Architectural LiDAR Scanning

Architectural LiDAR scanning—also called terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) or scan-to-BIM—records the exact geometry of walls, slabs, ceilings, MEP systems, façades, and site features as a dense point cloud. We register and georeference the data, then deliver CAD/BIM outputs ready for design and construction.

Why use it

Accuracy: Typical building-interior results of ±5–10 mm (project/control dependent).
Completeness: Captures complex details (beams, ductwork, façades, stairs) that tape/hand survey can miss.
Speed & safety: Rapid capture with minimal disruption; less time in occupied spaces or near hazards.
Better coordination: Reliable as-builts reduce RFIs, rework, and change orders during fit-out or renovation.

Common uses

Scan-to-BIM (Revit): LOD 200–350 architectural/structural/MEP models.
As-built documentation: Floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, and sections.
Renovations & tenant improvements: Verify existing conditions before design.
Clash detection & coordination: Compare field conditions to design models.
Façade & heritage documentation: True-to-shape façades, deformation/verticality checks.
Floor flatness/levelness (FF/FL) & slab analysis: Optional QA for pours and polishing.
Facilities management: Accurate spatial data for space planning and maintenance.

Deliverables

Point clouds: E57, LAS/LAZ, RCP/RCS (colorized on request)
BIM models: Revit (LOD per scope), Navisworks NWC
2D drawings: DWG/PDF floor plans, RCPs, elevations, and sections
Reports: Control/registration QA, deviation heat maps, quantities/areas as needed

Our workflow (Hawaii Surveying)

Control & planning: Establish scan control/targets; align to your project coordinates or Hawaiʻi State Plane.
Capture: Tripod-mounted TLS + mobile/handheld SLAM where useful; panoramic imagery for context.
Registration & QA/QC: Rigid/cloud-to-cloud registration with independent check shots and reports.
Modeling & drafting: Create BIM and/or annotated 2D sheets to your templates and layer standards.
Delivery & coordination: CAD/BIM files, PDFs, and review sessions with your team.

Limitations & best practices

Line-of-sight: Occlusions happen; we plan extra stations to reduce shadows.
Reflective/glass surfaces: Can affect returns—handled with method and coverage.
People/motion: Moving objects don’t scan cleanly; schedule windows help.
Control matters: Absolute accuracy depends on robust survey control and QA.

Hawaii Surveying combines terrestrial LiDAR, mobile/handheld SLAM, drone LiDAR/imagery, GNSS/RTK, and robotic total stations to deliver fast, accurate architectural as-builts and BIM across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi.

Proud members of Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3).

Why use Architectural Lidar Scanning on your next project?

Architectural scanning (terrestrial LiDAR + mobile/handheld SLAM) captures millions of 3D measurements inside and outside a building. We convert that data into as-built drawings and BIM models (Revit) your team can trust. Better inputs mean fewer RFIs, less rework, and tighter schedules.

Key benefits

Accuracy & completeness: True geometry for walls, slabs, MEP, façades, stairs, and structure.
Speed & minimal disruption: Rapid capture—ideal for occupied spaces and tight shutdown windows.
Coordination: Reliable as-builts for clash detection and prefabrication.
Documentation: Defensible records for permits, closeout, and facilities management.
Risk & cost control: Reduce change orders caused by bad existing conditions.

Common use cases

Scan-to-BIM (Revit): LOD 200–350 architectural/structural/MEP models.
Renovations & tenant improvements: Verify existing conditions before design/demolition.
MEP coordination & prefabrication: Fit complex systems to real-world geometry.
Construction verification: Check columns, anchor locations, embeds, sleeves, and penetrations.
Façade/heritage documentation: True-to-shape elevations, deformation/verticality checks.
Floor flatness/levelness (FF/FL) & slab analysis: QA for pours and polishing.
As-built drawings: Floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, and sections.
Facilities management: Accurate space/asset data for operations and maintenance.

Deliverables you can expect

Point clouds: E57, LAS/LAZ, RCP/RCS (colorized on request)
BIM: Revit models to your LOD and template standards; Navisworks NWC
2D: DWG/PDF plans, RCPs, elevations, sections, and deviation/heat-map reports

Hawaii Surveying scans interiors and exteriors across Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi using terrestrial LiDAR, mobile/handheld SLAM, drone imagery, GNSS/RTK, and robotic total stations.

Proud members of Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3).

Ready to get started?

We're eager to learn about your project and get to work providing a fast, precise, and high-quality solution based on your needs.