Combining Laser Scanning, Mobile Scanning and Drone Surveys

No single survey method is suitable for every part of a building or site.

Tripod laser scanning can capture detailed and accurate building information. Mobile scanning can cover large internal areas quickly. Drone surveys can record roofs, high-level features and wider external areas that may be difficult to access safely from the ground.

Cura Surveys combines these methods where appropriate to create complete and coordinated survey information for planning, design, refurbishment and construction.

Tripod Laser Scanning

A tripod-mounted laser scanner records millions of measured points from a fixed position. Several scans are taken throughout the building or site and joined together to create a detailed three-dimensional record.

Tripod laser scanning is suitable for:

• Detailed measured building surveys
• Floor plans, elevations and sections
• Complex internal spaces
• Listed and historic buildings
• Structural and engineering surveys
• Accurate CAD drawings
• Revit and BIM models

It is normally used where accuracy and detailed building information are particularly important.

Mobile Scanning

A mobile scanner is carried through the building while recording the surrounding space.

It can capture large areas efficiently, including:

• Corridors and circulation areas
• Offices and commercial buildings
• Schools and large estates
• Warehouses
• Plant areas
• Repeated rooms
• Connecting internal and external spaces

Mobile scanning can reduce site time, particularly on large buildings. However, detailed tripod scanning may still be needed in areas requiring greater accuracy or more information.

Drone Surveys

Drones can capture photographs and survey data from above the building or site.

They are useful for:

• Roofs and roof structures
• High-level building elevations
• Large external sites
• Difficult or unsafe access areas
• Surrounding buildings
• Site context and topographical surveys
• Construction progress records

Drone data can be used to produce aerial images, three-dimensional models and external point cloud information.

Why Combine Different Survey Methods?

Large and complex projects often contain areas that need different approaches.

For example:

• Tripod laser scanning can capture detailed interiors and elevations.
• Mobile scanning can cover corridors and large internal areas quickly.
• Drone surveys can capture roofs and inaccessible external areas.
• Total station and satellite survey equipment can control the survey position and levels.

Combining these methods can provide more complete information while keeping the survey efficient.

It can also reduce:

• Missing roof and elevation information
• The need for expensive high-level access
• Repeat site visits
• Gaps between internal and external data
• Time spent surveying large repetitive areas

Keeping All Survey Data Coordinated

All survey information must be placed within the same coordinate and level system.

Survey control points are established so that tripod scans, mobile scans, drone data and external site information align correctly.

This allows the final CAD drawings, point clouds, Revit models and topographical surveys to work together as one coordinated survey package.

Choosing the Right Survey Method

The survey method depends on:

• Required accuracy
• Size and complexity of the building
• Internal and external survey extent
• Roof and high-level access
• Required drawings or models
• Available site access
• Project programme
• Final file formats

A small property may only require tripod laser scanning. A large estate or complex venue may benefit from a combination of tripod scanning, mobile scanning and drone surveying.

Typical Deliverables

A combined survey can provide:

• CAD floor plans
• Roof plans
• External elevations
• Internal elevations
• Building sections
• Reflected ceiling plans
• Topographical survey drawings
• Three-dimensional point cloud data
• Revit survey models
• Aerial photographs
• Three-dimensional site models
• Digital building and site records

When Is a Combined Survey Most Useful?

This approach is particularly useful for:

• Large or complex buildings
• Hotels and entertainment venues
• Schools and campus estates
• Listed and historic properties
• Commercial refurbishment projects
• Regeneration schemes
• Warehouses and industrial buildings
• Roof and elevation surveys
• Large external sites
• BIM and digital building-record projects

Need a Complete Building and Site Survey?

Cura Surveys provides tripod laser scanning, mobile scanning, drone surveys, topographical surveys, CAD drawings, point cloud data and Revit models across London and the UK.

Send us the site address, survey extent, required deliverables and programme for a fixed-fee quotation.