Scan-to-BIM Services — Point Cloud to Revit Modeling

What is scan-to-BIM?

BIM — Building Information Modeling — is a way of representing a building as a 3D parametric model where each element (wall, door, window, floor slab, roof) is an intelligent object rather than just geometry. Autodesk Revit is the dominant BIM platform used by architects and structural engineers in the AEC industry.

Scan-to-BIM is the process of using a LiDAR point cloud as the source data for building a Revit model of an existing structure. Instead of working from outdated drawings or re-measuring by hand, a field technician captures the building using a LiDAR scanner, and our modeling team traces that scan data into a Revit model that accurately represents current conditions.

For renovation and adaptive reuse projects, this is the right starting point. The existing building has walls that aren't perfectly plumb, openings that differ from the original drawings, and conditions that accumulated over decades. A scan-based Revit model captures what's actually there — giving your design team a dependable base file from the first day of design development.

Scan-to-BIM vs scan-to-CAD

Both services start with the same LiDAR field capture. The difference is in what gets delivered:

• Scan-to-CAD delivers 2D Autodesk AutoCAD DWG drawings or 3D SketchUp geometry. Great for contractors, designers, and teams that don't use Revit.
• Scan-to-BIM delivers a 3D parametric Autodesk Revit RVT model where walls, floors, and openings are intelligent elements — ready to drop into your Revit project.

If your firm works in Revit and you're designing a renovation, scan-to-BIM is the correct deliverable. If you need 2D drawings or a SketchUp model, scan-to-CAD is likely the better fit.

Who needs this

• Architects designing in Revit from an existing building
• MEP engineers coordinating against existing structure
• Structural engineers assessing and modifying existing buildings
• Design-build firms working on renovation projects
• Historic preservation architects documenting existing fabric

LOD levels — keeping it practical

Level of Detail (LOD) in BIM describes how much information is included in each modeled element. For existing-building scan-to-BIM, the right LOD depends on the project scope — not on modeling everything as completely as possible.

LOD 200 captures overall building geometry: wall locations and thicknesses, floor-to-floor heights, opening locations, and major structural elements. This is appropriate for early design phases, schematic design, and coordination.

LOD 300 adds more specificity — dimensionally accurate geometry for walls, floors, and openings, plus elements like stairs, columns, and beams represented at their actual size and location. This supports design development, construction documents, and detailed coordination.

We typically scope to LOD 200 or 300 depending on the project. LOD 400 or above is usually only warranted for fabrication-level documentation and can be discussed for specific elements. We confirm LOD scope before modeling begins so there are no scope surprises at delivery.

What you get

• Autodesk Revit RVT model (LOD 200 or 300 as scoped)
• Walls, floors, ceilings, openings, stairs from scan geometry
• Model organized by level with correct floor-to-floor heights
• Optional point cloud file linked into the Revit model
• PDF floor plan set derived from the Revit model

Turnaround

Field scanning takes 1–2 hours on site. Revit modeling delivers in 1–2 days for most projects, up to 5 for larger buildings. Rush turnaround available — mention your deadline in the quote form.