Updated June 2026 — prices reflect 2026 market conditions
What Is a Point Cloud Survey?
A point cloud survey uses 3D laser scanning to capture millions of precise 3D measurements of a building or site. Each point has spatial coordinates and optionally colour and intensity data. Multiple scan positions are registered and stitched into one complete 3D point cloud.
| Aspect | Details | | --- | --- | | Technology | 3D laser scanner captures up to 1 million points/second at 360° | | Accuracy | ±2mm or sub-millimetre accuracy | | Data | X, Y, Z coordinates + colour/intensity | | Process | Multiple scan positions → registration → complete 3D point cloud |
Costs in Hounslow/London (2025)
| Project Size | Price Range (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | | Small property | £495–£1,000 | | Average survey | £500–£5,000 | | Day rate | From £1,000/day |
Cost factors: Property size (GIA), number of floors, LOD required, internal/external scope, building complexity, colour vs. black and white (colour adds ~40%), site accessibility, and occupancy.
Deliverables
| Format | Use Case | | --- | --- | | .RCP/.RCS | Raw scanned data for Revit/ReCap | | .DWG (2D/3D CAD) | Floor plans, elevations, sections | | .RVT (Revit BIM) | LOD 200–400 BIM models | | PDF | Printed drawings | | .E57 | Universal point cloud format |
Typical deliverables include floor plans, roof plans, external elevations, ceiling plans (RCP), and cross-sections. Delivery typically takes 3–5 working days.
Hounslow Coverage
We provide point cloud surveys throughout the London Borough of Hounslow including:
- Hounslow, Brentford, Isleworth, Chiswick
- Feltham, Cranford, Heathrow, Heston
- Whitton, Teddington, and all surrounding TW postcode areas
Coverage extends to surrounding areas: Ealing, Richmond, Hillingdon, Surrey, and Berkshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a point cloud and a BIM model?
A point cloud is raw 3D scan data — millions of measured points. A BIM model is an intelligent, object-based representation where walls, doors, MEP services etc. are categorised and parametric. Point cloud data can be used directly in Navisworks for clash detection, or modelled into a Revit BIM model.
Q: What accuracy can I expect from point cloud scanning?
Modern terrestrial LiDAR scanners achieve ±1–2mm accuracy. Accuracy depends on scan density, reflector placement, and scan distance from the instrument.
Q: What file formats do I receive?
Standard formats include .e57, .RCP/.RCS, .LAS, and .PTS for point cloud data. BIM models are delivered in .RVT (Revit) and .IFC formats. 2D drawings in DWG and PDF.