
Everything You Need to Know About 3D Laser Scanning
March 9, 2020
The Process Explained Behind Measured Building Surveys
April 4, 2020Blueprinting is an old method of copying or reproducing a drawing using a translucent paper which is commonly used for measured building survey, design and construction industry. Blueprints are what you call the set of proposed designs or reproduced drawings in white against a dark blue background.
Blueprints are inexpensive, thus is it still commonly used these days. However, in most cases, the blueprint designs do not match the actual structure. This happens especially for complex designs. Updates and modifications are not recorded, which can lead to post construction issues. Due to blueprints’ inability to record changes during unpredicted issues, it is no longer recommended by measured building survey service firms.


What are as-built drawings?
As-built drawings are set of record drawings submitted by the contractor upon completion of a project. As-built drawings are essential parts of every construction or design project for post maintenance purposes. As-built drawings show all the updates made during the construction process. It also records exact measurements, modifications, design changes, extra works, and field changes during the construction period.As-builts are a great help to some measured building survey company, architects, designers, and contractors keep records of their projects.

How to create as-built drawings?
As-built drawings are created by designers or architects, or basically the person who originally designed the project. But it also depends whether the project is outsourced or done by a 3D laser scanning London company.As built drawings converted from 3D laser scanning should be updated regularly every time changes are made to the original design. Some of these changes that must be recorded accurately include materials used, changes in measurement and dimensions, and sizing.
What should be included in as-built drawings converted from 3D laser scan?
In order to make your as-built drawings useful, it is recommended to add dates and use colour codes for added, deleted, and changed details. Include the following details as well if possible and applicable:- Changes in scale
- Clear descriptions and precise labels
- Recording of changes made in all elements of the project such as location, fabrication, installation, and others
- Recording of issues encountered and solutions to counter errors
- Attaching of related drawings
- • Recording of changes made after the final evaluation
Although recording these important details can be time consuming, this saves a lot of issues for both the client and the contractor.
The use of 3D laser scanning for as-built drawings
3D laser scanning technology can be used for as-built drawings due to its high accuracy and precision. When millions of 3D points are merged, these are used as a reference to create measured building survey drawings or 2D drawings.Due to the non-contact method, 3D laser scanning is perfect for sensitive objects and environments. 3D laser scanning also has a clash detection function, which prevents risks and inconsistencies.
Why 3D laser scanning service is preferred by the majority of designers, architects and contractors for design and construction projects?
- Measurements are accurate and precise which means minimal risk
- It detects inconsistencies early on the construction phase which prevents issues and problems in the future
- It is fast and reliable, so the project can start right away
- Reduces client inconvenience
- 3D laser scanning creates a digital copy of the plan which makes it easier for storage and transfer
- Digital data can be shared securely which means everyone in the team (client and contractor) can access the data anytime especially if changes are needed
Whilst submitting as-built drawings are not that necessary in every project, it greatly helps contractors and designers keep a record of every completed job. With a full history of the project including changes made, clients and contractors can see what was actually built making renovation process faster.
You may also check out the latest addition to Faro’s high accuracy, short range laser scanner to see if it’s a good fit for your business needs.
If you want to successfully complete a job, it is better to invest in good as-built drawings. As a professional 3D laser scanning London company with years in the industry, we can help you a great deal.
We are a team of professionals providing measured building survey and 3D laser scanning London service. Our services include as-built 2D AutoCAD drawings (or plans), as-built 3D BIM Model, 3D Laser Scanning to Point Cloud 3d scanning solutions.




