How Long Does A Handheld 3D Scanning Survey Take
Handheld 3D scanning (SLAM) surveys are faster than traditional tripod laser scanning because no setup is required at each position. This guide explains typical survey durations.
Typical Handheld 3D Scanning Duration
| Property size | Scan time on site | Drawing delivery | |---|---|---| | Small (up to 100m2) | 1-2 hours | 3-5 working days | | Medium (100-300m2) | 2-4 hours | 5-10 working days | | Large (300-1,000m2) | 4-8 hours | 10-15 working days | | Multi-floor (1,000m2+) | 1-2 days | 15-20 working days |
Factors Affecting Scan Duration
Property size — Larger properties take longer to scan.
Complexity — Properties with more detail and access constraints take longer.
Occupied spaces — Scanning occupied properties requires careful navigation.
Access — Multiple levels, basements, and restricted access areas add time.
How Handheld 3D Scanning Surveys Work
Handheld 3D scanning surveys (using SLAM, or Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping, technology) are faster than traditional tripod-based 3D laser scanning because no setup is required at each scanner position, with the operator walking the property at a steady pace while the scanner captures the point cloud. The four property sizes and their typical scan times and drawing delivery are small up to 100 m2 (1 to 2 hours on site, 3 to 5 working days for drawing delivery), medium 100 to 300 m2 (2 to 4 hours on site, 5 to 10 working days for drawing delivery), large 300 to 1,000 m2 (4 to 8 hours on site, 10 to 15 working days for drawing delivery), and multi-floor 1,000 m2+ (1 to 2 days on site, 15 to 20 working days for drawing delivery). The four factors affecting scan duration are property size (larger properties take longer to scan, with the scan time scaling approximately with the floor area), complexity (properties with more detail and access constraints take longer, with heritage buildings with ornate facades, mechanical plant rooms with complex pipework, and industrial facilities with complex equipment all adding to the on-site scan time), occupied spaces (scanning occupied properties requires careful navigation, with the operator typically working outside of trading hours or in a coordinated way with the occupants to minimise disruption), and access (multiple levels, basements, and restricted access areas add time, with the operator typically needing to walk the route multiple times to capture all the detail). The cost bands by property size are small up to 100 m2 (300 to 600 pounds ex VAT for point cloud only, 500 to 1,000 pounds ex VAT for point cloud plus CAD), medium 100 to 300 m2 (500 to 1,000 pounds ex VAT for point cloud only, 800 to 1,500 pounds ex VAT for point cloud plus CAD), large 300 to 1,000 m2 (1,000 to 2,000 pounds ex VAT for point cloud only, 1,500 to 3,000 pounds ex VAT for point cloud plus CAD), and multi-floor 1,000 m2+ (2,000 to 4,000 pounds ex VAT for point cloud only, 3,000 to 6,000 pounds ex VAT for point cloud plus CAD). icelabz responds to a handheld 3D scanning brief within twenty-four hours with a fixed-fee quote, with the on-site attendance typically scheduled within two to five working days of instruction. A typical site visit for a handheld 3D scanning survey takes one to two hours for a small property, two to four hours for a medium property, and four to eight hours for a large property. The OS National Grid with Ordnance Datum Newlyn heights is the UK convention. A signed accuracy statement is the QA evidence for downstream design, planning, and building control use, and all icelabz handheld 3D scanning surveys are issued under the RICS Measured Surveys of Land, Buildings and Utilities standard (3rd edition).