Frequently Asked Questions

How Does 3D Laser Scanning Work?

In its simplest form, a 3D laser scanner is similar to a camera taking a photograph. When one of our experienced team members sets up and scans a building or structure, the scanner turns in a complete circle to capture a full view of the space around it. As it turns, it captures a detailed measurement of everything it can see around it. After each scan, we move the scanner to a different location in the space and capture measurements from that location. Each scan collects millions of points of data that our team then stitches together to create a consummate digital picture that creates an as-built, real-time representation of your site. TrueScan_TM can deliver this data in a variety of ways that allow stakeholders to move about the space and capture exact measurements of virtually every inch of the space scanned. Our process captures every nuance and spatial relationship of your space to help all team members involved account for misalignments, uncertainties, and possible errors or change orders. Ultimately, our data allows you to save time, money, and make your dream project a reality.

What is the Benefit of 3D Laser Scanning?

Our motto at TrueScan is to know more, risk less, build better. 3D laser scanning, 3D modeling, and drone services can help you and your team do exactly that. Laser scanning creates an incredibly detailed and accurate digital picture of your space as it stands in real-time. The millions of data points our laser scanners capture allow us to create a fully maneuverable three-dimensional model you and your team can work through, anytime, anywhere. From this model, you can take accurate measurements of virtually every inch of the space without needing to physically be present in the space. 3D laser scanning helps project stakeholders avoid misalignments and errors, costly change orders, unsuspected project delays, and undue frustration. By being exponentially faster and less invasive than traditional hand measurements, projects can continue with ease while scans go underway and avoid project or production halts. Along with all these benefits, TrueScan’s data from laser scanning can be easily shared among teammates in a variety of different formats and visuals to help keep every member continuously in the loop and on pace with the project. TrueScan and 3D laser scanning work hard so you don’t have to.

What Data Does TrueScan Provide?

Depending on the needs of your project, TrueScan is able to provide clients with a detailed point cloud, a comprehensive 3D model, and, often, an all-encompassing plan set to couple with the point cloud and model. Our models and point clouds can be provided in a variety of formats to fit your and your team’s needs.

TrueScan also has the ability to provide floor flatness and levelness analyses as well as cut and fill analyses for your construction or building space.

How Do I Use This Data?

There are a variety of uses for our data to help you and your team complete your project. The thorough information our team provides can be used independently, with current blueprints or plan sets, or even brought right into and aligned with Revit or your existing model, among other opportunities. TrueScan’s data creates a complete digital reference point of your space that can be revisited whenever and wherever needed. The goal of our data is to reduce errors and change orders as it allows you to preemptively measure and understand every inch of your space before you begin.

What is the TrueScan Process?

While our process to provide the best data includes many moving parts, it can generally be broken down into four steps:

1. Scanning
2. Data Registration
3. Modeling
4. Deliverables

After speaking with you and assessing your project needs, we begin our process by arriving on-site and scanning. Our team utilizes some of the most advanced scanners available and always makes sure we have the correct tool for any possible job. Once scanning has been completed, we begin our data registration process. TrueScan’s experienced crew will pull together all data gathered in the field and create a detailed point cloud. This point cloud serves as the foundation for the digital snapshot of your space. Now that the data is registered and a point cloud has been created, our veteran 3D modelers will build a comprehensive 3D model that allows you to maneuver, view, and measure virtually every inch of your space exactly as it stands today. Now that the prime steps have been completed, we pull all our pieces and data together and provide a complete and easily digestible package to you and your team. Our process is designed to help you work smarter, not harder, and have confidence in every decision.

How Long Does 3D Laser Scanning Take?

While time is certainly involved, 3D laser scanning and modeling are exponentially quicker than any traditional process done by hand. Our team of surveyors, modelers, and engineers are seasoned veterans in the geospatial world that tailor every piece of data to you and your project in the best and most effective way possible. All projects are different and there is no exact timeline but our team will make sure you are working with the most accurate and precise data to keep your project on time, under budget, and virtually stress-free.

Can You Give Me a Price Per Square Foot?

Given the vast amount of variables that can affect the price of a project, we do not provide a price per square foot. At TrueScan we focus on tailoring our specific services to each and every project as they need. For example, some of the factors we consider are the distance of the space from our location, the complexity of the space and project, how the space or building is built, among other things. Regardless of these answers, we will work with you to make sure our services can accommodate your needs.

How Does Laser Scanning Affect My Bottom Line?

At TrueScan we understand that projects are often governed by the bottom line and an effort to keep costs low. In helping you and your team build better, we aim to keep your project on time and under budget. By utilizing our expertise and investing in 3D laser scanning and modeling, you are investing in a multitude of cost-saving measures. TrueScan’s services will help you see a reduction in error, change orders, or delays in construction or production to help you speed up and streamline your building process. Through 3D laser scanning, we capture data you don’t know you need until you need it. We give you and your design team a cost-effective shield that helps ward off errors and potential process halts. Our full-fledged and fully tangible reference to your space delivers you the most accurate data possible in a palatable way.

Along with a reduction of errors, measurement via 3D laser scanning provides less interruption at your site. One or two TrueScan technicians can work easily in and around your team and project and let you continue doing what you do best. 3D laser scanning is an incredibly non-invasive method of measurement that can easily work around other active projects.

All in all, TrueScan’s goal is to work hard so you don’t have to. Investing in a partnership with TrueScan is an investment in your project and firm’s futures and we want to help you succeed. By contacting our team for a free and tailored quote, we provide you with a service that best fits your needs and budget.