What You Get from a Handheld 3D Laser Scan
A professional handheld 3D laser scanning survey delivers a digital twin of the physical space — a comprehensive, georeferenced dataset that can be used for design, coordination, and documentation. Here is a full breakdown of standard and optional deliverables.
| Deliverable | Description | | --- | --- | | Registered Point Cloud | Millions of XYZ coordinates (often with RGB colour) representing every visible surface | | QC Report | Registration accuracy verification, control point validation, coverage map showing gaps and voids | | 2D CAD Drawings | Floor plans, sections, elevations sliced from point cloud at specified heights (DWG/DXF) | | 3D BIM Model | Revit model (RVT) with building elements modelled to agreed LOD level | | PDF Plan Set | Printable drawing set for documentation | | Optional: Mesh Model | Triangulated surface (STL/OBJ) for visualisation or inspection | | Online Viewing Portal | TruView, JetStream, or equivalent for collaborative review |
Point Cloud Formats: E57 vs RCP vs LAS
Choosing the right point cloud format affects which software you can use and how the data performs. Here is how the main formats compare:
| Format | Best For | Key Features | | --- | --- | --- | | E57 | Universal interchange across multiple software | Open ASTM standard, vendor-neutral, supports colour and metadata, multiple scans in one file | | RCP/RCS | Autodesk workflow (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks) | Native Autodesk format, indexed for performance, direct Revit import | | LAS/LAZ | GIS, geospatial, drone data | ASPRS standard, LAZ compressed (70–90% smaller), includes classifications | | PTS/PTX | Legacy software compatibility | Simple ASCII format, widely supported | | Riegl | Riegl scanner-specific processing | Native format for Riegl hardware |
UK recommendation: Always request E57 (universal, vendor-neutral) plus RCP (Revit-optimised) for maximum compatibility across your design team. If your project uses GIS workflows, add LAS/LAZ.
CAD, BIM and Revit Deliverables
Beyond the raw point cloud, most projects need processed outputs in standard design software formats:
| Output | Format | Typical Use | | --- | --- | --- | | 2D floor plans | DWG/DXF | As-built documentation, planning submissions | | Elevations and sections | DWG/DXF | Planning, heritage, visualisations | | 3D BIM model | RVT (native Revit) | Design coordination, clash detection, FM | | Open BIM exchange | IFC | Cross-platform BIM (ArchiCAD, Allplan, etc.) | | Asset data | COBie | Facilities management, asset registers | | Point cloud in Revit | RCP linked | Direct tracing reference for modelling |
Scan-to-BIM LOD Levels Explained
The UK uses a dual-track system: LOD (Level of Detail) for geometry plus LOI (Level of Information) for data and attributes. The newer LOIN (Level of Information Need) under ISO 19650 and BS EN ISO 7817-1 is replacing fixed levels with purpose-driven specifications.
| LOD | Description | Typical Use | | --- | --- | --- | | LOD 100 | Conceptual massing and volumes | Schematics, early planning | | LOD 200 | Generic geometry, approximate size and location | Design development, presentations | | LOD 300 | Specific geometry with accurate size and location | Construction documentation, detailed design | | LOD 350 | LOD 300 plus specific connections and junctions | Technical coordination, structural MEP integration | | LOD 400 | Fabrication-level detail with workshop data | Pre-fabrication, manufacturing | | LOD 500 | As-built verified model with on-site confirmation | Asset management, FM handover |
For most UK architectural and engineering projects, LOD 300–350 is the standard deliverable from scan-to-BIM services.
File Sizes and Data Management
Point cloud data is large. Here is what to expect:
| Scan Size | Point Cloud Size (typical) | RCP File | E57 File | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Small flat (up to 200m²) | 5–20 GB | 1–5 GB | 2–8 GB | | Medium building (200–2,000m²) | 20–100 GB | 5–25 GB | 10–40 GB | | Large building (2,000–10,000m²) | 100–500 GB | 25–100 GB | 50–200 GB | | Campus or estate | 500 GB–5 TB+ | 100 GB+ | 200 GB+ |
Point clouds are typically delivered via secure cloud transfer (WeTransfer, Hightail, SharePoint) or physical hard drive for very large datasets. Cloud portals (TruView, BIM 360, Autodesk Construction Cloud) allow team access without downloading full files.
Quality Assurance: What to Check
A professional scan provider should include a QA report with every delivery. Here is what to check:
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Registration accuracy: Report should confirm point-to-point accuracy (typically ±5–15mm for SLAM handheld). Request the numeric tolerance achieved versus the tolerance specified.
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Coverage completeness: Look for a coverage map showing scan positions and any voids or shadowed areas. Identify any areas that could not be scanned and assess whether re-scanning is needed.
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Control point validation: If OS National Grid coordinates were specified, the report should confirm the accuracy of tie-in to known control points.
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Sample slice verification: Request 2–3 CAD floor plans at different levels for review before full drawing production. Catch errors early.
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Metadata completeness: Check that file headers contain correct coordinate system, units, scan dates, and scanner IDs.
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Naming convention: Confirm deliverables follow your agreed naming convention before final sign-off.
What to Include in Your Scan Brief
To get the right deliverables, include these specifications in your brief:
- [ ] Point cloud formats required (E57 required minimum; RCP/RCS if using Autodesk)
- [ ] CAD drawing scope (which floors, which views, scale)
- [ ] BIM modelling scope (which systems, which LOD)
- [ ] IFC and COBie export required (for open BIM and FM)
- [ ] Coordinate system (OS National Grid, local arbitrary, or project grid)
- [ ] Online viewing portal required
- [ ] QA report required with final delivery
- [ ] Naming convention and file structure
- [ ] Integration with existing BIM Execution Plan (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum point cloud deliverable I should accept?
At minimum, you should receive a registered point cloud in E57 format, a QA report confirming registration accuracy and coverage, and a sample CAD drawing. If any of these are missing, request them before proceeding.
Q: Can I get a BIM model directly from a handheld 3D scan?
Yes — scan-to-BIM services deliver a Revit model directly from the point cloud data. Specify the required LOD in your brief. Most projects require LOD 300–350 for architectural and structural elements.
Q: What is the difference between LOD and LOIN?
LOD (Level of Detail) refers to the graphic representation — how much geometry detail is modelled. LOI (Level of Information) refers to the non-graphical data — attributes, specifications, and metadata. LOIN is the newer ISO 19650 framework that combines both purpose-driven. Always specify both when commissioning scan-to-BIM.
Q: How long does it take to process scan data into CAD or BIM?
Point cloud registration is typically done on-site or within 24–48 hours. CAD floor plans for a typical building can be delivered in 3–5 working days after the scan. BIM models take longer: 1–3 weeks depending on size and LOD.
Q: What if the point cloud has gaps or voids?
Report gaps to your provider immediately. Small gaps can be re-scanned on a return visit. If voids are in inaccessible areas, the provider should document them and explain the impact on deliverables. Never accept undocumented voids in a QA report.