What is 3D laser scanning? A clear explanation for clients
You’re advised to have your building scanned. But what does that actually mean? What comes out of such a scan, how long does it take and what can you then do with the data? This article gives you a clear overview, without needing technical background knowledge.
3D laser scanning is a measurement technique with which the existing situation of a building, location or installation is captured down to the millimetre. The result is a point cloud: a three-dimensional data file with millions of measurement points. That point cloud forms the digital basis for design, construction, renovation and management.
How does 3D laser scanning work?
A laser scanner emits 600,000 laser pulses per second. Every pulse hits a surface (a wall, floor, installation or frame) and bounces back. On the basis of the reflection, the scanner calculates the exact position of that point in space. By combining millions of these points, a detailed 3D image of the complete environment is created. At the same time, the scanner automatically takes 360-degree photos, so you can view the environment not only as measurement data but also visually.
Crew-B works with the NavVis VLX, a mobile scanner with which the operator walks through the building and captures the complete environment in a single pass. The big benefit of mobile scanning is that you catch every corner. There are no blind spots or missing data, something that does occur with static scanners on a fixed tripod. On top of that, it goes considerably faster: an office storey of 1,500 m² is captured within an hour. Large halls are often done in half an hour.
Important: the scanning work does not disrupt the daily use of the building. Employees, residents and visitors can just keep working. People who appear in shot during the scan are automatically removed from the data and don’t affect the quality of the end result.
What do you get after the scan?
The direct result of a 3D laser scan is a point cloud. That is a file with millions of coordinates that together form an accurate 3D representation of the scanned environment. You see walls, floors, ceilings, pipework, installations and structural elements, exactly as they are at that moment.
The cleaned-up point cloud is usually available within 24 hours of the scan. Depending on your project, you can go in different directions with that data:
Point cloud as an end product. For measurements, inspections or surface area calculations, the point cloud often suffices as a standalone product. You measure distances, check heights or record the existing situation as a reference.
Point cloud as the basis for a BIM model. If you’re going to renovate, refurbish or want to test a design against reality, the point cloud is processed into a BIM model in Revit. This process, Scan-to-BIM, is specifically aimed at existing buildings and renovation projects. The BIM model contains recognisable objects (walls, doors, pipework) to which you can add properties: material, dimensions, classification and maintenance information. Crew-B can often start modelling straight after the scan. The lead time depends on the scale and complexity of the project.
Point cloud as the basis for digital management. After scanning, Crew-B unlocks your building data via the Indoorviewer. Compare it to Google Street View, but for your own building: you walk digitally through the spaces, measure distances, mark points and share locations with colleagues or external parties. No installation needed, works in every browser. For centrally managing BIM models and documentation, Crew-B uses Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Docs).
How long does a scan take?
The lead time depends on the size and complexity of the location. With the NavVis VLX, an office storey of 1,500 m² is captured within an hour. Large open halls go even faster: often half an hour. For complex locations with many installations or hard-to-reach spaces, it can take a bit longer.
The cleaned-up point cloud is usually available within 24 hours. When a BIM model is subsequently built up, the lead time depends on the scale and complexity of the project. We can often start modelling straight after the scan and always discuss the planning up front. You know what to expect before the start.
Who is 3D laser scanning relevant for?
Clients use laser scanning for a wide range of projects and situations:
Renovation and refurbishment. Existing drawings are outdated or missing. A scan delivers the current situation as a reliable basis for design and calculation.
New build and extension. When connecting to existing buildings, the exact existing situation is crucial to prevent design errors.
Property management. Property owners and managers digitally record their portfolio for maintenance, long-term maintenance planning and space management.
Monuments and heritage. With protected buildings, archive drawings are often missing or hopelessly outdated. Scanning maps the complex geometry without damaging the building.
Industry and installations. Factories and production locations scan installations for retrofit, maintenance or safety planning. Without production downtime.
Retail. Retail chains use scan data for the rollout of stores. Scan once, use repeatedly with every following refurbishment.
Government. Municipalities digitise their property portfolio for management, sustainability, tenders and permits.
Crew-B carries out the complete journey, from the first 3D laser scan to modelling, coordination and digital management. Want to know what that means for your project? Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation.
Projects we have delivered
56+ clients in 7 countries. More than 2,000 scans completed in 5 years.
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