3D Laser Scanning in Construction
3D laser scanning in construction utilizes lasers to create precise, detailed digital representations of physical spaces. Multivista’s 3D Scanning Services include scan to BIM, scan to CAD, concrete scanning, and deviation analysis scanning that compares as-built conditions to your 3D model.
How it Works
Our +150 scanning professionals use Leica Geosystems scanners to capture precise 3D measurements on site.
Our expert teams process the data to deliver 3D point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, and Floor Flatness reports.
Your project teams use these deliverables to shorten timelines, report to stakeholders, get paid faster, and more!
In construction and architecture, 3D laser scanning is used to…
- Document the reality of on-site conditions before they’re covered up
- Find elements that have been covered to determine their exact location without destructive discovery methods
- Create Building Information Models (BIMs) of existing buildings in a process often referred to as Scan to BIM
- Create accurate 2D CAD or PDF floorplans of existing buildings via Scan to Plan
- Help prevent and identify installation errors
- Improve coordination between contractors and subcontractors
- Support retrofitting and renovation projects
- Create floor flatness reports during construction
- Support building operations
Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning for Construction
Quick access to near-real-time conditions and dimensions helps accelerate construction project timelines and minimize delays.
Labor and materials costs can be reduced because the scans will show the exact location of each element in the building, limiting the need to tear down walls or dig up slabs.
3D Scanning enables a very high degree of precision, allowing for exact measurements that can speed up the ordering and fabrication of materials, scoping of work, and other processes.
Because 3D scans can be accessed virtually, collaboration and coordination between stakeholders become much easier.
3D scan models enable accurate measurements in areas that may be hazardous or inaccessible on the construction site.
HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
3D scanners fires a laser, about 2000 times per second in all directions, and when the laser hits a solid object (wall, ceiling, cabinet, light switch, etc) it bounces back to the scanner. Using the speed of light, the scanner calculates each bounce back as an exact point in space. It does this 2000 times per second until all the solid surfaces within direct-line distance of the scanner have been mapped as a sort of 3D blueprint. Then the Multivista documentation specialist moves the scanner and repeats the process until the entire space has been scanned and the ground scanning services are complete.
Working with industry leading 3D scanner hardware from our sister company Leica, Multivista scanning data is measurable to about 3 millimetre or 1/8 inch accuracy. This is accurate enough to create effective models (3D blueprints) or traditional 2D CAD floorplans.
Multivista consolidates and delivers the data on the Multivista Documentation System (MDS), a cloud-based platform you can access from anywhere with an internet connection. The scanner also shoots HDR digital photos so your data is visualized either as a 3d photographic representation of the space, or the point cloud information behind it. Both representations are fully immersive and measurable!
