What Tools Are Used to 3D Scan a Property?

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Posted: December 1, 2025

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What Tools Are Used to 3D Scan a Property? (Complete Guide for As-Built Surveys & Digital Twins)

3D property scanning has become an essential part of modern renovation, design, construction, and real estate workflows. Whether you're an architect documenting existing conditions, a contractor planning a renovation, or a property owner needing accurate measurements, 3D scanning tools provide fast and highly accurate building data.

This guide explains the main tools and technologies used to 3D scan a property, how they work, and when each type is best for your project.

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Why 3D Scanning Matters for Renovation and Design

Traditional hand measurements are slow, inconsistent, and prone to error.
3D scanning eliminates guesswork by capturing millions of data points to create:

• as-built plans

• point clouds

• Scan-to-BIM models

• digital twins

• measured floor plans

Accurate scanning reduces change orders, improves coordination, and speeds up the design-to-construction process.

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1. Laser Scanners (LiDAR): The Most Accurate 3D Scanning Tools

Laser scanners — often referred to as LiDAR scanners — are the preferred tool for professional as-built surveys, Scan-to-BIM, and existing conditions documentation.

Popular brands include FARO, Leica, Trimble, and GeoSLAM.

How They Work

LiDAR scanners fire laser pulses that bounce off surfaces, capturing precise x,y,z coordinates to form a dense point cloud.

Best For

• architectural renovation

• commercial buildings

• industrial facilities

• historic structures

• façade as-builts

• MEP and structural spaces

• BIM modeling

Why They’re Used

• Extremely high accuracy (±1–3 mm)

• Works indoors and outdoors

• Captures complex geometry

• Produces full point clouds compatible with Revit, AutoCAD, and Rhino

Laser scanners are the gold standard for accurate 3D building capture.

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2. 3D Cameras (Matterport): Fast and Ideal for Visual Tours

Matterport Pro3 and Matterport Pro2 cameras use a blend of LiDAR/light sensors and panoramic imaging to create visually immersive 3D virtual tours.

Best For

• real estate listings

• residential walkthroughs

• basic interior documentation

• digital twins with moderate accuracy

Strengths

• Fast to use

• Creates an interactive 3D virtual tour

• Generates measured floor plans

• Affordable compared to survey-grade scanners

Limitations

• Not survey-grade (accuracy can be off by inches)

• Limited outdoor capability

• Not suitable for BIM-quality as-builts

Matterport is ideal for visualization, but not precise enough for architectural design.

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3. Photogrammetry (Cameras & Drones)

Photogrammetry uses overlapping photographs to calculate depth and geometry.
It is often used when capturing:

• roofs

• exteriors

• large sites

• outdoor areas

• locations difficult for tripod scanners

Tools Used

• DSLR/mirrorless cameras

• drone cameras

• photogrammetry processing software

Pros

• Excellent for exterior documentation

• High-quality textures

• Adds detail to façade scans

Cons

• Less accurate than LiDAR

• Requires good lighting

• Affected by weather

Photogrammetry is best used alongside laser scanning.

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4. Mobile Mapping / Handheld Scanners

Handheld or mobile mapping devices (such as GeoSLAM, NavVis, and Leica BLK2GO) use SLAM technology to “walk and scan” a space.

Best For

• fast interior documentation

• warehouses and large open layouts

• construction progress capture

Pros

• Very fast capture

• Portable

• Good for open or repetitive spaces

Cons

• Less accurate than tripod LiDAR

• Not ideal for detailed architectural modeling

Use mobile mapping when speed matters more than millimeter accuracy.

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5. Software Tools That Process the 3D Scan Data

Capturing a 3D scan is only half the workflow — software converts scan data into usable deliverables.

Common Software

• Autodesk Recap (point cloud processing)

• Revit (Scan-to-BIM modeling)

• AutoCAD (as-built drafting)

• Navisworks (coordination)

• FARO Scene / Leica Cyclone (registration)

• Matterport Cloud (virtual tours + floor plans)

• Rhino/IFC import plugins

These tools produce:

• as-built drawings

• Scan-to-BIM Revit models

• floor plans

• sections & elevations

• digital twins

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Which 3D Scanning Tool Is Best for Your Project?

For Architects

Use LiDAR laser scanners → best accuracy for design and BIM.

For Real Estate Agents

Use Matterport → best for marketing and 3D tours.

For Owners & Developers

Use laser scanning + photogrammetry → ideal for exterior and interior accuracy.

For Construction Teams

Use LiDAR and mobile mapping → best for MEP, layout, and progress monitoring.

For Historic or Complex Buildings

Use FARO or Leica LiDAR → highest detail and reliability.

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G&P Associates: Professional 3D Scanning Services Across the Northeast

We use a combination of:

• FARO LiDAR scanners

• Matterport Pro3

• photogrammetry

• Scan-to-BIM modeling tools

to deliver accurate as-built surveys, point clouds, Revit models, and 3D virtual tours.

Serving NY, NYC, NJ, CT, PA, MD, MA, and the DC Metro Area.

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Start Your 3D Scanning Project Today

Get accurate, dependable measurements and digital documentation for your property.

📞 607-327-1106
✉️ cgibbons@gpassociates.org
🌐 https://www.gpassociates.org/contact