3D Laser scanning in Australia
- 3D laser scanning surveyors
- Surveyors available Australia wide
- Latest laser scanning technology & equipment
- Full range of scanning and survey plan creation services
- Building modelling for Revit & BIM implementation
- 20+ years of experience in retail, commercial & industrial
Realserve has a team of 3D laser scanning surveyors in each capital city of Australia that can use the latest cutting-edge laser scanning equipment to produce a wide array of survey plans, point cloud data, Revit or Digital Twin 3D models. 3D laser scanning surveying can accurately create as-built or existing condition surveys with supreme accuracy & amounts of data not possible with traditional techniques.
Our qualified surveyors can play a pivotal role in your project with the use of laser scanning technologies to improve the plan, design, construction, management, renovation or refurbishment processes for any building type.
3D laser scanning for buildings in Australia - internal or external.
Unlike traditional surveying techniques, the use of laser scanning means we can quickly produce standard 2D plans with incredible accuracy using millions of points of data from a point cloud. It means your building, retail store, commercial office, warehouse or factory can be surveyed by our 3D laser scanning company very quickly, have even the most intricate design details captured and even produce the best existing conditions documentation you have ever seen.
This makes analysing and navigating any type of property, structure or retail environment simple for you to manage with an unprecedented level of manipulation and collaboration available via BIM. An architect, real estate agent, building manager, licensed builder, steel detailer, interior designer or even a shop fit out company can use the outputs from our 3D laser scanning service to construct new buildings, plan refurbishments, extensions or renovations.
Realserve is often contacted by architect firms, real estate agents, property management, engineers or builders about creating survey-grade architectural and structural Revit BIM models for the management or redevelopment of a property.
Getting a 3D laser scan has become the preferred choice for forward-thinking companies to get their documentation produced so architects, engineers or facility managers can accurately plan the work needed.
The reason for this is simple, 3D laser scanning accuracy is unrivalled and the plethora of possible outputs available from the data captured is as broad as it is flexible.
3D laser scanning for commercial property in Australia.
3D laser scanner measurements can be taken for any type of commercial property in Australia. Realserve is one of the pioneers of 3D scanning in Australia, our company has had a laser-like focus on producing existing condition documentation and 3D models using this breakthrough technology. For many years Realserve has provided a 3D scanning service used by commercial property owners, managers and real estate agents to manage tenancies, sell property or conduct refurbishments.
Within minutes, our laser scanners can fully capture in 3D the shape of existing buildings, landscapes and commercial sites. Our surveying team does this by collecting thousands of 3D coordinates or points, resulting in a tightly packed point cloud ‘constellation’ that is used to create supremely accurate output that can be used for a range of purposes to help manage a property.
The resolution, speed and intelligence of our Leica 3D laser scanner equipment is truly impressive. It can rapidly measure and map complex shapes in precise detail to specified tolerances. Realserve can now survey commercial environments once considered impractical for traditional surveying techniques to deliver, including office space, retail shops (including those within a shopping centre), industrial units, workshops, warehouses, and other non-residential property.
The point cloud data sourced from the scan is then converted for compatibility with AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD and many other 3D CAD applications. From this CAD format we derive precise ‘as-built’ or ‘existing condition’ 2D scale drawings or virtual 3D modelling to be used for all kinds of purposes related to commercial property management.
3D Laser scanning for industrial properties in Australia
Realserve is an Australian 3D laser scanning company that can produce as-built models of large machine components or industrial plant equipment. As-built 3D plans can help you see things like exact wall thickness, lighting and sprinklers, mechanical fixtures, window locations, and much more. Traditional construction drawings will seldom give an accurate representation of an installation and modifications typically occur after a significant period of time has passed resulting in older archived plans bearing no resemblance to the existing as-built conditions.
Complex piping and equipment layouts are quickly and accurately captured by the 3D laser scanning process which is why it is used in industrial properties. This allows for exact dimensions and deformations of sites and equipment to be determined. Component and plant upgrades can be planned and modelled to ensure fit first-time, reducing the need for costly shutdowns and disruption. The point cloud generated from the 3D scanning allows for the ability to find potential faults with a redesigned area through an automated Clash Detection Plan or even create Digital Twins to plan upgrades or process changes.
By hiring a 3D laser scanning service provider that specialises in complex industrial sites you can ensure you get the right level of problem solving on site, accuracy with the scanning and most importantly high quality outputs in 2D or 3D as needed.
This is why Realserve is a well known 3D laser scanning company that is trusted to work on industrial sites or modern multi level commercial buildings. When choosing a 3D laser scanning measurement provider, while it’s important to consider the cost of the service, it becomes more important to think about the expertise the company can provide.
Typical industrial applications for building 3D laser scanning are;
- Plant room and equipment scanning.
- Pipe Installations.
- As-Built Engineering Structures.
- Structural Steel As-Built’s.
- Building renovations and extensions (Existing Conditions Plans)
- New constructions (As-Built Models)
- Plant and Processing sites
- Façade detail
- 3D modelling
- Heritage preservation
- Topographic Surveys
- Concept visualisation
3D Laser scanning for retail properties in Australia
The use of 3D laser scanning is not the exclusive domain of building exteriors, for many years Realserve has been a leading provider of existing conditions surveys for retail properties. Using our extensive expertise we quickly adapted traditional surveying methods to embrace the use of 3D laser scanning within retail environments including supermarkets, clothing stores, bulk goods retail shops and even shopping centres.
Retail tenancy plans, evacuation plans or even reflected ceiling plans can now be produced in stunning detail using the latest laser scanning technology. For retail store refurbishments, renovations, floor plan changes or even franchise takeovers there has never been a more efficient way to manage a retail environment. It makes it easier than ever before to have measurements of floor space, fixtures, lighting, walls, doors and other details of a retail location which is kept in a high resolution digital format.
Converting a point cloud (created from a 3D laser scan) into a Revit model can then facilitate activities including;
- Design and planning: detailed designs for interior and exterior features, layouts, and structural elements. Designers can also use the model to experiment with different design options and visualize how different materials and finishes will look which is crucial for presenting great retail environments.
- Coordination: Revit models can be used to coordinate with other stakeholders in a retail construction project, such as engineers and interior designers. The model can be shared with team members to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no conflicts between different fixtures or existing walls or posts.
- Cost estimation: you can generate accurate cost estimates for new retail fit-outs or renovations. By using the model to identify and quantify the different materials and labour required, project managers can develop accurate cost projections.
- Maintenance and renovation: A model can be used to identify and locate different building components, making it easier to perform repairs or upgrades for things like lighting, air conditioning, electrical points, security or other items needed in a retail store.
How does our surveying company provide our 3D laser scanning services?
We utilise the latest surveying technology to capture data to produce our 3D laser scanning outputs. Using the latest software programs everything is captured and processed accurately to start producing the required visual outputs. The equipment we use is state of the art including the latest RPA (drones) tools. We only use the latest software tools including AutoCAD & Revit.
Once our plans are drafted they go through an intensive QA process via an independent audit to ensure that what we have captured is delivered to the highest levels of accuracy possible. This service includes;
- Initial consultation to ensure we can meet your needs.
- Agree on a scope of work.
- A site visit is organised with one of our qualified technicians with the necessary equipment.
- All data is then processed via our team located in one of our offices around the Country.
- All plans or drawings are then independently reviewed via our QA process.
- All deliverables are then created for viewing.
We can deliver all building surveys as CAD or REVIT models, making the transition to BIM workflows simple.
Multiple scans of the subject site may be required. These scans are then merged into a single three-dimensional representation of the area and post-processed within various software packages. From there you can utilise the data as a point cloud model by directly inserting it into a CAD drawing. Point cloud scans can be utilised to create traditional 2D drawing sets or create 3D CAD / REVIT models. Realserve have a team of experienced CAD technicians to create these drawings and 3D models from a point cloud.
3D laser scanning costs in Australia
3D laser scanning costs will vary based on a combination of factors which include;
- Location of the site that has to be 3D laser scanned.
- How easy or difficult the access to the location is.
- How large is the area that needs to be scanned either land, building exterior or interior floor area.
- How complex is the site either externally or internally?
- The estimated time it will take to 3D laser scan all the required areas.
- Whether a Point Cloud, Revit model or other 2D documentation needs to be created.
The best way to calculate your 3D laser scanning costs is to complete an online quote request or call our 1300 number so that our team can assess what is required and provide a written quotation. We can then provide a suggested scope of work, list of inclusions and proposed pricing to provide a 3D laser scanning service.
3D laser scanning service locations
Realserve has the ability to deliver 3D laser scanning and building modelling across Australia. We have offices in each capital city that have trained 3D laser scanning technicians available to visit any type of site as well as a supporting team that can create models and other 2D documentation as required.
If you have multiple sites that are spread across a region or interstate we can also co-ordinate for our team to conduct the required 3D laser scanning at each location & then co-ordinate all the data to be processed centrally.
This essentially means we are able to provide national service coverage for 3D laser scanning as well as a very strict consistency in terms of the point cloud, revit model or other documentation that needs to be produced.
3D laser scanning case studies
3D Building Scanning to upgrade supermarket loading docks
A national supermarket brand needed to upgrade their loading docks with multiple sites around Australia. See how we used 3D building scanning to help achieve this
Point cloud created by a surveyor for a national hotel refurbishment program
In today’s modern era, the practice of relying on paper-based drawings and floor plans for a hotel refurbishment has become obsolete, with architects increasingly turning to modern workflows to maximise on the benefits that 3D scanning and modelling can offer
3D scanning of shopping centre amenities in Noarlunga, SA
To assist with the planning of a refurbishment program aimed at enhancing visitors’ experience at a shopping centre, Realserve survey technicians provided 3D building scanning services in Adelaide’s south.
3D scanning of a free standing restaurant building in Adelaide
Realserve routinely engages in the practice of 3D scanning buildings that are used for retail tenancies. Our surveyors in Adelaide were engaged to produce a Revit Model and Point Cloud for a free standing restaurant in a shopping centre car park
Using 3D scanning to create a new retail tenancy plan in Sydney
The Realserve surveyors in Sydney were engaged by Lendlease to create new retail tenancy documentation in their shopping centre at Erina Fair. Instead of using traditional survey methods we used a Leica BLK to create a 3D scan of the 130 square metre area.
3D Revit Model of a heritage building in Launceston
Realserve sent a team of surveyors to Launceston to create a 3D Revit Model for a heritage building in the city to help facilitate a refurbishment program.
Frequently asked questions about 3D laser scanning in Australia
What is 3D laser scanning in construction?
3D laser scanners make the process of creating a physical or virtual model much quicker and with far greater accuracy. Laser scanning is a process of capturing and mapping current reality using laser beams to quickly capture details of whole buildings or sites and it is the most modern method for building information modelling (BIM), offering an accurate, cost-effective means of virtually modelling construction, restoration and retrofitting projects. The use of 3D laser scanning is helping the industry to address its long-standing productivity challenges. Scanning not only makes construction or refurbishment workflows more accurate and efficient, but it can also improve overall productivity.
For renovations or other construction projects that lack accurate existing conditions documentation, laser scan data can be converted into models that provide the missing information. For example renovations of old buildings, adaptive reuse conversions, and other redevelopment projects need current as-built drawings and documentation. Even if some plans exist, they may not accurately represent actual as-built conditions. We could produce as-builts by taking manual measurements of the space but this type of effort is very time-consuming and prone to human mistakes. The use of 3D scanning permits us to quickly and accurately collect all the measurement data of the current as-built conditions for a renovation project and use the point cloud data to create a model and assist with the design phase.
And 3D scanning can be used throughout the entire construction project to capture every phase of construction and this helps create a record of everything throughout the whole lifecycle of the construction project. The other huge benefit of using laser scanning in construction is that it can recognise conflicts early in the process before they happen, and decrease the level of rework. This reduction of rework can translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings and keeps a project on schedule.
Can a 3D laser scan be used in Digital Twin creation?
Yes, a 3D laser scan can be used in digital twin creation. A 3D laser scanner can quickly and accurately capture the geometry and spatial relationships of physical objects and spaces, producing a high-resolution 3D point cloud is the foundation used to create a digital twin.
Can you 3D scan a building?
Yes you can 3D scan a building and create a model of the exterior as well as the interior floor areas even if it is multi storey or split level. Every mm of a building can be captured in incredible detail using 3D laser scanning.
Is 3D laser scanning expensive?
No 3D laser scanning is not expensive when you consider the accuracy & volume of data it delivers compared to standard methods of surveying. This can make any documentation faster to produce, there is more detail to work with & the digital information can be manipulated to be used in the BIM process to enable collaboration on a level never seen before. This improvement in efficiency delivers cost savings in multiple areas from labour time to materials or even construction reworks.
Is LiDAR the same as 3D laser scanning?
No, LiDAR is a type of technology used in 3D laser scanning. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create 3D models of objects and environments. LiDAR works by emitting laser pulses that bounce off of objects in the environment, and then measuring the time it takes for the light to return to the sensor. This information is used to create a 3D point cloud of the environment.
What is better LiDAR or photogrammetry?
LiDAR and Photogrammetry are both powerful technologies for capturing 3D data, each has its own strengths and weaknesses depending on the specific application. Which technology is better depends on the use case and the specific requirements of the project.
Can LiDAR see through walls?
No, LiDAR cannot see through walls. LiDAR works by emitting laser pulses that bounce off of objects in the environment and return to the sensor. The time it takes for the pulses to return to the sensor is used to calculate the distance to the object. LiDAR is unable to penetrate solid objects such as walls, as the laser pulses are blocked by the wall and cannot bounce back to the sensor.
At what range can LiDAR collect data?
The range of a 3D laser scanner utilising LiDAR varies depending on the make and model. Realserve have a wide range of 3D scanners available at their disposable with the ability to capture data both close and far away from the machine.
How accurate is 3D laser scanning?
3D laser scanning is highly accurate, with some scanners capable of collecting data with a precision of up to 2mm. The accuracy of the scanning process depends on factors such as the quality of the scanner, the distance between the scanner and the object being scanned, and the complexity of the building or structure being scanned.
How long does the 3D laser scanning process take?
The length of time it takes to complete a 3D laser scanning project depends on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of the building or structure being scanned, the quality of the scanner, and the experience of the scanning team. Generally, a small building can be scanned in a few hours, while larger or more complex structures may take several days.
What can I do with the 3D model generated by 3D laser scanning?
The 3D model generated by 3D laser scanning can be used for a wide range of purposes, including design, planning, construction, and maintenance. The model can be used to create accurate floor plans, identify potential issues or conflicts, and visualize how different design options will look.
How much does 3D laser scanning cost?
The cost of 3D laser scanning depends on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of the building or structure being scanned, the quality of the scanner, and the experience of the scanning team. Generally, the cost of 3D laser scanning starts at a few thousand dollars and can range up to tens of thousands of dollars for larger or more complex projects.
3D laser scanning costs will vary based on a combination of factors which include;
- Location of the building that has to be 3D laser scanned.
- How easy or difficult the access to the building is.
- How large is the area that needs to be scanned either land, building exterior or interior floor area.
- How complex is the building either externally or internally?
- The estimated time it will take to 3D laser scan all the required areas.
- Whether a Point Cloud, Revit model or other 2D documentation needs to be created.