3D scanning for BIM and digital twins

3D scanning of buildings gives you a navigable digital record of visible spaces and surfaces. It can be used as documentation or as the basis for a downstream CAD or BIM workflow when the format, tolerances, and post-processing are agreed in advance. This guide explains what the solution can do—and what requires an add-on.

What is 3D scanning for construction?

Matterport Pro3 combines LiDAR with a 20 MP camera system to record visible surfaces and spaces. The manufacturer specifies measurement accuracy of ±20 mm at 10 m under its stated conditions; suitability depends on distance, site conditions, and the project's tolerance requirements. A capture can provide the basis for:

• Interactive 3D viewing — a navigable visual record of the captured areas
• Measurements in the model — within the documented camera specification, not as a substitute for surveying
• Point-cloud, CAD, or BIM workflows — when the relevant export product and required post-processing have been ordered

A Revit, AutoCAD, or other design deliverable is not included automatically with a scan. Agree the file format, coordination, level of detail, and responsibility for downstream modelling before capture is planned.

What is a digital twin?

Here, a digital twin means a digital representation of the areas that were recorded. You can navigate it and use it as visual context for discussion, planning, and any downstream modelling.

The difference between a digital twin and a set of architectural drawings is fundamental: the drawings show how the building was intended. The digital twin shows how it actually looks — with all the changes, extensions, and adaptations that have occurred since it was built.

For older buildings where original drawings are missing or inaccurate, the record can be a useful supplement. Critical dimensions and design data must still be validated against the project's requirements.

Who benefits from it?

The developer

The developer can use the digital record to create a shared visual starting point and reduce repeated site visits. It does not eliminate design errors or replace control measurements and professional validation.

The BIM coordinator

The BIM coordinator can use an agreed point cloud or model as a reference for downstream modelling. File format, coordinate system, tolerances, and compatibility with Revit or ArchiCAD must be defined as part of the delivery.

The facilities manager

The facilities manager wants an overview. A digital twin provides the ability to "visit" the building digitally — plan maintenance, test layout changes, or show premises to potential tenants without physically driving out. More industries are already using virtual tours in this way.

Export formats and integration

A Matterport capture can feed several workflows, but the deliverables below are not all standard outputs:

If the format is unclear, ask your consultant to describe the required output and tolerances. Put those requirements in the quote so an interactive tour is not mistaken for a design-ready file.

As-built documentation — why it's critical

For renovation of existing buildings, precise as-built data is crucial. Without it, the architect has to go out and measure manually — a process that is time-consuming, error-prone, and expensive.

A record can be reused while it still reflects the building, the files remain accessible, and the data quality fits the new purpose. It does not replace a fresh survey after later changes.

Three typical scenarios:

• Renovation of an older building — original drawings are missing or don't match reality. The scan provides the actual starting point.
• Extension — the architect needs precise measurements of the existing building to ensure the extension fits.
• Listed buildings — visual documentation can support discussion of existing conditions; authority and consultant requirements must be confirmed separately.

Matterport vs. laser scanning — when is which sufficient?

Matterport isn't always the right solution. For engineering-heavy projects requiring millimetre precision, a dedicated laser scanner (Leica, FARO) may be necessary. Here's the difference:

The project's requirements—not a general promise that one scanner is accurate enough—should determine the method. Obtain the consultant's tolerance and format requirements in writing first.

Facility management and operations

For building owners and facilities managers, the digital twin is a tool that extends far beyond the individual renovation project:

• Maintenance planning — gain visual context for visible and deliberately documented installations; concealed routes do not appear automatically.
• Layout changes — use the model as context for discussion and planning before professional design and checking.
• Letting — let prospective tenants orient themselves digitally before a possible physical viewing.

What does it cost?

Price depends on area, access, number of floors, capture conditions, hosting, and the required output. The quote should state exactly whether it covers an interactive view, export files, post-processing, or a CAD/BIM service.

Possible add-ons:

• BIM modelling service (we model on top of the scan)
• Point cloud processing in specific formats
• Combined scanning + virtual tour for marketing

The process

1. Initial conversation — we clarify your needs, the desired formats, and the timeframe.
2. On-site capture — the agreed, accessible areas are recorded with the Matterport camera.
3. Processing — data is prepared in the formats and to the level of post-processing stated in the quote.
4. Delivery — you receive only the agreed viewing, export, and model deliverables through the stated delivery method.

Get started

We scan buildings throughout Denmark. Contact us with the area, intended use, access conditions, and your consultant's required format and tolerance so the delivery can be scoped correctly.