coordinated. CAD is sufficient for most planning and design applications. BIM provides more value for complex coordination and FM.
Q: Can you work from an existing point cloud?
Yes — if you have point cloud data in E57, RCP, RCS, or other format, we can produce CAD drawings from that. Conversion fees may apply if re-processing is needed.
Q: Is RGB colour needed for CAD production?
No — floor plans are derived from geometry, not colour. Greyscale point cloud is sufficient and more cost-effective. RGB is useful only if needed for client presentations or heritage recording.