Scan-to-BIM Deliverables
| Deliverable | Format | Use | | --- | --- | --- | | Point cloud | E57, PTS | Primary data | | Floor plans | DWG + PDF | Design reference | | Revit model | RVT | BIM coordination |
2025 Scan-to-BIM Costs (ex VAT)
| Property | LOD 200 | LOD 300 | LOD 350 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2–3 bed | £800–£1,200 | £1,200–£1,800 | £1,800–£2,500 | | 4+ bed | £1,200–£1,800 | £1,800–£2,500 | £2,500–£3,500 |
The Complete Guide to Point Cloud Surveys and Scan-to-BIM
Point cloud surveys and scan-to-BIM have transformed how existing buildings are documented. This complete guide explains everything architects, contractors, and property owners need to know about laser scanning and BIM modelling from scan data.
What Is a Point Cloud Survey?
A point cloud survey uses a laser scanner to capture millions of measurement points across a building or site. Each point has X, Y, Z coordinates representing a position in 3D space. Together, the points create a detailed digital record of the building.
Point cloud surveys capture everything — every wall, floor, window, door, and feature. The data is comprehensive and accurate, providing a complete record of existing conditions.
How Laser Scanning Works
Laser scanning uses LiDAR technology — Light Detection and Ranging:
Laser emission: The scanner emits short pulses of laser light.
Reflection detection: The scanner detects the returning laser pulse. Time of flight — the time between emission and return — is converted to a distance.
Rotation: The scanner rotates, emitting pulses in a full circle. Millions of points are captured in minutes.
Multiple positions: Multiple scan positions are used to capture all surfaces. Scans are combined — registered — into a single point cloud.
Modern scanners capture up to two million points per second. A comprehensive building scan may generate millions of points.
What Is Scan-to-BIM?
Scan-to-BIM converts point cloud data into a BIM model. A technician interprets the point cloud and builds a 3D model of the building using BIM software — typically Revit.
BIM models consist of building elements — walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, stairs — modelled as objects with properties. The model reflects the existing building as captured in the point cloud.
Scan-to-BIM delivers:
BIM model: 3D model of the existing building in Revit format.
Point cloud: Raw point cloud data for verification and further use.
Drawings: 2D drawings — floor plans, elevations, sections — derived from the BIM model.
Why Point Cloud Surveys Matter
Point cloud surveys matter because existing building data is often inadequate:
Incomplete drawings: Existing drawings may be missing, outdated, or inaccurate.
Unknown conditions: Discoveries during construction cause delays and cost overruns.
Design errors: Inaccurate base data leads to design errors discovered on site.
Point cloud surveys provide comprehensive, accurate data that eliminates these problems.
When to Use Point Cloud Surveys
Point cloud surveys are appropriate when:
Complex geometry: Buildings with curved surfaces, bay windows, ornate features. Traditional surveys approximate these; point clouds capture them accurately.
BIM required: Projects requiring BIM models benefit from scan-to-BIM's accurate base data.
Clash detection: MEP coordination, structural coordination, multi-discipline coordination requires BIM models for clash detection.
Heritage buildings: Heritage recording requires detailed, comprehensive data capture.
As-built verification: Construction verification against design requires objective data.
Point Cloud Survey Process
The point cloud survey process has several stages:
1. Project definition: Define scope, deliverables, LOD, programme, and budget.
2. Site reconnaissance: Visit the site to plan scan positions, confirm access, and identify any restrictions.
3. Laser scanning: Set up scanner at multiple positions. Capture millions of points. Review each scan for completeness.
4. Point cloud registration: Combine individual scans into a single point cloud. Verify accuracy using targets.
5. Point cloud processing: Clean the point cloud, remove noise, prepare for use.
6. Deliverable production: Produce BIM models and drawings from the point cloud.
7. Client review and revisions: Review deliverables, implement agreed revisions, obtain approval.
BIM Modelling From Point Clouds
BIM modelling from point clouds involves:
Reference setup: The point cloud is loaded in BIM software as a reference background.
Element identification: The technician identifies building elements in the point cloud — walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors.
Modelling: Elements are modelled as BIM objects — walls as wall objects, floors as floor objects, etc.
Classification: Elements are classified correctly — structural vs partition, load-bearing vs non-load-bearing.
LOD control: Modelling is checked against the specified LOD — 200, 300, 350, or 400.
Quality review: The BIM model is reviewed for accuracy against the point cloud and for LOD compliance.
Level of Development (LOD)
LOD defines how much detail is in the BIM model:
LOD 200: Conceptual geometry. Approximate shapes, sizes, locations.
LOD 300: Precise geometry. Accurate shapes, sizes, locations. Suitable for design development.
LOD 350: Detailed geometry. Additional detail — reveals, returns, openings. Suitable for construction documentation.
LOD 400: Fabrication-level detail. Component specifications. Suitable for prefabrication and FM.
Specify LOD based on project requirements. LOD 300 is typical for design development. Higher LOD costs more but provides more detail.
Point Cloud File Formats
Point clouds are delivered in standard formats:
LAS: Industry-standard binary format. Widely compatible with BIM and CAD software.
RCP/RCS: Autodesk ReCap formats. Native to AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks.
E57: Scientific data exchange format. Used for research and precision engineering.
PTS: Simple text format from Faro scanners. Less efficient but widely compatible.
Specify format based on software requirements. LAS provides the broadest compatibility.
Point Cloud Survey Costs
Point cloud survey costs depend on building size, complexity, and deliverables:
Scanning only: from around 500 to 1,500 pounds for a typical property.
Point cloud delivery: from around 800 to 2,000 pounds for a typical property.
Scan-to-BIM: from around 1,500 to 5,000 pounds for a typical property, depending on LOD.
All icelabz quotes are fixed-fee with no hidden charges.
Choosing a Scan-to-BIM Provider
Choose a scan-to-BIM provider based on:
Equipment: Modern laser scanners from Leica, Faro, or similar manufacturers.
Experience: Experience with similar projects — office fit-outs, heritage buildings, industrial, etc.
Deliverables: Confirm deliverables match your requirements — point cloud format, BIM LOD, drawing outputs.
Accuracy: Confirm accuracy standards will be met.
Fixed-fee pricing: Fixed-fee pricing provides budget certainty.
Fixed-Fee Scan-to-BIM from icelabz
icelabz provides fixed-fee scan-to-BIM services. All work — scanning, processing, BIM modelling — is included in fixed-fee packages. No hidden charges.
Contact icelabz with your project requirements for a fixed-fee quote.