SERVICES:
Scan to BIM is the process of converting a laser-scanned point cloud of an existing building or structure into a fully coordinated Building Information Model — and it's one of the highest-value deliverables available to construction teams working with complex existing conditions.
Darling Geomatics provides end-to-end Scan to BIM services for construction and renovation projects of every scale. We capture existing conditions using drone LiDAR and terrestrial laser scanning, process the data into a registered point cloud, and produce a coordinated BIM model in Revit, AutoCAD, or Civil 3D at your specified Level of Development. The result is a model your design, coordination, and facilities teams can work from immediately — built on verified field geometry rather than outdated drawings or assumptions.
Fast, Cost-Effective 3D Drone Scanning Outperforms Traditional Methods
Why Scan to BIM Outperforms Traditional As-Built Modeling
BIM models built from manual measurement or legacy drawings carry the errors of their source data forward through every design decision made on top of them. A wall that's 80mm off in the record drawings is 80mm off in the BIM model, 80mm off in the coordination model, and 80mm off in the prefabricated duct section that arrives on site and doesn't fit.
Scan to BIM breaks that chain. When the source data is a laser scan — captured at 2–6mm accuracy across every surface — the BIM model reflects what actually exists, not what was designed to exist. Every downstream decision made from that model is built on verified geometry. Clash detection runs against real-world conditions. Prefabrication dimensions come from actual field measurements. Renovation design fits the building that's actually there.
For BIM coordinators, VDC managers, and project owners who have experienced the cost of model inaccuracies in the field, scan-sourced BIM is the standard that eliminates the problem at its source.
Our Scan to BIM Workflow
Step 1 — Site Capture
Our field team deploys terrestrial laser scanners, mobile LiDAR, or drone LiDAR depending on the project type and geometry complexity. For most building Scan to BIM projects, terrestrial laser scanning is the primary methodology — scanners are positioned at multiple locations throughout the building to ensure full coverage with no shadowing. A typical commercial building floor plate of 10,000–20,000 sq ft is captured in one day. Multi-floor buildings are typically completed in 1–3 days depending on floor count, ceiling plenum access, and project scope.
Scanner placement is planned in advance to ensure all elements required by your LOD specification are captured — including structural geometry, MEP systems, architectural finishes, and above-ceiling conditions as applicable. We document scan station positions and flag any areas where physical access limitations affected coverage before we leave site.
Step 2 — Point Cloud Registration & Processing
Raw scan data from all station positions is registered together in the office to form a single unified, georeferenced point cloud. Registration uses a combination of target-based and cloud-to-cloud alignment methods to achieve a coherent dataset with consistent accuracy throughout.
The registered point cloud is then cleaned and classified — removing noise, scanner artifacts, and non-permanent objects (equipment, furniture, temporary works) that should not appear in the as-built model. The result is a production-ready point cloud that accurately represents the permanent built conditions captured on site, tied to your project coordinate system and ready for BIM modeling.
Step 3 — BIM Model Production
Our BIM production team works directly from the registered point cloud in Autodesk Revit to build the coordinated as-built model at your specified Level of Development. Modeling follows your BIM Execution Plan (BEP) or Darling's standard modeling protocol where no BEP exists. All modeled elements are snapped to point cloud geometry — not estimated or interpolated — ensuring the model reflects actual field conditions throughout.
Model production is structured by discipline and floor to allow parallel QA review and phased delivery on larger projects. Where your project requires early delivery of specific floors or systems, we can prioritize accordingly and deliver in phases against your coordination schedule.
Step 4 — QA Review & Handoff
Every Scan to BIM deliverable goes through a structured internal QA process before it reaches your team. QA review checks modeled element accuracy against the source point cloud, verifies LOD compliance across all discipline categories, confirms coordinate system alignment, and validates file health and Revit model integrity.
Final deliverables are accompanied by a model scope report documenting: scan coverage, areas of limited access, LOD achieved by element category, coordinate system and datum, software version, and any deviations from the agreed modeling scope. This gives your team full traceability on what the model contains and how it was produced — critical for downstream use in coordination, design, and facilities management.
Level of Development (LOD) Options
LOD specification determines how much geometric detail and information content each modeled element contains. Darling delivers Scan to BIM models across the full LOD range depending on project requirements:
LOD 200 — Schematic
Elements are modeled as generic representations with approximate dimensions. Suitable for early design studies, space planning, and feasibility work where approximate geometry is sufficient. Fastest and most cost-effective option.
LOD 300 — Defined
Elements are modeled with specific geometry, accurate dimensions, and defined location. This is the most common specification for renovation design and MEP coordination — it provides enough accuracy for design decisions and clash detection while remaining efficient to produce.
LOD 350 — Coordination
Elements include the connection and interface geometry required for coordination between disciplines. Recommended for projects where trades are using the model for prefabrication coordination or where tight clearance conditions require precise interface modeling.
LOD 400 — Fabrication
Elements are modeled with full fabrication-level detail including connections, fixings, and installation geometry. Typically specified for mechanical and structural elements on projects where the model is used directly for shop drawing production or CNC fabrication.
Hybrid LOD specifications — where different element categories are modeled at different LOD levels — are standard practice and fully supported. Your BIM Execution Plan or a pre-project scope call will define LOD by category to ensure the model delivers what each discipline needs without unnecessary cost on low-priority elements.
Software Compatibility
Darling's Scan to BIM deliverables are produced and formatted for direct use across all major BIM platforms used in construction:
Autodesk Revit — Primary production platform. Models delivered as .RVT files in your specified Revit version. Point cloud links retained in the model for your team's reference during design.
Autodesk Navisworks — Revit models export directly to Navisworks for clash detection and coordination review. We can also deliver pre-exported .NWC/.NWD files if your coordination workflow requires it.
AutoCAD / Civil 3D — 2D drawing extraction from the BIM model delivered as .DWG — floor plans, sections, elevations, and reflected ceiling plans at your specified scale and layer convention. Civil infrastructure elements delivered in Civil 3D with surface and alignment data as applicable.
Bentley MicroStation / OpenBuildings — Available on request for infrastructure and institutional projects operating in Bentley environments. Discuss requirements at project scoping.
IFC Export — Open BIM deliverables in IFC 2x3 and IFC 4 format available for all projects — supporting interoperability with non-Autodesk platforms and owner-operated CAFM/IWMS systems.
Point Cloud Formats — Source point cloud delivered alongside BIM model in .RCP/.RCS (Autodesk), .LAS/.LAZ, or .E57 format depending on your team's downstream use.
What We Model — Scope by Discipline
Scan to BIM scope is customized to your project requirements. Standard discipline coverage includes:
Architectural — Walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, stairs, ramps, doors, windows, and curtainwall systems modeled at specified LOD. Floor flatness and ceiling height variations documented where relevant to renovation scope.
Structural — Columns, beams, slabs, foundations (where accessible), load-bearing walls, and connections. Structural element positions and dimensions are among the most critical scan-sourced elements for renovation and retrofit projects — deviations from drawing records are flagged explicitly in the model scope report.
Mechanical (HVAC) — Ductwork, air handling units, fan coil units, diffusers, dampers, and equipment. Above-ceiling plenum scanning required for full MEP coverage — access requirements discussed during scoping.
Plumbing — Exposed and accessible pipe runs, valves, fixtures, equipment, and sanitary systems. Concealed piping is documented where access permits.
Electrical — Exposed conduit, cable tray, electrical panels, switchgear, and major equipment. Detailed electrical modeling is typically limited to elements visible and accessible during scanning.
Fire Protection — Sprinkler mains, branch lines, heads, and equipment where visible. Coordination with existing sprinkler drawings recommended for systems with significant concealed runs.
Related Scanning Services
Scan to BIM is the center of the scanning workflow — and it connects to every other service Darling provides:
- 3D Scanning for Renovation Projects — As-built documentation for renovation scope beyond the BIM model, including 2D drawings, condition photos, and existing conditions reports
- Clash Detection Scanning — Use your scan-sourced BIM model as the existing conditions baseline for full MEP coordination and clash detection in Navisworks
- Pre-Construction Site Survey — Establish existing site conditions before design begins — the upstream step that feeds the Scan to BIM workflow on projects involving site and building together
- View all 3D Scanning Services →
Our Certifications, Licenses & Affiliations
Darling Geomatics is proud to be a member of the following:
