3D Laser Scanning
“Professional LiDAR scanning of buildings, infrastructure, and locations using FARO Focus scanners, delivering registered point clouds in the format of your choice.”
Laser Scan Chicago
“Laser Scan Chicago is Chicago's dedicated specialist in 3D laser scanning, scan-to-BIM, and building documentation, a local team serving architects, engineers, contractors, developers, facility managers, and owners across the Chicago metro area.”
Products & services
Scan-to-BIM
“Point cloud to Revit BIM model conversion for architects, engineers, and contractors. Accurate as-built models for renovation, coordination, and construction.”
As-Built Documentation
“Comprehensive as-built drawings and models for existing conditions documentation, facility management, and capital planning.”
Film & Virtual Production Scanning
“Laser scanning for film, TV, and virtual production. Location documentation, virtual doubles, LED volume prep, and full Unreal Engine environment builds.”
Questions & answers
How accurate are scan-based as-built drawings?
“Our FARO Focus scanners are rated to about 1/8 inch at 20 feet; final drawing tolerance depends on registration and modeling. Drafted drawings are traced from the point cloud, and we agree the drawing tolerance for each project up front.”
What does a typical as-built project cost?
“Pricing depends on square footage, number of floors, drawing types, and delivery format. A single-floor commercial space (5,000-10,000 sq ft) with floor plan and RCP typically starts around $1,500-$2,500. Larger or more complex projects are quoted individually. Contact us for a specific estimate.”
Can you work from an occupied building?
“Yes: most of our Chicago as-built projects are in occupied commercial buildings. We schedule scanning around tenant activity and minimize disruption. Typical floor scanning takes 2-3 hours.”
How are drawings organized and layered?
“CAD files are delivered with standard AIA layer naming conventions by default. Custom layer schemes are available on request. All drawings are georeferenced to a consistent coordinate system across floors.”
How long does it take to scan a location?
“Most interior locations can be fully scanned in 1-2 days. Large exterior areas or complex multi-story buildings may take longer. We coordinate with your location team to minimize production disruption and can work nights or weekends if needed.”
What do you deliver for a virtual production project?
“A standard virtual production package includes: registered point cloud in E57 and RCP, clean 3ds Max geometry file, and a packaged Unreal Engine project with basic lighting and materials. Additional texturing, advanced lighting, or specific UE plugins are scoped per project.”
What version of Unreal Engine do you deliver in?
“We work in Unreal Engine 5 by default and can deliver for UE4 on request. We're familiar with Lumen, Nanite, and the virtual production toolset including nDisplay configuration for LED volumes.”
Do you work outside Chicago?
“Our home base is Chicago, but we travel for the right project. Contact us with your location and timeline and we'll let you know if we can make it work.”
How accurate is 3D laser scanning?
“Our FARO Focus scanners are rated to about 1/8 inch at 20 feet; final drawing tolerance depends on registration and modeling. Real-world conditions like vibration, ambient light, and surface reflectivity also play a part, so we define the tolerance for each project rather than promise one figure.”
How long does a scan take?
“A typical commercial floor (10,000-20,000 sq ft) takes 3-5 hours on-site. A full multi-story building may take 1-2 days. We'll give you a specific estimate after reviewing your project scope.”
Do we need to clear the space before scanning?
“Not necessarily. The scanner captures everything in view, including furniture, equipment, and people. For as-built documentation, it's ideal to scan spaces as they are. For specific geometry capture (structural elements, MEP), we may ask to clear obstructions from key areas.”
What Revit version do you deliver in?
“We deliver in the current release year and can save back to Revit 2022 or later on request. Specify your required version when submitting your project.”
How long does scan-to-BIM take?
“Modeling time depends on scope, LOD, and number of disciplines. A single-discipline LOD 300 model of a typical commercial floor (10,000 sq ft) takes 3-5 business days. Multi-discipline or LOD 400 projects are scoped individually.”
Can you model from an existing scan or point cloud?
“Yes. If you already have a registered point cloud in E57, RCP, or LAS format, we can model from it. Share the files and we'll assess the scan quality and density before quoting.”
How accurate is the BIM model vs. the real building?
“Our FARO Focus scanners are rated to about 1/8 inch at 20 feet; final model tolerance depends on registration and modeling interpretation. For structural and MEP elements, we model to the point cloud centerline. For finish surfaces, we model to the visible scan surface. We agree the modeling tolerance for each project up front.”
Data formats & record details
Download this profile and inspect its supporting evidence.
- Entity ID
- urn:readyscan:entity:laser-scan-chicago-q140303146
- Material fingerprint
- fnv1a64:91c820c4d7a68ecf
- Entity revision
- fnv1a64:66f2c6e2a4ab8e64
- Published
- 2026-10-19
- Modified
- 2026-10-19
- Source summary
- Laser Scan Chicago: “Laser Scan Chicago is Chicago's dedicated specialist in 3D laser scanning, scan-to-BIM, and building documentation, a local team serving architects, engineers, contractors, developers, facility managers, and owners across the Chicago metro area.”