Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a method that is used throughout the entire life cycle of a building – from planning and construction through to operation and maintenance. It therefore combines geometric and spatial data with a large database in which important information such as materials, room sizes and system components are stored. This database is a reliable basis for decision-making and improves the coordination and efficiency of all project participants.
At the same time, Scan to BIM is gaining in importance. This is because more and more companies and authorities are using BIM and tightening the regulations for it. This service is particularly important when it comes to updating existing buildings. Often there are no digital models for this. Scan to BIM closes this gap. This significantly improves planning, coordination and cost management.
In this blog article, we look at the different types of 3D laser scanners used in scan-to-BIM projects. We explain what they can do and how they are used.
What is Scan to BIM?
“Scan to BIM” is an advanced workflow in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. It allows modern 3D scanning technologies to be used to digitally capture existing buildings and convert them into intelligent BIM models.
This allows existing structures to be precisely documented and reconciled with the latest planning and documentation methods. This saves time and makes collaboration more efficient and effective throughout the entire life cycle of a building.
3D scanning technologies are used for scanning, e.g. mobile or terrestrial LiDAR scanners. This allows the data of a building to be captured accurately and comprehensively. This technology usually generates a detailed point cloud data set that serves as the basis for the BIM model.
Terrestrial Laser Scanners
Terrestrial laser scanners, also known as static laser scanners, are among the expert devices in 3D capture technology. They are an integral part of the surveying industry.
The use of these scanners makes it possible to digitize complex environments quickly and with an impressive level of detail. These scanners are typically mounted on tripods and use a rotating laser to capture large areas from fixed viewpoints.
The result is a high-precision point cloud that serves as the basis for BIM models, CAD drawings and other applications that require precise dimensions and comprehensive documentation of physical reality.
API HemiScan
Max. Reach: 70 m
Scan Rate: 1,2 million points/second
Price: on request
The API HemiScan is a powerful 3D BIM scanner that is suitable for industrial and outdoor use. With a scan rate of up to 1.2 million points per second and a maximum range of 70 meters, this spherical scanner delivers very accurate measurements. With a resolution of 0.001 mm, high-resolution 3D CAD models are created.
The scan data can be exported to applications such as PolyWorks®, RapidForm®, Geomagic®, Cyclone® and RealWorks®. Thanks to its robust design and high mobility, the HemiScan is suitable for demanding scanning tasks where precision and reliability are required.
Artec Ray II
Max. Reach: 0,5-130 m
Scan Rate: 2 million points/second
Price: ~ €60.000,–
The Artec Ray II is a terrestrial 3D laser scanner with a range of up to 130 meters and an accuracy of less than 1.9 mm at a distance of 10 meters. It generates a dense and detailed point cloud in just 1.7 minutes and is equipped with three internal cameras offering a resolution of 36 megapixels. Thanks to its built-in rechargeable batteries, which provide up to four hours of operation, the Ray II is ideal for use both indoors and outdoors.
In addition to its high performance, the Artec Ray II supports the combination of its scans with those of handheld scanners such as the ARTEC Eva, Spider or Leo, making it easier to capture smaller or hard-to-reach areas. Data processing takes place in the powerful ARTEC Studio software, where users can edit the results directly and export them for applications such as reverse engineering in programs like Geomagic Design X, SolidWorks or ReCap.
FARO Focus Premium
Max. Reach: 70 m, expandable to 350 m
Scan Rate: 2 million points/second
Price: ~ € 40.200,–
The FARO Focus Premium is a high-performance 3D laser scanner. Depending on the setting, a scan can be completed in just around one minute. This scanner combines a range of up to 70 m, which can be extended to up to 350 m with an optional range extension, and a maximum scanning speed of up to two million points per second.
The FARO Focus Premium not only facilitates fast data capture, but also subsequent data processing and sharing within teams. Scanner control and data processing can be done via the FARO Stream app for Android and iOS, while final data registration is done via FARO Scene, eliminating the need for office processing.
Teledyne Optech Polaris
Max. Reach: 2 000 m
Scan Rate: 1 million points/second
Price: on request
The Teledyne Optech Polaris is a terrestrial 3D laser scanner that is characterized by its wide range of applications and reliability. It delivers highly accurate data in various fields such as construction, mining and forestry, while remaining robust and reliable in harsh environmental conditions thanks to its weatherproof housing. The Polaris can be mounted on a tripod, platform or vehicle.
The laser scanner is characterized by a wide, customizable field of view, which makes it possible to capture large areas or focus on specific segments. It has a maximum range of up to 2,000 meters, a resolution of 2 mm in the measuring range and an accuracy of 5 mm to 100 meters.
Leica ScanStation P50
Max. Reach: more than 1 km
Scan Rate: 1 million points/second
Price: ~ € 35.000,–
The Leica ScanStation P50 is a powerful 3D laser scanning solution for industry professionals who want to survey even the most inaccessible locations safely and efficiently from a distance. With its impressive range and ability to deliver high-quality 3D data and HDR images, the scanner enables the capture of even the largest and most difficult to access infrastructure objects or open pit mines.
In addition to high performance and reliability in extreme environmental conditions, such as temperatures from -20 °C to +50 °C and an IP54 rating for dust and water protection, the ScanStation P50 offers a comprehensive scanning solution. Data processing is powered by an industry-leading 3D point cloud software suite, which includes Leica Cyclone stand-alone software, Leica JetStream, Leica CloudWorx and the free Leica TruView. This solution is complemented by tight integration with the Cyclone FIELD 360 app, which enables a seamless connection between field acquisition and final data registration in the office.
Handscanner
Handheld scanners are small, portable devices that can be used to collect three-dimensional information from objects and environments. The devices are compact and mobile and you can simply hold them and move them over the surface of the object you want to scan. They are particularly useful for capturing data in complex or hard-to-reach areas. Handheld scanners are ideal for fast, efficient scanning of smaller or detailed objects and often offer the ability to immediately visualize and edit the captured data.
Dotproduct DPI-10 KIT
Max. Reach: 0,6-3,7 m
Scan Rate: Real-time detection
Price: ~ € 3.600,–
The DotProduct DPI-10 Kit is an advanced, handheld 3D imaging system that can capture objects and environments in real time. Equipped with a PrimeSense Carmine 1.08 camera and supported by Dot3D™ software, this system transforms a Samsung Galaxy S6 or Windows Go tablet into a powerful and easy-to-use handheld scanner.
Data is processed and registered directly on the tablet, allowing users to define coordinate systems, register multiple data sets on site and take measurements instantly. The Dot3D™ software uses advanced algorithms for simultaneous localization and mapping to transfer 3D reconstructions and localizations to the mobile device in real time.
Intel Realsense D455 KIT
Max. Reach: 0,4-4,2 m
Scan Rate: up to 90 fps
Price: ~ € 1.900,–
The Intel® RealSense™ D455 kit is the latest model in the D400 series and benefits from over a decade of experience and customer feedback on stereo cameras. It features LiDAR technology with an integrated RGB camera and an IMU that enables precise 3D data capture in the range of 0.4 to 4.2 meters.
The kit is complemented by Dot3DTM Pro software, which uses advanced algorithms for simultaneous localization and mapping to support real-time point cloud acquisition, processing and reconstruction on mobile devices.
FARO Freestyle 2.5
Max. Reach: 0,4-10 m
Scan Rate: 220.000 points/second
Price: on request
The FARO Freestyle 2.5 is a handheld 3D scanner designed for fast and photorealistic 3D data capture and visualization in real time. With a range of 0.4 to 10 meters, the Freestyle 2.5 enables intuitive scanning without the need for additional hardware, as everything is visualized directly on the device.
The scanner delivers high-quality, color 3D data with an accuracy of up to 0.5 mm, whereby the user is informed about the quality of the scanning technology through haptic feedback and the quality of the scan data is displayed live on the device.
Data processing is supported by advanced tracking algorithms that enable natural movements during scanning and require efficient integration with professional software such as FARO Scene for further analysis.
Mobile Laser Scanners
Mobile laser scanners capture the environment while you are moving, for example walking around the room. The more complex scanners are very dependent on the hardware. They consist of a measuring head, one or more laser scanners and various cameras or panoramic cameras. In order for the sensor to know where it is, it also needs GPS antennas and an inertial navigation system (IMU – Inertial Measurement Unit).
Metaroom® Scan App
Max. Reach: 5 m
Scan Rate: Real-time detection
Metaroom® Scan app: free
Metaroom® Studio Price: from € 79,–/month
The Metaroom® Scan app is an advanced 3D scanner for Apple Pro devices. It uses the device’s LiDAR sensor to scan interiors and create detailed and accurate 3D models of rooms. The LiDAR sensor is essential for the app. It captures all spatial dimensions while the scanning process is running. The app also uses AI-based object recognition methods to improve the accuracy and level of detail of the digital models. The combination of these technologies makes the scanning process easier and enables professionals to create accurate 3D models.
With the Metaroom®Scan app, users can create a complete 3D model of a building by scanning room by room. In this way, all floors are gradually captured in detail and the individual scans are automatically combined into a comprehensive 3D model. This method provides thorough documentation of the building’s structure and enables effective guidance throughout the process, ensuring that all parts of the building are captured.
During the scanning process, users can highlight important areas and features in the building with markers, for example connections and safety equipment. These are then precisely located in the model. Once the scans are complete, the data is uploaded to the cloud and processed there. This creates a CAD-ready 3D model that can be enriched with additional information and specifications in Metaroom® Studio. The processed models can then be exported in a variety of formats. This allows them to be seamlessly integrated into BIM and CAD software. This makes the entire process, from data acquisition to planning, efficient and user-friendly.
FARO Orbis
Max. Reach: 120 m
Scan Rate: 640.000 points/second
Price: ~ € 47.000,–
The FARO Orbis combines the advantages of terrestrial laser scanning with mobile SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology. This innovative combination enables up to ten times faster data acquisition compared to traditional methods.
With a maximum range of 120 meters and an acquisition rate of 640,000 points per second, the Orbis delivers both the speed of SLAM technology and the high accuracy of terrestrial scanning thanks to the integrated FARO Flash technology.
ZEB Horizon
Max. Reach: 100 m
Scan Rate: 300.000 points/second
Price: on request
The ZEB Horizon and ZEB Horizon RT are the latest mobile laser scanners from GeoSLAM, specially designed for outdoor and indoor applications. With a range of up to 100 meters, these devices are perfect for data collection in large open spaces as well as in GPS-poor environments.
Operation of the scanner is intuitive and data evaluation takes place directly on site, which enables flexible use – for example on drones, vehicles or simply on foot. The scanner captures 300,000 points per second with an accuracy of up to 6 mm and comes with the GeoSLAM Connect and GeoSLAM Draw software, which enable automatic registration and fast evaluation of the scan data.
The following table provides a clear overview of the most important features of the eleven scanners discussed:
| Scanner | Max. Reach | Scan Rate (points/second) | Price | Special Features |
| FARO Focus Premium | up to 350 m | up to 2 Mio. | €40,200 | High-Speed-SSD, robust, GeoSLAM-Technology |
| TELEDYNE OPTECH POLARIS | up to 2.000 m | 1 Mio. | Unknown | Suitable for GPS-poor environments |
| ARTEC Ray II | up to 130 m | up to 1,2 Mio. | €60,000 | Portable, lightweight, high-resolution 3D CAD models possible |
| DotProduct DPI-10 Kit | 0,6 – 3,7 m | Real-time | €3,600 | Handheld, for small and hard-to-reach areas |
| Intel® RealSense™ D455 Kit | 0,4 – 4,2 m | up to 90 fps | €1,900 | Integrated RGB camera, LiDAR, supports various formats |
| FARO Freestyle 2.5 | 0,4 – 10 m | 220.000 | Unknown | Portable, lightweight, suitable for indoor and outdoor use |
| ZEB Horizon / ZEB Horizon RT | up to 100 m | 300.000 | Uknown | Real-time feedback, lightweight, suitable for UAVs |
| FARO Orbis | up to 120 m | 640.000 | €47,000 | Hybrid of terrestrial and mobile scanning |
| Leica ScanStation P50 | more than 1 km | 1 Mio. | €35,000 | Extremely robust, for long distances |
| Metaroom® Solution | 10 m | Real-time | from €79/month | Cost-effective, no expert knowledge required, uses Apple Pro devices, no additional devices required, many export formats, no additional software required |
| FARO Focus S70 | up to 70 m | 976.000 | Unknown | Accurate, fast, for precise measurements and documentation |
Conclusion
The use of 3D laser scanning technologies has significantly advanced the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM). These technologies, also known as “Scan to BIM”, make it possible to capture existing building structures. The data can then be used for construction planning, renovations or maintenance. This technology is particularly advantageous when scanning buildings that do not yet have digital models. This makes it possible to create a precise planning basis and improve coordination and cost management.
Many of the laser scanners presented here are truly high-performance devices that are located in the high-price segment and are primarily used in professional surveying. These devices are therefore used by experts.
Mobile laser scanners are a more cost-effective but also powerful alternative here. The mobile system from Metaroom, which is characterized by its user-friendliness and flexibility, is particularly noteworthy. The Metaroom system makes it possible to create detailed 3D models of a building using standard Apple Pro devices by systematically capturing room by room. This approach is not only efficient, but also cost-effective as it eliminates the need for expensive specialized hardware. By easily integrating the captured data into leading BIM software, Metaroom supports professionals across all phases of the building lifecycle – from initial planning through to renovation.
In summary, modern 3D laser scanners offer an indispensable resource for building information modeling. Not only do they greatly simplify the capture process, but they also optimize the subsequent planning and construction phases. With such technological advances, accuracy is improved and the capabilities of BIM are enhanced, ultimately leading to more efficient and cost-effective construction projects.
