Scan to CAD
Scan to CAD: as-built drawings, drawn from a laser scan — not a manual re-measure.
For architects, contractors, and facility teams who need accurate 2D documentation of an existing building — from a quick linework survey to a fully dimensioned, hatched, and superimposed drawing set.
What you get
Three CAD levels, confirmed and used exactly as named
Linework Survey
Line-based drawing only — used mainly for area and quantity takeoff.
Dimensioned & Hatched
Dimensions and hatch/fill completed on top of the linework — suited to renovation-project documentation.
Aligned/Superimposed
Full detail, axes aligned and superimposed — the most complete CAD deliverable level.
⚑ Tier definitions confirmed by the client.
| Level | Format | Typical turnaround | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linework Survey | DWG / DXF | 3–5 days | Area & quantity takeoff |
| Dimensioned & Hatched | DWG / DXF | 1–2 weeks | Renovation-project documentation |
| Aligned/Superimposed | DWG / DXF | 2–3 weeks | Full as-built documentation, permitting |
Which CAD level do I actually need?
- Just need an area or quantity takeoff → Level 1, Linework Survey.
- Documenting a renovation project for a contractor → Level 2, Dimensioned & Hatched.
- Need the most complete, permit-ready as-built set → Level 3, Aligned/Superimposed.
- Still unsure? Talk to an engineer →
Our process
Where Scan to CAD adds one more step
- 1
Control network
Leica Total Station establishes the geo-referenced control points the drawing will be dimensioned against.
- 2
FARO capture
The site is captured as a registered point cloud — control-tied, not cloud-to-cloud alone.
- 3
Registration
Every scan is registered to the control network, not to whichever scan sits next to it — that's what the CAD drawing's accuracy actually depends on.
- 4
Drafting & QA
Linework is drawn directly from the point cloud and checked against it line by line — the step that determines whether the drawing matches reality or just looks plausible.
Can you work from an existing, older drawing set instead of a fresh scan?
- We can use an old drawing set as a starting reference, but the deliverable itself is always drawn from a fresh scan — old drawings are rarely accurate enough to trust on their own.
- If a fresh scan isn't possible for part of the site, we'll say so explicitly rather than quietly filling the gap from the old drawings.
- Tell us what drawings already exist before the site visit — it helps us scope the work, even if it isn't the primary source.
Spec sheet
Accuracy, by the numbers
| Metric | Typical value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Point cloud ranging error | ±1 mm | FARO Focus S150, per manufacturer spec |
| Registration RMSE | ≤ 3 mm | Against Total Station control network |
| Level 1 deliverable tolerance | ± 15 mm | Linework survey |
| Level 2 deliverable tolerance | ± 10 mm | Dimensioned & hatched |
| Level 3 deliverable tolerance | ± 5 mm | Aligned/superimposed |
⚑ Figures shown are draft placeholders for layout — confirm against real project data before publish.
Where this is used
Typical use cases
Area & quantity takeoff
A fast, accurate Level 1 drawing for costing and space-planning purposes.
Renovation documentation
A dimensioned, hatched drawing set a contractor can actually build a renovation plan against.
Permitting & as-built filing
A fully aligned, superimposed drawing set that stands up to permitting review.
Need something more specific?
FAQ
Scan to CAD — frequently asked
What's the difference between your 3 CAD levels, and which one do I need?
What formats do you deliver CAD in?
How long does a typical Scan to CAD project take?
Can you work from an existing (older/inaccurate) drawing set, or only from a fresh scan?
What accuracy/tolerance can I expect?
Do you provide area/quantity takeoffs directly, or just the drawing?
Can you handle a facade-only or heritage-building survey?
What do you need from us before starting (access, existing drawings, etc.)?
Can the CAD file be upgraded to a full BIM model later if we need it?
How is pricing structured for CAD deliverables?
Tell us what your drawing needs to support.
Send the site details and we'll recommend a level and turnaround.