What is Scan to BIM?
Scan to BIM converts real-world existing conditions into usable digital deliverables for architects, engineers, owners, contractors, and facility teams.
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Scan to BIM starts with reality capture. A building or site is scanned using tools such as Matterport Pro3 LiDAR, terrestrial LiDAR, drone photogrammetry, 360 imagery, or field measurements. That capture data is then processed into files that design and construction teams can use, including point clouds, floor plans, CAD drawings, Revit models, IFC models, and PDF sheets.
The goal is not just a pretty 3D tour. The goal is to create a reliable existing-conditions package that supports design, renovation, permitting support, coordination, facility planning, and construction decisions.
Who it is for
- Architects planning renovations or additions
- Owners documenting buildings before design work
- Contractors needing existing-condition coordination
- Facility managers building asset records
- Developers and due diligence teams reviewing properties
- Engineers needing building geometry and site context
Typical deliverables
- E57, RCP, or RCS point cloud files
- Revit RVT architectural base model
- IFC model for Archicad and open BIM workflows
- DWG/DXF floor plans, ceiling plans, elevations, or roof plans
- 2D PDF plan sheets
- Matterport or measurable 360 walkthrough link when requested
Pricing ranges
These are planning ranges only. Final pricing depends on project size, access, location, complexity, level of detail, and required outputs.
| Project type | Likely scope | Planning range |
|---|---|---|
| Small residential | Interior capture plus basic existing-condition plan or light BIM/CAD | Often starts in the low thousands |
| Commercial suite or small building | Scan, point cloud, floor plans, and architectural base model | Usually several thousand dollars and up |
| Large or complex facility | Multi-area scan, point cloud, BIM, CAD sheets, roof/site add-ons | Custom quote based on size and deliverables |
Comparison table
| Option | Best when | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Point cloud only | The design team will model internally | Requires BIM/CAD expertise from the client |
| 2D CAD plans | You need floor plans or documentation sheets | Less useful for full 3D coordination |
| Revit / IFC model | You need BIM for design, coordination, or renovations | More scope definition is required |
| Matterport tour | You need measurable visual walkthroughs | Not a replacement for BIM/CAD deliverables |
Limitations
- Hidden elements behind walls, ceilings, insulation, furniture, or equipment cannot be modeled unless verified by other documentation.
- Accuracy depends on capture conditions, scan density, control, registration, and the requested deliverable standard.
- LOD 200 and LOD 300 are different levels of modeling effort and should be defined before pricing.
- Roof structure and exterior envelope details depend on line-of-sight, drone access, safety, and available drawings.
Next step
Send AeroFrohne the property address, approximate square footage, required deliverables, deadline, and any plans or photos. AeroFrohne can help decide whether you need a point cloud, CAD package, Revit model, IFC model, Matterport walkthrough, or a combined package.
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