We deploy FARO Focus scanners across Chicago and the surrounding metro: capturing millions of precise 3D measurements per second. The result is a dense, georeferenced point cloud that becomes the single source of truth for your project.
What We Scan
From high-rise office towers on the Magnificent Mile to century-old manufacturing plants in the southwest suburbs, our team has scanned it all. Common project types include:
- Commercial and multi-tenant buildings: floor plans, elevations, MEP
- Industrial facilities: process piping, structural steel, equipment clearances
- Historic and landmark buildings: millimeter-accurate preservation records
- Infrastructure: bridges, tunnels, parking structures, transit stations
- Residential: high-end renovation, addition planning, estate documentation
What You Get
Point cloud data is only as useful as what you can do with it. We deliver scan data in the formats your team actually uses:
- Point clouds in the format of your choice: E57, RCP/RCS, LAS, and more; compatible with all major AEC software
- RCP/RCS: Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD native; loads directly into your model
- LAS/LAZ: GIS and infrastructure workflows
- Potree / web viewer: shareable browser-based point cloud for stakeholder review
Raw native scanner files (.fls, .lsproj) are included at no extra charge on most projects.
How It Works
Our process is designed to minimize disruption and maximize data quality:
- Site assessment: We review floor plans (if available) and plan scanner placement to ensure complete coverage with no hidden areas.
- Field scanning: On-site crew deploys and relocates the scanner through the space. Most commercial floors take 3–5 hours. We set up targets for sub-millimeter registration accuracy.
- Registration: Back in the office, we register all scan positions into a single unified point cloud using FARO Scene. Each registration is QA'd against our ±2mm standard.
- Delivery: Registered, cleaned point cloud delivered in your required format on time and on budget.
Common Questions
Laser Scanning FAQ
How accurate is 3D laser scanning?
Our deliverables meet a ±2mm accuracy standard. Raw scanner specifications are tighter (FARO Focus: ±1mm at 25m), but we cite ±2mm as our guaranteed deliverable accuracy after registration, to account for real-world conditions like vibration, ambient light, and surface reflectivity.
How long does a scan take?
A typical commercial floor (10,000–20,000 sq ft) takes 3–5 hours on-site. A full multi-story building may take 1–2 days. We'll give you a specific estimate after reviewing your project scope.
Do we need to clear the space before scanning?
Not necessarily. The scanner captures everything in view, including furniture, equipment, and people. For as-built documentation, it's ideal to scan spaces as they are. For specific geometry capture (structural elements, MEP), we may ask to clear obstructions from key areas.
What software do you use to process the scans?
We register and clean point clouds in FARO Scene. Deliverable point clouds are exported as E57 (universal), RCP/RCS (Revit-native), or LAS as required. We also use Autodesk Recap for cloud-based review and collaboration.
Can you scan occupied buildings?
Yes. We regularly scan occupied commercial buildings, active industrial facilities, and occupied residences. Our scanners are silent, non-disruptive, and emit no harmful radiation. We coordinate access and phasing with your team to minimize disruption.
Do you provide the raw scan data?
Yes. Raw scan data (native scanner files) is available on request. We include registered E57 exports as standard. Raw native files (.fls, .lsproj) are available at no extra charge for most projects: just ask.