FAQ

3D Laser Scanning is the technology used to capture a physical object’s exact size and shape using a laser beam to create a digital 3-dimensional representation of the same. 3D laser scanners produce “Point Clouds” of data from the surface of an object.

A Point Cloud is a huge collection of tiny individual points plotted in 3D space collected by the scanner. For example, if you're scanning a building, each virtual point would represent a real point on the building, wall, window, stairway, or any surface the laser beam encounters. More specifically, it is a collection of data points in a 3-dimensional coordinate system, which are generated by 3D laser scanning. Each point in the cloud is represented by a set of x, y, and z coordinates, which define its position in space. The points in a point cloud can be processed and analyzed to extract useful information about the scanned object or environment. Point clouds are used in the creation of CAD floor plans with elevations or existing conditions Revit Models.

• Architects
• Interior Designers
• General Contractors
• Specialty Subcontractors
• Project Managers
• Developers
• Facility Owners & Managers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Structural Engineers
• Electrical Engineers
• Historical Preservationists
• Virtual Reality Developers

• Capturing existing conditions for renovations which is commonly called As-Built documentation is one of the primary purposes of 3D Laser Scanning. Siteline360’s Architectural and Engineer partners and General Contractors all need As-Built Documentation for successful project management. 3D Laser Scanning captures accurate measurements of existing buildings and structures, allowing architects and engineers to create as-built documentation that accurately reflects the current state of the structure.
• Documenting historical buildings for preservation. Architects that focus on preservation and restoration projects use Siteline360’s 3D Laser Scanning services to document and preserve historic buildings and structures. They also guide restoration efforts to ensure that the original design and features are accurately preserved.
• Quality assurance checks for change/clash detection for Building Information Modeling (BIM) General Contractors use Siteline360’s 3D Laser Scanning services for Clash Detection. By comparing the 3D model of the scanned structure with the proposed design model, General Contractors and Architects and Engineers identify any areas where the design clashes with existing features of the building.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Process. Architectural clients of siteline360 use 3d Laser Scanning as part of their Building Information Modeling (BIM) Process. 3D Laser Scanning can be used to create detailed BIM models of existing buildings which can be used to plan renovations, remodels, and additions.
• Capturing progress milestones in construction projects for quality control. General Contractors use Siteline360 3D Laser Scanning services for quality control. The 3D Laser Scan is used to check the accuracy and quality of the construction work at various stages of the project.
• Structural Analysis for use by engineering firms that use Siteline360’s 3D Laser Scanning Services for structural analysis. 3D Laser Scanning captures accurate measurements of building structures, which can be used to perform structural analysis and assess the condition of the building.

Laser scanning is the most accurate form of measurement available, delivering accuracy of a few millimeters or less and therefore eliminates human errors. Scanning a project answers unanticipated questions and captures extra data eliminating the need to return to the project to capture more information later. 3D Laser Scanning drastically reduces change orders and waste. The cost of scanning is significantly less than the cost of change orders and construction delays. Incorporating a laser scan into the design of projects assures and increases accurate and complete information. It also avoids costly headaches, unwanted clashes, and wasted material during the construction phase. Lastly, laser scanning minimizes operational shutdowns and client inconvenience.

Projects can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple weeks depending on the total scope of a project and the required deliverables. Our team’s vast expertise and fleet of Laser Scanners insures you get the right level of detail for each specific project.

Laser scanning in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industries is used to capture as-built documentation for existing buildings or sites. This data is then used to develop 2D drawings and 3D models which expedite the design, planning and development of projects. The ability to visualize and analyze this data is invaluable for critical decision making at multiple levels of project management.

The cost of 3D Laser Scanning Services can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the level of detail (LOD) required, the location of the project, as well as the final deliverables required. Most often, deliverables are Point cloud files, CAD floor plans with elevations or Revit Models at various LOD levels.

3D Laser Scanning Services can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands per project. For example, a simple interior scan of a core and shell area may cost a few thousand dollars, while a complex scan of a large commercial facility, lab, or hospital space with dense MEPF elements may cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Siteline360 will assess your needs and capture project pre-scan information on day one. This information will allow us to ensure we are working as efficiently and effectively as possible on your project. Once we have the information needed, we will execute the scanning and then post-process the Point Cloud and prepare it for modeling. Throughout the entire process, we provide project updates and Work In Progress (WIP) models for your review and input until you are 100% satisfied with the agreed-upon deliverable.

Siteline360 uses Leica hardware and software primarily when scanning projects that require MEP Modeling. This equipment includes the Leica RTC360, the Leica BLK360, and the Leica BLK2GO. We use Leica Field Register360 to capture and register our scans in the field to ensure an accurate stitched file is ready to process with Leica Register360 back in the office. This process saves considerable time and increases efficiencies. Leica is known as the leading manufacturer of 3D Laser Scanners.

We also deploy the Matterport Pro3 scanner in instances where the client may want more of a Marketing deliverable. With its web platform, it is extremely easy to navigate, and the 4k photos are stunning.

Siteline360 staff use Leica laser scanners because they are known for their high accuracy, which is critical for applications such as quality control and precision engineering. They have a much longer range than many other scanners on the market, which makes them ideal for large-scale scanning projects such as scanning buildings, infrastructure, and industrial facilities.

Overall, Siteline360 uses Leica equipment because of its strengths in accuracy, range, speed, ease of use, and reliability.