G&P Associates - Blog

FARO Scanning vs Matterport

Posted: December 1, 2025

FARO Laser Scanners: Pros & Cons

Advantages of FARO

1. Survey-Grade Accuracy

FARO scanners routinely achieve ±1–3 mm accuracy, making them ideal for as-built surveys, existing conditions documentation, BIM modeling, and renovation projects where precision is essential.

2. True LiDAR Technology

FARO uses LiDAR to capture millions of points per second, functioning correctly in:

Low light
Bright sunlight
Exterior façades
Industrial facilities
High-ceiling or open areas

3. Full Control of Point Cloud Data

FARO produces dense, accurate point cloud files (E57, RCP, LAS) compatible with Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Navisworks, and all BIM workflows.

4. Works Indoors & Outdoors

Unlike Matterport, FARO performs exceptionally well outdoors, even in harsh sunlight or on building exteriors.

Limitations of FARO

Higher equipment and software cost
Requires trained scanning and modeling technicians
Larger file sizes
Longer registration and processing time

Despite the cost and workflow complexity, FARO remains the standard for accuracy-critical projects.

Matterport: Pros & Cons

Advantages of Matterport

1. Fast and Easy Capture

Matterport is extremely simple to operate — ideal for real estate agents, property managers, and quick digital twin creation.

2. Excellent for Marketing

Matterport produces immersive 3D virtual tours, dollhouse models, and floor plan views that drive listing engagement and online visibility.

3. Affordable and Accessible

Matterport systems cost significantly less than survey scanners and require minimal technical training.

4. Quick Turnaround

Cloud processing delivers a complete virtual tour in hours.

Limitations of Matterport

1. Not Survey-Grade

Matterport’s typical accuracy is 1% or greater, which can translate to inches of measurement error — not acceptable for architectural as-builts or BIM modeling.

2. Limited Exterior Capability

Matterport struggles with:

Direct sunlight
Tall façades
Building exteriors
Outdoor environments

3. Cloud Lock-In

Matterport requires ongoing cloud hosting, influencing long-term cost and data control.

4. Not Suitable for Complex Conditions

Matterport cannot reliably capture exposed MEP systems, structural steel, industrial spaces, or irregular building geometry.

Which Should You Use? A Side-by-Side Comparison

Use Case	Best Tool
High-accuracy as-built drawings	FARO
Scan-to-BIM modeling	FARO
MEP coordination	FARO
Exterior façade capture	FARO
Real estate virtual tours	Matterport
Residential walkthroughs	Matterport
Quick digital twin creation	Matterport
Budget-friendly interior capture	Matterport

In simple terms:
FARO = accuracy + BIM
Matterport = speed + visualization

Where G&P Associates Uses Each Technology

We use FARO for:

As-built surveys
Existing conditions drawings
Scan-to-BIM
Exterior façade as-builts
Commercial and industrial buildings
High-accuracy renovation projects

We use Matterport for:

Real estate 3D virtual tours
Residential documentation
Light commercial spaces
Basic as-built floor plans
Quick digital twins

Our team helps clients select the right capture method for their project — balancing accuracy, cost, and timeline.

Final Thoughts: Choose Based on Accuracy, Purpose, and Budget

Architects and designers → choose FARO
Developers planning upgrades → choose FARO
Industrial or commercial building owners → choose FARO
Real estate agents → choose Matterport
Property managers and landlords → choose Matterport
Quick interior documentation → choose Matterport

When accuracy matters, FARO wins.
When speed and marketing matter, Matterport wins.

Need Help Choosing Between FARO and Matterport?

Start your next project with the right 3D capture solution — and accurate data you can trust.

Request a quote:
Simply provide the project address and required deliverables—we’ll take it from there.

📞 1-607-327-1106
✉️ cgibbons@gpassociates.org

G&P Associates proudly serves NYC, NY, NJ, CT, PA, MD, MA, and the DC Metro Area with professional as-built surveys, 3D laser scanning, Matterport tours, and Scan-to-BIM modeling.