BIM Rendered Model Chapel

How Laser Scanning Revolutionises Measured Building Surveys

Laser scanning revolutionises building surveys by capturing millions of precise spatial data points within millimetres of accuracy, dramatically reducing traditional survey timelines and costs. With laser scanning surveys you'll benefit from remote measurement capabilities, eliminating the need for repeat trips, and no unexpected fees for follow-up measurements. The scanning equipment creates detailed 3D Point Cloud models compatible with BIM systems, supporting everything from heritage preservation to modern construction projects. Unlike traditional surveying methods, which can miss critical details or require repeated site visits, Laser scan point cloud surveys offer a complete digital record from the start.

Key Points

  • Laser scanning captures millions of precise measurements in minutes, drastically reducing traditional survey time and labour requirements.
  • Remote scanning eliminates safety risks by measuring dangerous or limited access areas from a safe distance without scaffolding or physical access.
  • High-precision scanners achieve accuracy within 1-6 millimetres, surpassing manual measurement methods for structural and architectural documentation.
  • Digital point clouds enable instant 3D modelling, CAD documentation, and BIM integration, streamlining construction planning and many other construction processes.
  • Non-invasive technology preserves heritage sites whilst creating detailed point cloud models for restoration and reconstruction projects.

Key Advantages of Laser Scanning Methods

Modern laser scanning technology stands as the pinnacle of surveying innovation, offering unprecedented advantages that transform how professionals approach building documentation and analysis.

Through advanced remote scanning capabilities, you will capture millions of precise data points in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, considerably reducing your project timeline and operational costs.

The advantage of a laser scanning survey is that it enables you to collect detailed measurements in a single session, eliminating the need for multiple site visits while ensuring exceptional accuracy.

You will benefit from a highly detailed 3D model that integrates seamlessly with BIM systems, enabling precise construction documentation throughout your project's lifecycle.

Additionally, the technology's ability to capture highly accurate architectural details makes it invaluable for heritage preservation and complex structural assessments.

The advantage of laser scanning allows you to collect detailed measurements in a single session, eliminating the need for multiple site visits whilst ensuring exceptional accuracy.

Enhanced Data Accuracy and Precision

As laser scanning technology continues to redefine industry standards, you will find unprecedented levels of accuracy in building surveys, with modern scanners achieving precision within 1-6 millimetres.

High-end devices like the Leica RTC360 delivers remarkable ±1.9mm accuracy at 10m, ensuring exceptional data integrity and accuracy across complex projects that traditional methods simply cannot match.

You will benefit from non-contact LiDAR technology that eliminates manual measurement inconsistencies while capturing millions of points per second.

Time and Cost Benefits for Project Stakeholders

While traditional survey methods consume extensive resources, laser scanning delivers dramatic time and cost reductions across multiple project phases.

You will achieve significant stakeholder savings through streamlined workflows that require only a single operator instead of multiple survey teams, whilst rapid data capture reduces fieldwork from days to hours.

Project efficiency improves dramatically as you will eliminate repeated site visits through accurate laser scanning, enable collaborative workflows and accelerate design phases with digital models.

You will also minimise expenses by avoiding the cost of equipment rental, manual measurement, minimizing or eliminating operational shut downs and preventing costly construction-phase redesigns.

Applications Across Construction and Heritage Sectors

Laser scanning applications span diverse needs across modern construction and heritage preservation, delivering transformative capabilities for both new builds and historical structures.

You'll find these systems enabling precise heritage and as built documentation through non-invasive capture of architectural details.

FAQ's

  • Architects – A reliable, accurate foundation to begin the design process. Fewer redesigns, better coordination with consultants and faster preparation of planning applications.
  • Developers – Reduced risk and tighter control over project timelines and costs. Accurate CAD drawings help avoid unforeseen design changes, cut down on site delays and speed up project approvals.
  • Consultants – Structural engineers, M&E consultants and others benefit from a unified set of trusted base files. Less time spent verifying measurements or chasing clarifications means more time spent adding value.
  • Planning Consultants – Accurate contextual elevations and site layouts streamline the submission process and reduce the risk of requests for further information.
  • Contractors – Clear, coordinated drawings improve build-ability and reduce the risk of clashes or on-site surprises.
  • Clients – A smoother project from start to finish. Faster decisions, fewer headaches, and better overall return on investment.

Every project is different. At ASES we tailor a project’s deliverables to suit each client’s needs. Depending on the type of project and how the data will be used, we can produce a wide range of outputs from the point cloud survey. Some of the most common include:

  • DWG-format CAD files (Floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plans etc)
  • Topographic plans, contextual elevations, site boundaries
  • Revit models for BIM integration
  • SketchUp files for early-stage design and massing studies
  • Raw point cloud data (in .rcs, .e57 or .las format) for use in specialised design or coordination software

Every drawing and model is produced from verified, high-resolution scan data, with no need for manual cross-checking or extrapolation.

Time to discuss your project…

We are ready to talk about your requirements to see how we can help you.