Scan to BIM Services
Concrete Bureau converts laser-scan point cloud data into accurate, fully coordinated BIM models. From raw reality-capture data to a structured Revit model, we deliver a reliable digital twin of any existing facility — ready for design, renovation, documentation or facility management.
What is Scan to BIM?
Scan to BIM — also called point cloud to BIM — is the process of turning reality-capture data from laser scanners or photogrammetry into an intelligent 3D BIM model. Instead of guessing as-built conditions from outdated drawings, your team works from a precise model that reflects what is actually on site, down to millimetre tolerances.
We rebuild architectural, structural, MEP and landscape disciplines as native Revit geometry with the right level of development, parameters and data — so the model is genuinely usable for design and coordination, not just a decorative shell.
Who it is for
- Owners and facility managers who need accurate as-builts of an existing asset
- Architects and engineers working on renovations, retrofits or extensions
- General contractors verifying site conditions before construction
- Surveyors and scanning companies who capture point clouds but do not model them
What you get
Every Scan to BIM deliverable is tailored to your scope. A typical package includes:
- LOD 200–400 across AR, STR, MEP and LND disciplines
- Point cloud optimisation and coordination system setup
- Tolerances of 50 mm (2"), 25 mm (1") or 10 mm (1/2") to match your needs
- Drawings preparation, quality control and deviation reports
- Custom parametrisation, families creation and quantity take-off
- Outputs in RVT, IFC, DWG or any other requested format
LOD levels explained
Scan to BIM models typically span LOD 200–400 depending on end use — here's what each level means in practice:
| LOD | What it means | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| LOD 200 | Approximate geometry, size and location — quantities are generalised | Early design and space planning |
| LOD 300 | Precise geometry, accurately sized and located for the project | Coordination and construction documentation |
| LOD 350 | LOD 300 plus interfaces with other building systems | Multi-discipline clash detection |
| LOD 400 | Fabrication-level detail, including assembly information | Shop drawings and fabrication |
Scan accuracy tolerances
Tolerance is how closely the model matches the physical building — tighter tolerance means more scanning and modelling effort. As a general guide:
| Tolerance | Commonly used for |
|---|---|
| 50 mm (2") | General reference and space-planning models |
| 25 mm (1") | Standard renovation, retrofit and coordination projects |
| 10 mm (1/2") | High-precision work — heritage documentation, manufacturing or tight-tolerance retrofits |
How we verify accuracy against the scan
Once modelling is complete we run a deviation check — comparing the finished Revit geometry back against the source point cloud to confirm it sits within the agreed tolerance, not just that it looks right on screen.
Anywhere the model drifts outside tolerance, or the scan itself was noisy or occluded (a shelving unit blocking a wall, a stairwell the scanner couldn't reach), we flag it in a deviation report rather than modelling a guess and leaving it undocumented.
Common use cases
Scan to BIM pays off whenever decisions depend on knowing exactly what already exists. Teams come to us for:
- As-built documentation of existing buildings and facilities
- Renovation, retrofit and extension design from an accurate base model
- MEP coordination and clash detection on existing infrastructure
- Heritage and listed-building documentation
- Quantity take-off and facility-management handover
Our process
Data intake & audit
We review your point cloud and reference data, confirm scope, LOD and tolerances.
Point cloud preparation
Registration check, cleanup and coordination system setup for a clean modelling base.
Modelling by discipline
Native Revit geometry for AR, STR, MEP and LND with the agreed parameters and data.
QA/QC & deviation check
Our QA and QC procedure verifies the model against the scan and reports deviations.
Delivery & support
Final files in your formats, plus support for revisions and follow-up questions.
FAQ
- What file formats do you deliver?
- We deliver in RVT, IFC, DWG or any other format you require.
- What accuracy can you achieve?
- We work to tolerances of 50 mm, 25 mm or 10 mm depending on your project and the quality of the source scan.
- Do you provide the scanning as well?
- We model from your point cloud data. If you have not captured the site yet, we can advise on scan requirements so the data is fit for modelling.
- Which level of development (LOD) do you support?
- We model from LOD 200 to LOD 400 depending on how the model will be used.