3D laser surveying of buildings in Switzerland for large-scale projects

3D scanning company in Switzerland specialising in complex existing buildings

Since 2019, 3D Scan Bat has been working throughout Switzerland to carry out 3D laser surveys of existing buildings and their BIM modelling on REVIT and ARCHICAD.

Over the years, we have successfully completed more than 600 projects. We work for architects, public authorities, asset managers and property funds. Our experience ranges from single buildings to large-scale complexes.

We have gradually oriented our organisation towards complex projects, those that require method, coordination and control of deadlines.

3D scan of a residential building in Crans-Montana - point cloud for a local architect using Archicad

Since 2019, 3D Scan Bat has been carrying out 3D laser surveys of buildings in Switzerland and their BIM modelling on REVIT and ARCHICAD. We work on hospitals, industrial sites, local authorities and large-scale building complexes. Thanks to our in-house teams, structured organisation and rigorous quality control, we can guarantee reliable models that are suited to complex projects.

Multi-building 3D survey for hospitals, industry and local authorities

A 3D laser survey of a building in Switzerland takes on a whole new dimension when it concerns a hospital, an industrial site or an administrative complex.

These projects often involve several buildings, superimposed technical levels, extensive basements and significant operating constraints.

We have three LEICA BLK360 scanners and one LEICA RTC360 scanner. We can engage up to four teams simultaneously when the project requires it. This capability enables us to work on multi-building projects while maintaining a high production rate.

We organise each survey campaign with precision in order to respect the constraints of occupied buildings and the requirements of public contracts.


Industrialisation of 3D laser surveying and BIM production

Over time, we have structured our way of working. 3D laser surveying and BIM modelling are not based on a succession of isolated actions, but on a controlled process.

Each project begins with a clear strategy for its division. Zones are defined, levels planned and teams allocated. Point clouds are assembled according to precise protocols. Altimetry is checked before any modelling phase.

All our modelling, whether in REVIT or ARCHICAD, is based on a single template incorporating common families and uniform graphic standards. This common base guarantees consistency between projects and enables several modellers to work in parallel without any loss of quality.

Each modeller follows a defined set of specifications. They apply the structuring rules, respect the expected level of detail and organise the views according to shared conventions. This discipline ensures stable production, even on large-scale projects.


Quality control and reliability of digital models

The reliability of a 3D building survey in Switzerland depends as much on the accuracy of the scanner as on the rigour of the inspection.

We carry out an initial check as soon as the point cloud is assembled. We analyse the consistency of the stations, validate the altimetry and check for any drift.

During the modelling phase, we carry out intermediate checks. At the end of the project, we carry out a complete check of the BIM model. If necessary, we correct and recheck before delivery.

This process greatly reduces the risk of error and ensures the security of projects intended for major renovation, hospital conversions or public tenders.


Internal organisation and the digital workplace

For large-scale developments, technology alone is not enough. Internal organisation plays a decisive role.

We use a centralised management environment that brings together the tasks, documents and exchanges linked to each project. This digital workplace enables us to structure our work without making it more complex.

We plan the survey campaigns, coordinate the field teams, monitor the progress of the modelling and organise the control stages. Each project benefits from a clear framework, with defined responsibilities and identified validation points.

This organisation becomes essential when several teams are working in parallel or when several buildings need to be integrated into a common master file.

Reference project: 3D laser survey of a former hospital in Bern

The 3D laser survey of a former hospital in Bern illustrates our ability to manage complex building complexes.

The site comprised eight buildings. We modelled two main buildings in their entirety using BIM.

3D scan of a residential building in Crans-Montana - point cloud for a local architect using Archicad

Main hospital building - Building A

This first main building comprises three basement levels, a ground floor, nine upper floors and a technical attic. The lowest point is approximately -8.26 metres and the roof reaches approximately +35.34 metres.

Each floor is approximately 1,550 m². The ground floor represents around 3,000 m² and each basement around 4,400 m². The total surface area of the building is therefore almost 31,000 m².

It is a dense vertical hospital volume incorporating circulation cores, stairwells and technical superimpositions characteristic of large-scale medical infrastructures.

Secondary hospital building - Building B

The building has three basement levels, a ground floor and eight upper floors. The lowest point is approximately -10.37 metres and the top floor reaches approximately +24.75 metres.

The complex comprises a seven-storey main building, each measuring around 850 m², and a two-storey secondary building, each measuring around 770 m². The ground floor represents around 2,200 m² and the three basements total around 8,000 m².

This brings the total surface area to around 17,690 m².

This configuration combines distinct volumes that are interconnected, with vertical circulation and technical spaces spread over several levels, requiring rigorous organisation of the survey and BIM modelling.

These two buildings alone represent almost 48,700 m² of surveyed and modelled space. The first building covers around 31,000 m² in a dense vertical hospital structure, while the second covers around 17,690 m² in a configuration comprising separate volumes and extensive basements. The combined size of these surfaces illustrates the scale of the project and the ability to structure a 3D laser survey and BIM modelling on the scale of a complete hospital complex.

Obtaining reliable façade plans, This ensures that the costings and renovation work are accurate.

Yes, it's often the best cost/value ratio: you capture the areas that have the greatest impact on the envelope, safety and budget.

Yes, because it makes the geometry (surfaces, details, single points) more reliable and reduces the risk of “off-plan” solutions that cannot be implemented on site.

As a minimum : point cloud + façade plans. Depending on the project: sections, orthoimages and/or 3D/BIM model.

Deliverables

Every 3D laser survey of a building in Switzerland gives rise to structured deliverables, tailored to the needs of the project and the level of detail defined with the client.

We systematically supply the complete point cloud to enable independent checking, subsequent verification or reuse in other software environments.

Depending on the mandate, we deliver :

  • point clouds in e57 format

  • native REVIT models

  • ARCHICAD models

  • IFC files for technical coordination

  • 2D plans in DWG and PDF format

  • multi-building master file when the project comprises several volumes

This organisation guarantees continuity between the survey, modelling and future use of the data.