How to prepare a building for a 3D survey: the complete checklist
A 3D building survey success depends as much on the technology used as on the preparation of the site. If you plan well in advance, you'll be able to obtain an accurate 3D scan, avoid rework and reduce the time needed for the operation.
Here's the complete checklist for preparing your building effectively before a 3D laser scan, 360° visit or virtual building tour.
3D visualisation of a building from a laser survey for BIM plans and property management
⏱️Résumé in 20 seconds
A successful 3D survey starts with good preparation of the building. By clearing access, organising logistics and limiting obstacles, you can guarantee accurate, faster scanning and deliverables that can be used straight away: plans, BIM mock-up and virtual visit. Simple preparation avoids rework and optimises the entire digitisation of the site.
Why is the preparation of your 3D survey essential before a building scan?
A 3D survey captures the existing situation as it is at the time of the scan. Any obstacles, clutter or inaccessible areas will be recorded... or will be missing from the final data.
A well-prepared 3D survey allows :
- improved geometric precision
- save time on site
- less post-processing work
- usable deliverables (plans, BIM models, virtual tours)
Access and logistics of the 3D survey site
Before starting work, make sure that :
- All premises to be scanned are accessible (doors open, keys available)
- The technical areas (boiler rooms, electrical rooms, basements) are clear
- The lifts are operational if necessary
- A parking area is planned close to the building.
In Switzerland, access to tertiary or industrial buildings often requires prior authorisation.
Cleaning and clearing spaces in a 3D scan of a building
The scanner picks up everything. Clutter makes it difficult to read. Things to do before scanning:
- Clear floors, stairs and corridors
- Remove temporary objects: cardboard boxes, pallets, bins, mobile equipment, etc.
- Tidy up desks, tables and surfaces if the survey is used to produce plans
- Clear the walls if possible (important for measurements)
Objective: to present the building in a clean, legible and functional state.
People and activity management
During a 3D building scan :
- Limiting the movement of people
- Avoid moving activities (cleaning, handling)
- Inform occupants of the date and duration of the survey
Moving people create artefacts in the point cloud and can degrade the quality of the 360° virtual tour.
Documents and information to be provided
To optimise 3D building survey, prepare if possible:
- Existing plans (PDF, DWG)
- Sections, façades, old surveys
- Specifications or objectives of the scan
- Priority areas to be scanned
- Expected level of precision
These factors make it possible to adapt the preparation 3D laser scan to the real needs of the project.
