What Is a 3D Laser Scanning Survey?

A 3D laser scanning survey captures the geometry of a building, structure or site by recording a very large number of measured points.

Together, these points form a three-dimensional digital dataset known as a point cloud.

The point cloud can be viewed and measured directly or used to produce CAD drawings, Revit models, sections, elevations and other existing-condition information.

What Can Be Laser Scanned?

Laser scanning can be used for:

• Houses and apartment buildings
• Commercial properties
• Retail and hospitality premises
• Listed and heritage buildings
• Entertainment venues
• Hotels and education estates
• Lift shafts and engineering structures
• External façades
• Plant areas
• Construction and as-built verification

It is particularly valuable where the building is large, irregular, detailed or difficult to measure using manual methods alone.

What Is a Point Cloud?

A point cloud is the combined three-dimensional survey dataset produced from multiple scanner positions.

It creates a digital record of the visible site condition at the time of the survey. Architects, engineers and designers can use it to inspect geometry, take measurements and understand spatial relationships after the site visit.

Common delivery formats include:

• E57
• RCP
• RCS
• LAS or LAZ
• LGS or LGSx

The correct format depends on the software and intended use.

What Can Be Produced from the Scan?

Laser scan data can be used to create:

• CAD floor plans
• Roof plans
• Elevations
• Building sections
• Reflected ceiling plans
• Revit survey models
• Three-dimensional CAD models
• As-built records
• Dimensional and verticality information

Need 3D Laser Scanning?

Cura Surveys provides controlled 3D laser scanning, point cloud processing, CAD drawing and Revit modelling services across London and the UK.

Send us the site details, required accuracy, survey extent and preferred formats for a quotation.