Question 1

What is Scan-to-BIM?

Accepted Answer

Scan-to-BIM is the process of converting a 3D laser-scan point cloud of an existing facility into an intelligent, parametric Building Information Model (BIM), typically in Revit or IFC. Instead of relying on outdated drawings, your engineering and design teams work from a model that reflects true as-built conditions.

Question 2

What is the difference between Scan-to-CAD and Scan-to-BIM?

Accepted Answer

Scan-to-CAD produces 2D drawings (plans, sections, elevations) or 3D CAD geometry from the point cloud, often in AutoCAD or Plant 3D. Scan-to-BIM produces an object-based, data-rich 3D model (walls, structure, piping, equipment) in Revit or IFC. CAD is ideal for documentation and fabrication references; BIM is ideal for coordination, clash detection, and lifecycle management.

Question 3

What level of development (LOD) do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

We deliver models from LOD 200 to LOD 400 depending on your needs. Lower LOD is suited to early planning and coordination; higher LOD captures detailed geometry and connections for fabrication and detailed engineering. We scope the LOD per discipline so you only pay for the detail you actually need.

Question 4

What software and file formats do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

We deliver in the formats your team uses: Revit (.rvt), IFC, AutoCAD (.dwg), Plant 3D, Navisworks (.nwd/.nwc) and registered point clouds (.rcp, .e57, .las). Tell us your target platform and we match it.

Question 5

Can you model piping, structural steel and MEP in congested industrial areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dense pipe racks, conveyors, mills and tight mechanical rooms are exactly where Scan-to-BIM adds the most value. The point cloud captures every line and support so the model reflects real congestion, which is critical for reroutes, tie-ins and clash-free coordination.

Question 6

Do you capture the scan, or do I provide the point cloud?

Accepted Answer

Both options work. We can perform the laser scanning ourselves and deliver the model end-to-end, or we can model from a point cloud you already have. If you provide the cloud, we review its coverage and accuracy first so we can guarantee the model quality.

Question 7

How long does a Scan-to-BIM project take?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround depends on area size, geometric complexity and LOD. Field scanning is fast (often a single mobilization), and modeling timelines scale with detail. After reviewing your scope we provide a firm schedule before starting, so there are no surprises.

Question 8

How accurate is the model compared to the real facility?

Accepted Answer

The model is built directly on a survey-grade point cloud with fraction-of-an-inch source data, so it reflects true as-built conditions far more reliably than legacy drawings. Modeling tolerances are agreed up front per discipline to match your engineering requirements.

Scan-to-BIM Services for Industrial Facilities

What we deliver (scope of service)

Key benefits for your project

Accuracy

Efficiency

Collaboration

Risk Reduction

Lifecycle Value

Clear decisions

How the technology works

01.

Data Capture Hardware

02.

Data Processing Software

03.

Modeling & Conversion Software

04.

Supporting Technology

Pain points we solve

Common industrial applications

Turn Point Clouds Into Intelligent BIM Models

Frequently Asked Questions

3D Laser Scanning & As-Built Solutions