What is 3D scanning and how to get it?

Author: Szymon Bloch - CEO #scan3D ??

?? Those who ask, do not wander – and in the world of technology, asking the right questions is the key to success. 3D scanning is not magic, not a "trick" for pretty visualizations. It is a tool that works best when we know why, what for, and when to use it.

??? Ordering 3D scanning is a bit like buying your first car – if you don’t know exactly what you need it for, you might end up with something that is either too expensive or completely unsuitable.

Sounds like the kinds of questions my kids ask? That’s good because the simpler the question, the better the answer.

What is 3D Scanning and What Are Its Goals?

3D scanning is a technology that enables digital mapping of the real world. Using laser scanners, photogrammetry, or ground-penetrating radar (GPR), we create precise models of objects, terrains, and underground infrastructure.

The resulting point cloud or 3D models (this applies to scanning above-ground infrastructure – for underground scanning, there are no point clouds ??) provide an accurate representation of physical reality, allowing for analysis, design, and better infrastructure management.

Key Goals of 3D Scanning

?? Accurate inventory – Precise measurements of objects, essential for renovations, modernizations, or planning new investments.

?? Reducing design errors – Traditional measurement methods can be inaccurate or outdated. 3D scanning eliminates the risk of costly mistakes.

?? Cost and time optimization – Instead of spending weeks on measurements and documentation analysis, inventory can be completed within days, saving both time and money.

?? Support for BIM (Building Information Modeling) – A digital model of a building becomes a central data source for architects, engineers, and property managers.

?? Underground infrastructure detection – Thanks to GPR and precise detection, pipes, cables, and other installations can be located, minimizing damage risks during construction work.

?? Creating Digital Twins – 3D scanning enables the creation of virtual replicas of buildings, factories, or cities, forming the basis for better management, understanding, and simulation of changes.

?? Cultural heritage preservation – Historical buildings and sites can be accurately scanned and archived, allowing for reconstruction in case of damage.

Why Scan in 3D?

Let’s start with the idea of inventory – it’s the foundation on which we build the entire measurement strategy. Once we know what we want to achieve, we can select the right technology:

?? Stationary scanner – If we need precise documentation of an industrial hall, heritage site, or architectural object with a lot of installations.

?? Mobile scanner (NavVis VLX or BLK2GO) – When speed and completeness of data matter in a building where work is ongoing, but installations are not a priority.

?? Drone with LiDAR – When scanning large areas and we need a model in a short time.

?? Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with precision detection – When we are interested in what’s invisible to the naked eye – pipes, cables, or foundations.

?? If we incorrectly answer the question "why" at the start, we might order a service that turns out to be insufficient or overly complicated.

What’s Next? Scanning is Just the Beginning

?? Simply scanning an object is like taking a photo – the raw file exists, but what happens next?

?? BIM? – If we want to model and manage objects in a digital environment.

?? CAD? – If scanning is meant to support traditional technical documentation.

?? GIS? – For spatial analysis and urban infrastructure planning.

?? Not every scan ends with a ready 3D model. The key is what you do with the data next.

The Problem with Ordering 3D Scanning

?? The biggest mistake? Treating 3D scanning as "a single service", rather than a process tailored to a specific need.

What should be avoided?

? Lack of purpose – If you order scanning “just because”, you might end up with tons of data that serve no real use.

? Incorrect technology selection – Not every scanning method is suited to every task.

? Lack of thoughtful integration – 3D scans must later be processed in the right software, which requires planning, infrastructure, and time.

What About What’s Underground?

3D scanning isn’t just about what we see. Precision detection and GPR allow us to map what’s hidden – underground installations, foundations, and even voids beneath surfaces.

?? A full object documentation includes not only scanning what’s above ground but also what’s below!

This is a topic for a separate article, but it's worth keeping in mind now.

What Do We Need for an Accurate 3D Scanning Quote?

One of the most common issues in ordering 3D scanning is an unclear project scope and objectives. Without these details, it’s difficult to provide an accurate quote – and even harder to achieve a satisfactory final result.

So, what is needed for an accurate 3D scanning quote?

1?? Detailed description of the object What are we scanning? ?? A building? ?? An industrial hall? ?? A heritage site? ?? Open terrain? ?? Underground infrastructure? The more detailed the description, the better the technology fit.

2?? Scope of scanning ?? The entire object or just part of it? Are we interested in interiors, facades, roofs, or just specific installations? Does the scan include only geometry, or also textures and materials?

3?? Purpose of scanning ?? What will the scan be used for? ? Building inventory? ? Verification of actual object condition? ? Preparation for renovation or modernization? ? BIM documentation? ? Quality control of completed work? The purpose determines both scope and the required level of accuracy.

4?? Supporting documentation ?? If drawings, plans, sections, or technical documentation exist, they should be provided. ?? Photos of the object help assess scanning conditions – potential obstacles, lighting, height, or hard-to-reach areas.

5?? Location and accessibility ?? Where is the object located? ?? Can scanning be done at any time, or are there restrictions (e.g., an active facility, limited access hours)? ?? Are special procedures required (e.g., night scanning, permits, machine downtimes)?

6?? Required level of accuracy ?? How precise do the measurements need to be? Are millimeters, centimeters, or a rougher scan sufficient? Accuracy affects both execution time and cost, so it’s crucial to define this at the start.

7?? Standards and technical requirements ?? Should scanning comply with specific industry standards? For underground infrastructure, this might be PAS 128, and for building modeling, BIM standards.

?? Summary – What to Prepare Before Requesting a Quote?

? Object description ??

? Scope of scanning ??

? Purpose of scanning ??

? Technical documentation ??

? Photos ??

? Object accessibility details ??

? Required accuracy ??

? Compliance with standards ??

?? A well-prepared specification helps avoid misunderstandings, reduces costs, and speeds up project execution.

And if you’re not sure which parameters suit your project best – just ask! Asking the right questions leads to the best answers. ??

?? #YesWeScan #3DScanning #BIM #GPR #DigitalTwin #LaserScanning #Geospatial #Engineering #Industry40 #LiDAR