As-Built Modeling

Point cloud to CAD

A solid CAD model of your facility as it actually stands.

A point cloud is raw measurement. It is accurate, but it is not something your engineers can design in. As-built modeling turns your reality capture data into a solid, surfaced CAD or BIM model of the plant: structure, pipe, equipment, and conveyors as real objects.

Your team opens it in the software they already use and designs against the plant that exists, not the one on the 1998 drawing.

Book a Demo
As-built versus as-designed comparison of recycling conveyors in a visual twin
Need help?

Call us to speak with one of our experts today!

888-354-SCAN

What you get

The most accurate model of your facility, in your CAD format.

As-designed and as-built almost never match after twenty years of changes. We model from the point cloud so every object in the CAD file sits where it sits in the plant, to 1/8 inch. Delivered in the formats your engineers and vendors already work in.

Accurate as-built geometry

Every element is modeled from measured points, not from old drawings or field sketches.

Ready for downstream design

Engineers and vendors design, clash-check, and pre-fit in the model before anything is fabricated.

Works with your CAD tools

Delivered in the formats your team already uses, including AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks.

Capital projects

See the constraints before they become change orders.

Tie-ins, clearances, and routing conflicts show up in the model, not in the field. Vendors pre-fit against real geometry so equipment arrives ready to set. Shutdown scopes get tighter and shutdowns finish on time.

Book a Demo
As-built 3D model of recycling conveyor and screening equipment from point cloud data
Plan view of a metals recycling facility visual twin built from reality capture data
Verification

Inspect as-built against as-designed.

Overlay the design model on the scan and see exactly where reality and the drawings disagree. Deviations are measured and called out in the model, so the conversation with a contractor or vendor is about numbers, not opinions.

Documentation

Make the drawings match the plant.

Most facilities are running on drawings that stopped being true years ago. We bring the record up to date from measured data, so the next project starts from the plant you have.

Scan again later and Physical Drift Monitor measures what has moved since.

Book a Demo
Reality capture point cloud with as-built model overlay of recycling equipment
Testimonial

What clients say about us

"Spartan Scanning Solutions is a great company, and very knowledgeable in Point Cloud Scanning!"
Justin DeLap
Justin DeLapFounder Brilliant.co
"Great quality scans and very fast turn around. Customer service was very good as well with great communication during the process."
Evan Allen
Evan AllenCEO Makko
"Great quality, very professional, handles all details and takes the guess work out of the equation. A must need service for anybody looking to start a project."
Justin P.
Justin P.Manager MIA
BLog

Related Article

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Reality capture refers to the process of collecting data of physical spaces or objects using various types of technology such as laser scanning, photogrammetry, lidar and SLAM. The captured data is then processed to create accurate digital representations of the real world conditions that can be used by a variety of professional disciplines like operations, architecture, engineering, construction, entertainment and more.
The level of accuracy depends on the type of technology used and the purpose of the project. Generally, modern reality capture systems can achieve accuracy levels ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters.
Our equipment varies depending on the specific needs of each project. We use advanced laser scanners, cameras, drones, and other specialized tools that allow us to capture data with high precision and detail.
Laser scanning uses laser beams to measure distances and create 3D models of objects and spaces, while photogrammetry uses photographs to extract geometric information and create digital models. Both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them will depend on the specific requirements of your project.
The duration of a project depends on its scope and complexity. Generally, it takes a few days to a few weeks, but larger or more intricate projects may take several months or even years to complete.
Reality capture can capture a wide range of data, including geometric measurements, textural information, color and lighting, as well as metadata such as GPS coordinates and time stamps.
Reality capture has many applications in fields such as architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, entertainment, and virtual reality. Some common uses include creating digital models of buildings, surveying terrain, designing and visualizing products, creating 3D maps, and producing immersive experiences.
Yes, modern reality capture technologies can capture data from all kinds of environments, including outdoor spaces. In fact, some technologies like Lidar are particularly useful for scanning large areas such as cityscapes or natural landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

What is as-built modeling?

As-built modeling converts a registered point cloud into structured CAD or BIM geometry. The scan records reality as millions of measured points. Modeling turns those points into the walls, steel, pipe, and equipment objects your engineers can actually design against.

What is the difference between a point cloud and an as-built model?

A point cloud is raw measurement. It is accurate and measurable but it is not intelligent geometry. An as-built model is built from that cloud and contains defined objects, so engineering software can use it for design, clash detection, and coordination.

How accurate is the finished model?

The model inherits the accuracy of the underlying scan, which holds roughly 1 to 3 mm for terrestrial capture. Modeling tolerance is agreed up front, because the right level of detail depends on what the model is for. A model for space claim does not need the tolerance of a model for a welded tie-in.

What formats do you deliver?

We match deliverables to what your engineering team already works in. Confirm the target software and level of detail during the site visit and we scope the modeling to it.

Do we need modeling, or is the scan enough?

Often the scan is enough. A visual twin is measurable on its own and many teams plan directly against it. Modeling earns its cost when you need intelligent geometry inside a CAD or BIM workflow.