What Is Scan to BIM?
Scan to BIM is the process of capturing a physical space with a scanner and converting that data into a Building Information Model. Instead of measuring rooms by hand and redrawing them in CAD, you scan the space once and get a usable 3D model with accurate dimensions. For professionals who work with existing buildings — architects, tradespeople, BIM managers — scan to BIM replaces hours of manual measurement with a workflow that takes minutes.
How Scan to BIM Works
The scan-to-BIM workflow follows three stages: capture, process, and export.
1. Capture the space
Walk through the room with a LiDAR-enabled device (iPhone Pro, iPad Pro, or a terrestrial laser scanner). The device records surfaces, dimensions, and geometry as a 3D point cloud or mesh. A typical room takes 2–5 minutes to scan. Scan rooms with your iPhone to capture geometry in minutes.
2. Process the scan
The scan data is processed into a 3D model. Processing includes wall detection, floor plan generation, and room segmentation. Some tools generate 2D floor plans directly from the scan. You can review and refine it in the workspace .
3. Export to your workflow
The finished model is exported in a format your design or planning software can use. Common formats include IFC (for BIM), DXF (for CAD), OBJ or FBX (for 3D visualization), and PDF (for documentation). The model becomes the base for renovation planning, material calculations, lighting design, energy assessments, or construction documentation. You can continue in your CAD or BIM software without redrawing.
Who Uses Scan to BIM?
Scan to BIM is used by professionals who work with existing buildings. The common thread: they need accurate documentation of a space before planning, estimating, or building.
Architects
Document existing conditions before renovation or redesign projects. Scan the building and start design work from a reliable base plan instead of spending hours on-site with a tape measure.
Building Trades
Carpenters, tile installers, bathroom planners — capture room dimensions for material calculations and installation planning. Accurate measurements reduce waste and rework.
Electrical & Lighting
Scan rooms to create base plans for layout planning in RELUX or DIALux. A scanned room model eliminates the need to draw the space from scratch.
BIM Managers
Capture as-built conditions quickly before building BIM models. Importing scanned IFC data into Revit or ArchiCAD saves weeks compared to manual modeling.
Scan to BIM vs. Traditional Surveying
Traditional site documentation relies on manual measurements — tape measures, laser distance meters, handwritten sketches. Here's how the two methods compare.
The main limitation of mobile scan to BIM is accuracy at very large scale. For individual rooms and apartments (up to ~200 m²), mobile LiDAR delivers professional-grade results. For entire buildings or construction sites beyond 500 m², terrestrial laser scanners still have an advantage.
What to Look For in a Scan to BIM Tool
Not all scanning tools deliver the same results. If you're evaluating options, these are the criteria that matter for professional use.
Scan to BIM Tools Compared
Here's how the main mobile scan-to-BIM options compare for professional use.
If your primary need is generating usable floor plans and BIM-ready exports from scanned rooms, choose a tool built for that workflow.
Common Scan to BIM File Formats
The number of export formats can be confusing. Here's what the main ones are used for.
IFC
Industry Foundation Classes
The open standard for BIM. Transfers building models between Revit, ArchiCAD, and BricsCAD. The most important format for BIM workflows.
DXF
Drawing Exchange Format
A CAD standard by Autodesk. Used to import floor plans into AutoCAD, SketchUp, and other CAD tools. The most common format for 2D plans.
Portable Document Format
For documentation, client communication, and archiving. Easy to share with anyone regardless of their software.
GLB
GL Transmission Format (Binary)
Lightweight 3D format for web viewing, AR, and visualization. Useful for presenting models to clients or embedding in web pages.
FBX
Filmbox
Autodesk's 3D format used in visualization and rendering tools. Common in architectural visualization workflows.
OBJ
Wavefront Object
Widely supported 3D mesh format. Compatible with most 3D modeling and rendering tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions about scan to BIM, room scanning, and using LiDAR for professional workflows.
Try the Scan to BIM Workflow
Scan a room, generate a floor plan, and export it to your design tool. Free plan available — no credit card required.
