Service 02 of 07
Reality Capture and
Laser Scanning
Millimetre-accurate laser scanning, drone survey and photogrammetry, converted into coordinated BIM models and point cloud deliverables for teams working from design through to handover.
Millimetre-accurate laser scanning, drone survey and photogrammetry, converted into coordinated BIM models and point cloud deliverables.
10bn+ points captured (2024)
Scan-to-BIM ready
All staff DBS-checked
What we do
Precise as-built data from live and operational sites
At DEW, we capture existing conditions using terrestrial laser scanners, SLAM scanners, drones and photogrammetry, working across operational hospitals, pharmaceutical cleanrooms and heritage buildings without disrupting live operations.
Point cloud data is registered and converted into coordinated BIM models, textured meshes or measured building surveys, feeding directly into design, construction and facilities management workflows.
Whether you need a single scan-to-BIM conversion or ongoing capture across a live programme, we integrate quickly and deliver to brief.
At a glance
- Live and operational site capability
- Millimetre-level scan accuracy
- Scan-to-BIM and scan-to-mesh delivery
- Drone survey for hard-to-reach sites
- Feeds directly into FM systems
Standards
ISO 19650-1, -2 & -3 information management
buildingSMART IFC classification
Uniclass & NRM classification
Core capabilities
Four areas of focus within every Reality Capture engagement
Terrestrial laser scanning
High-resolution capture for complex, live environment
Capturing high-resolution data for complex environments, including operational hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities, without interrupting live operations.
Millimetre-accurate point clouds
Minimal disruption to live sites
Drone surveys
Aerial perspectives for hard-to-reach sites
Offering aerial perspectives for hard-to-reach or expansive sites, from rooftops to large infrastructure corridors.
Expansive and rooftop coverage
Safe access to restricted areas
Scan to BIM
Point clouds into coordinated models
Converting point clouds into building information models or textured meshes for design and construction use.
BIM and mesh conversion
Compatible with existing CDE models
Asset data capture
Site survey data into FM systems
Collecting accurate information from site surveys to feed directly into facilities management systems.
COBie-compliant asset data
Direct FM system integration
“
Their laser scanning capabilities and ability to quickly convert data into actionable models saved us significant time and resources on-site.
Project Manager
– Infrastructure Client
Project Case Study
Overview
Key Deliverables
- Laser scanning of critical areas
- Detailed as-built models
- COBie-compliant FM data
Services Utilised
Common questions
FAQ
Have a question not answered here? Our team is happy to talk through your specific requirements.
Ask us a question →
What level of accuracy can you achieve?
Using industry-leading Leica RTC360 and BLK360 scanners, we typically achieve millimetre-level accuracy – suitable for coordination against MEP and structural models. Exact accuracy depends on site conditions and project requirements, so we tailor our approach to the level of detail you actually need, and every scan is registered and quality-checked before delivery.
Can you scan live, operational sites?
Yes. Our non-contact scanning methods let us capture existing conditions in live and operational environments – including hospitals, pharmaceutical facilities and nuclear sites – with minimal disruption to day-to-day activities. Scanning is scheduled around critical operations and sensitive areas, and all staff are DBS-checked for work on secure or restricted projects.
Do you offer drone surveys for restricted or hard-to-reach areas?
Yes, subject to the appropriate permissions. Our own in-house pilots capture rooftops, high-level plant, façades, and difficult-to-access areas safely – without scaffolding or putting people at height – with all flights carefully planned to meet site requirements and UK aviation regulations.
What deliverable formats will we receive?
We provide deliverables to suit your requirements – registered point clouds, coordinated 3D BIM models (Revit), 2D CAD drawings, textured meshes, or measured building surveys – in formats including E57, RCP/RCS and LAS/LAZ. Data can be issued directly into your Common Data Environment, and asset data can be structured to COBie, NRM or Uniclass standards where required.
How detailed are your scan-to-BIM models?
As detailed as your project requires. We agree the level of detail and scope with you up front – from massing-level geometry for feasibility work through to fully modelled MEP services for coordination and fabrication – so you only pay for the detail you'll actually use.
Do you handle one-off scans or full programmes?
Both. Whether you need a single scan-to-BIM conversion or ongoing capture across a live programme, we integrate quickly and deliver to brief. Many clients start with a one-off survey and extend into programme-wide capture as the project develops.
Related services
Services that complement Reality Capture
4D Planning & Scheduling
Programme certainty in BIM
Construction timelines embedded directly into the coordinated BIM model – visualising programme and resolving sequencing conflicts before they reach site.
Asset Data Management
COBie, Digital Twins & FM handover
Structured COBie deliverables, Uniclass data authoring, and Digital Twins – built on the coordinated BIM model maintained throughout the project.
BIM / AIM Coordination
COBie, Digital Twins & FM handover
The coordinated model that every fabrication drawing is checked against.
WORK WITH DEW
Ready to talk about your next project?
DEW integrates directly into your project team, delivering millimetre-accurate scan data and scan-to-BIM models on live and operational sites.