Scan-to-BIM with handheld LiDAR – from point cloud to BIM model

Short answer: Scan-to-BIM means laser scanning an existing building and using the point cloud as the basis for a BIM model. With a handheld SLAM scanner an entire floor can be documented quickly; the point cloud is processed and exported as .e57 or .las to BIM tools like Revit, where the model is built against the point cloud.

Why scan-to-BIM?

Drawings of existing buildings rarely match reality. A point cloud provides a measurable basis for renovation, MEP coordination, facility management and digital twins – and reduces surprises on site.

Step 1: Plan the scan

• Decide the level of detail (LOD) and accuracy the model needs.
• Plan a walking path with closed loops so the SLAM solution gets checkpoints.
• Open doors between rooms and avoid long straight corridors without geometry.
• Decide whether the model must sit in the project coordinate system – then you need RTK outdoors or control points.

Step 2: Scan

With a handheld scanner such as the FJD Trion P2 you walk through the building and watch the point cloud build in real time in the FJD Trion Scan field app. If you also need thermal data for energy or MEP analysis, the P2 Vision+ adds a thermal camera.

Step 3: Process the point cloud

In FJD Trion Model PC the trajectory is optimised, the point cloud colourised, noise reduced and data classified. You can then produce floor plans and sections directly, or export the full cloud.

Step 4: Export to BIM

Export as .e57 or .las and import into your BIM tool (in Revit via ReCap). Model walls, slabs, openings and services against the point cloud. For simpler deliverables, floor plans can be produced directly from the point cloud without a full BIM model.

What determines quality?

• Walking path and loops: the most important factor for SLAM accuracy.
• Scanner accuracy: the P2 is specified at 1.2 cm relative accuracy after processing.
• Checks: compare against a few surveyed control dimensions before modelling.

Want to see how it works on your project? Request a quote or demo, or read more about construction and scan-to-BIM.