Scan-to-BIM — Precision As-Built Models for Architects & Engineers
Turn an existing building into a design-ready BIM model. We scan. You design.
Designing a renovation, extension, or seismic strengthening project on an existing building starts with knowing exactly what’s there. Traditional measured surveys are slow, expensive, and rarely accurate to the detail that BIM design demands. We capture your building — exterior and interior — using drone LiDAR and handheld LiDAR scanning. The resulting point cloud is then used to produce a BIM-ready model at the level of detail your project requires.
The Workflow
1. Site Capture
Interior: Lixel K2 walks through all rooms, corridors, plant areas, and roof spaces. Exterior: DJI M350 RTK drone surveys the roof, facade, and site perimeter. Both are captured in a single site visit where possible.
2. Registration & Georeferencing
Interior and exterior point clouds are aligned and merged into a single NZTM2000-referenced dataset. Quality checked against GCP control points. Accuracy: 1 cm relative, 3 cm absolute.
3. BIM Modelling
Structural elements, walls, floors, ceilings, columns, and key MEP runs are modelled from the point cloud to the level of detail agreed with your team. Typical output: LOD 200–300.
4. Delivery
Deliverables: .RVT (Revit), .IFC (open standard), or .DWG (AutoCAD/ArchiCAD) BIM file + full raw point cloud as reference. Shareable 3D viewer link provided for all stakeholders.
Revit 2025/2026 users: The XGRIDS LCC for BIM plugin enables AI-assisted element extraction directly from the 3D Gaussian Splatting model — automatically identifying and placing walls, floors, columns, and structural elements into Revit using spatial recognition data from the scan.
ArchiCAD users: Import the E57 point cloud directly via File → Interoperability → Import Point Clouds. For large scan files, the BIMmTool add-on provides enhanced handling and full Scan-to-BIM workflow support within ArchiCAD.
Ideal Project Types
Seismic Assessment & Strengthening
Canterbury’s built environment still carries buildings that need strengthening. Accurate existing conditions — structural grids, wall thicknesses, floor levels — are the starting point for every Detailed Seismic Assessment. We deliver that data faster than any alternative.
Heritage & Character Building Renovation
Old buildings have surprises. Walls that aren’t straight. Floors that aren’t level. Rooms that don’t match their drawings. Our point cloud captures the reality — your design can account for it.
Commercial Fit-Out & Refurbishment
Replacing a tenancy fit-out or refurbishing a commercial floor? An as-built model of the existing space eliminates measurement error from tender through to installation.
Residential Additions & Extensions
Designing an addition onto an existing house? We scan the existing building so your design integrates seamlessly with what’s actually there — including any variations from the original consent drawings.
Related Services
Digital Twins & Building Intelligence
The complete exterior-to-interior 3D replica of your building, combining aerial and handheld scanning.
Interior Space Scanning & Floor Plans
Fast, accurate as-built floor plans and interior 3D models — ideal for a single space or renovation quote.
LiDAR Walkthroughs
A photorealistic, measurement-accurate 3D walkthrough your clients can explore online — built for marketing and leasing.
Ready to start with accurate as-built data?
Contact us to discuss your project. We’ll confirm scope, site visit timing, and deliverable format.
Get a free quote
Open Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm
Weekend appointments available by request
Office Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Serving the entire South Island, North Island, and beyond
Drones at Work - Aerial, Thermal & Spatial Data Solutions Across New Zealand. CAA Part 102 Certified.