Which measurement method
should you choose for your project?
3D laser scanning or conventional survey, static scanning or mobile mapping, laser or photogrammetry, 2D plans or BIM model. Short comparisons, with the limits of each method stated plainly.
Choose the method by the decision you need to make, not by the equipment.
There is no method that is better in general. For a small, regular building, conventional measurements may be enough. For a large, historic or much-altered building, laser scanning reduces the risk of missing dimensions. For streets and long corridors, mobile mapping covers the distance faster. For large areas of terrain and roofs, UAV photogrammetry can provide the orthophoto and the surface model.
Below, each comparison says when a method is worth it and when it is not. Accuracy and tolerances are not universal values: they depend on the purpose, site conditions and equipment, and are set in the brief.
The comparisons are not on the same axis. Static scanning versus mobile mapping is a choice of platform: where you measure from (fixed stations or on the move). Laser versus photogrammetry is a choice of sensor: how you measure (direct distances or images). Mobile mapping can also use laser scanning, from a vehicle or with handheld scanners (SLAM), and photogrammetry can also be done from the ground, not only by drone.
3D laser scanning vs. conventional survey
Your decision: do you need a few dimensions on a simple building, or the detailed geometry of a large, historic or much-altered building?
A conventional survey measures points and distances chosen on site (tape, laser distance meter, total station). Laser scanning records millions of points on the surfaces visible from the scan positions, in a single coordinate system, and the drawing is then made on this point cloud.
| What is measured | Conventional: only the dimensions chosen on site. Scanning: the geometry of surfaces captured well enough, within the limits of access, coverage and resolution; dimensions are chosen in the office. |
|---|---|
| Forgotten dimensions | Conventional: usually another site visit. Scanning: extracted from the cloud, if the element was captured well enough. |
| Irregular geometry | Conventional: vaults, ornament and out-of-plumb walls are approximated. Scanning: captured deformations show in the cloud and can be drawn. |
| Small, regular building | Conventional: often enough and cheaper. Scanning: may be more than needed. |
| What no method sees | Build-ups inside elements, inaccessible or covered areas. Both require additional checks there. |
Details on deliverables: 3D scanning for buildings.
Have a building to document? 3D scanning for buildings → · Discuss the project →
Static scanning vs. vehicle mobile mapping
Your decision: are you documenting a building in detail, including the interior, or a long route from the outside?
Static (terrestrial) scanning is done from fixed stations on a tripod. Vehicle mobile mapping records on the move, combining the scanner with GNSS and inertial positioning. For interiors there are also handheld mobile scanners (SLAM), carried by an operator; they involve other trade-offs in detail and control and are not part of this comparison.
| Where it fits | Static: buildings, interiors, detailed façades, structures. Vehicle mobile mapping: streets, roads, urban fronts, linear infrastructure. |
|---|---|
| Pace on site | Static: by area, according to the number of stations. Vehicle mobile mapping: by kilometres of route. |
| Level of detail | Static: suited to architectural details and interiors. Vehicle mobile mapping: suited to the corridor geometry; fine details are added with static scanning where needed. |
| Interiors | Static: yes. Vehicle mobile mapping: no. Interiors can also be scanned with handheld mobile scanners (SLAM), depending on the detail and control required. |
| Control | Both are tied, as required, to survey-measured control points. |
Examples: LiDAR mobile mapping, Amzei Market, where we combined static scanning, a UAV flight and land surveying.
Have a route or urban front to measure? LiDAR mobile mapping → · Discuss the project →
Laser scanning vs. photogrammetry
Your decision: what capture conditions do you have (light, texture, vegetation, access, inside or outside) and what deliverable do you need?
Both produce 3D geometry. The laser scanner measures distances directly. Photogrammetry computes the geometry, including point clouds and 3D models, from overlapping photos, from the ground or from a drone flight. The differences come down to capture conditions and the required deliverable.
| Deliverables | Laser: point cloud, from which plans, sections and models are extracted. Photogrammetry: point cloud and textured 3D model, orthophoto, digital surface model. |
|---|---|
| Textureless surfaces | Laser: does not depend on texture. Photogrammetry: uniform walls, glass or water are hard to reconstruct. |
| Vegetation | Photogrammetry: sees the surface of the vegetation, not the ground beneath it. Laser: can reach the ground through gaps in vegetation, especially aerial LiDAR with multiple returns; through dense vegetation, not even laser sees the ground. |
| Roofs and large areas | UAV photogrammetry quickly covers large areas and roofs that are hard to reach from the ground. |
| Light and weather | Laser: measures geometry even in dark interiors; colouring the cloud, however, needs light. Photogrammetry: needs enough light and, for flights, suitable flying conditions. |
We often combine them, depending on capture conditions and the required deliverable, for example laser scanning for interiors and façades and a UAV flight for the roof and terrain. UAV flights need the permits required by law, obtained separately.
Need terrain, roofs or an orthophoto? Topographic plan → · Discuss the project →
Point cloud vs. 2D plans vs. BIM model
Your decision: who works on the data next, in which software and at which project stage?
The same scan can be handed over in different forms. The choice depends on who works on the data next and in which software.
| Point cloud (E57, LAS or another format) | A processed, registered, verifiable point cloud, delivered on request: in colour or without, in the format you need. Useful for checking dimensions and adding captured elements later. Needs suitable software and hardware. Optional. |
|---|---|
| Plans, sections, elevations (DWG, PDF) | Ready for design and approvals. They contain only what was agreed in the brief. |
| BIM model (ArchiCAD, Revit, IFC) | For projects coordinated between disciplines. The level of detail (LOD) is set in the brief; more detail means more time and cost. |
| Orthophoto | A scaled image of the façade or the terrain. A base for mapping, inventory and presentation. |
For architects we work most often in ArchiCAD. Sample drawings: the Ploiești Cathedral drawings, downloadable as PDF.
Need a BIM model of the existing building? Scan-to-BIM → · Discuss the project →
Frequently asked questions
Is 3D laser scanning more accurate than a conventional survey?
It cannot be said in general. Accuracy depends on the purpose, site conditions, equipment and working method, for both. The advantage of scanning is that it records the geometry of surfaces captured well enough, within the limits of access, coverage and resolution, not just the dimensions chosen on site.
When is scanning not worth it?
For a small building with regular geometry, where few dimensions are needed, a conventional survey may be enough and cheaper.
Can I use mobile mapping for a building?
Vehicle mobile mapping can document street façades in general terms. Interiors are scanned statically or with handheld mobile scanners (SLAM); the choice depends on the level of detail and control required in the brief.
Does drone photogrammetry replace laser scanning?
It depends on the capture conditions and the deliverable. Photogrammetry also produces 3D geometry, but it has limits on textureless surfaces, dense vegetation and poorly lit spaces. The two are often combined.
Do I need the point cloud?
Not necessarily. Many designers work only on drawings and the model. The point cloud is useful for checks and later additions.
Not sure which method suits you?
Send us the project details; we agree the method, deliverables, deadline and quote once the requirements are clear. Indicative ranges on the pricing page.
Discuss the project →