3D scanning of buildings: Guide to BIM and digital twins

3D scanning of buildings gives you a precise digital copy of your building — a so-called digital twin — that architects, engineers, and facility managers can work with for years to come. Here's what it costs, what you get, and when it's the right solution.

What is 3D scanning for construction?

With a Matterport scanner, we capture the entire building in 3D in just a few hours. The scanner combines LiDAR, infrared, and photographic sensors to produce:

• Point clouds — millions of precise 3D points describing the building's geometry
• 3D models — navigable digital copies with photorealistic rendering
• Precise measurements — distances, areas, and heights with accuracy under 1%

The result can be exported in the formats your architects, engineers, and BIM coordinators work in — from AutoCAD to Revit.

What is a digital twin?

A digital twin is, simply put, an accurate digital copy of a physical building. You can navigate around it, take measurements, and use it as a starting point for renovation, conversion, or ongoing operations.

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 the original drawings are either missing or inaccurate, a digital twin is often the only reliable source of how the building is actually laid out.

Who benefits from it?

The developer

The developer wants to save money on renovation. When the architect works from precise measurements from day 1, it eliminates errors in the design — errors that would otherwise be discovered on the construction site and are expensive to fix. A 3D scan upfront is insurance against surprises.

The BIM coordinator

The BIM coordinator wants as-built data that can be imported directly into Revit or ArchiCAD. The point cloud serves as a reference for modelling — instead of guessing measurements, they can model precisely on top of the actual conditions.

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

Matterport exports in the formats that fit your workflow:

If you're unsure which format you need, we're happy to help clarify — it primarily depends on which software your consultants work in.

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.

With a 3D scan, we scan the building once, and the data can be used for years — for the current renovation, for future conversions, for operations and maintenance. It's an investment that pays for itself multiple times over.

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 — requirements for documentation of existing conditions before permission is granted for changes.

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:

For most renovation and facility management projects, Matterport's precision is more than sufficient. But we advise you honestly — if your project requires something we can't deliver, we'll tell you.

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 — visualise HVAC routes, electrical runs, and plumbing installations in 3D. Plan maintenance without sending people out to look.
• Layout changes — test layouts digitally before moving physical walls. Perfect for offices, shops, and institutions.
• Letting — show premises to potential tenants with a digital twin instead of arranging physical viewings. It saves time for both parties.

What does it cost?

A 3D scan starts from 5,000 kr excl. VAT for smaller spaces (apartment, shop, single office). Larger buildings and complex projects are priced individually based on area, number of floors, and the desired output.

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 scanning — we scan the building with the Matterport camera. Typically 2–4 hours depending on size.
3. Processing — data is processed and exported in the agreed formats. 3–5 business days.
4. Delivery — you receive point clouds, 3D model, interactive tour, and any BIM files via download link.

Get started

We scan buildings throughout Denmark — from apartments to industrial facilities. Contact us with a description of your project, and you'll have a free quote within 24 hours.