3D Laser Scanning Pricing: What Affects Project Costs

1. Project Size and Area Coverage

The total square footage or area to be scanned is the most fundamental cost driver. Larger spaces require more scan positions, longer field time, and more data processing.

• •Small projects (under 5,000 sq ft): Single rooms, small commercial spaces, or residential properties. These typically require 5-15 scan positions and can be completed in a few hours.
• •Medium projects (5,000-25,000 sq ft): Full floors of commercial buildings, warehouses, or multi-room facilities. May require 20-50 scan positions over a half day to full day.
• •Large projects (over 25,000 sq ft): Large facilities, multi-floor buildings, or extensive sites. These can require hundreds of scan positions and multiple days of field work.

2. Site Complexity and Accessibility

The complexity of the environment affects how many scan positions are needed to achieve complete coverage and how long scanning takes.

• •Open spaces: Warehouses, parking structures, or open-plan offices are faster to scan because fewer scan positions provide complete coverage.
• •Compartmentalized spaces: Buildings with many small rooms, corridors, or obstructions require more scan positions to ensure full coverage without shadow areas.
• •Vertical complexity: Multi-story buildings require scanning stairwells and coordinating scan positions across floors, increasing time and complexity.
• •Challenging access: Sites requiring lifts, scaffolding, confined spaces, or hazardous area protocols add time and safety considerations.

3. Deliverable Requirements

The type and detail of deliverables you need significantly impacts project cost because processing time varies greatly.

Point Cloud Only (Base Deliverable)

Registered point cloud in standard formats (E57, RCS, PTS). This is the most economical option and provides the raw data for your team to work with directly. Processing time: minimal.

2D CAD Drawings

Floor plans, elevations, sections, or details extracted from the point cloud. Requires manual drafting work to interpret the point cloud and create clean CAD linework. Processing time: moderate to significant depending on drawing count and detail level.

3D BIM Models

Revit or other BIM models created from point cloud data. Most labor-intensive deliverable, requiring skilled modelers to interpret scan data and build intelligent 3D objects. Processing time: significant.

Custom Reports or Analysis

Specialized deliverables like flatness reports, clash detection analysis, or custom measurements. Cost varies by complexity.

4. Level of Detail and Accuracy Requirements

Not all projects need the same resolution or level of detail.

• •Standard accuracy (±3-5mm): Sufficient for most as-built documentation, facility management, and planning purposes. Standard scan density.
• •High accuracy (±1-2mm): Required for precision manufacturing, tight-tolerance work, or highly detailed architectural documentation. Requires closer scan spacing and finer settings, increasing field time and data volume.
• •Level of detail in models: BIM models can be created at various LOD (Level of Development) standards. Higher LOD requires more time to model accurately.

5. Project Timeline

Timeline requirements affect scheduling and resource allocation.

• •Standard turnaround: Base pricing typically assumes reasonable timelines (e.g., 1-2 weeks for deliverable preparation).
• •Expedited delivery: Rush projects requiring accelerated processing may incur premium charges due to reallocated resources or overtime work.
• •After-hours scanning: If scanning must occur outside normal business hours to avoid disrupting operations, additional charges may apply.

6. Travel and Site-Specific Logistics

Site location and logistical requirements can add costs.

• •Local projects (Denver Metro): Standard pricing with no travel premium.
• •Distant sites: Projects outside the immediate service area may include travel time, mileage, or lodging costs.
• •Special requirements: Safety training, security clearances, escorts, or special insurance requirements add administrative overhead.

Typical Project Cost Ranges

While every project is unique, here are general ranges to help with budget planning:

Note: These ranges are general estimates. Your specific project may fall outside these ranges depending on the factors discussed above. Always request a detailed quote for accurate pricing.

How to Evaluate Quotes

When comparing quotes from different providers, consider these points:

• •Scope clarity: Does the quote clearly define what's included (scan area, deliverable types, file formats, revision rounds)?
• •Itemization: Are field work, processing, and deliverables broken out separately so you understand where costs lie?
• •Timeline specifics: Does the quote include estimated turnaround times?
• •Assumptions documented: Are assumptions about site conditions, access, and requirements clearly stated?
• •Terms clear: Payment terms, revision policies, and cancellation terms should be transparent.

Be wary of quotes that are vague, lack detail, or vary dramatically from other quotes without clear explanation of why.

Questions to Ask About Pricing

When requesting quotes, asking these questions helps you compare providers fairly:

1. What specific deliverables are included in this price?
2. What file formats will be provided?
3. How many revision rounds are included?
4. What is the estimated turnaround time?
5. Are there any potential additional charges (travel, after-hours, expediting)?
6. What happens if project scope changes after the quote?
7. Do you provide a detailed project plan or scope document with the quote?

Getting an Accurate Quote

To help providers quote accurately, provide:

• •Approximate square footage or dimensions
• •Building or site plans if available
• •Description of space complexity (open vs. compartmentalized)
• •Desired deliverables and file formats
• •Project timeline requirements
• •Any site access constraints or special requirements

The more information you provide, the more accurate your quote will be, reducing the risk of scope changes and unexpected costs.