Question 1

How long does a typical survey take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the surface area, complexity and how compartmentalized the space is (more rooms = more scan positions = more time). A straightforward space can be completed in half a day; larger or highly compartmentalized projects may require a full day or more. If photographs are included, the time increases considerably, and varies depending on the lighting conditions of the space. Plans are delivered within a few days of the visit.

Question 2

How many scanner positions are needed for my space?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the space characteristics and the desired level of detail. An open space requires fewer positions; a highly compartmentalized one with many rooms or corridors needs more. Resolution also plays a role: the closer the scanner is placed to the object, the greater the definition. Each project is planned to ensure complete coverage with the appropriate quality.

Question 3

How is a scanning project quoted?

Accepted Answer

It depends on several variables: number of scan positions (surface area + space compartmentalization), whether captured with photography or without (with photos you get real color; without photos, the scanner generates a RealView image in grayscale from the point cloud itself), whether georeferencing is needed (GNSS control points), chosen capture resolution, whether the cloud is delivered raw or edited/cleaned, and whether classification is needed (separating vegetation, furniture, walls, floors...). Send us the location, approximate surface area and what you need, and we'll provide a detailed no-obligation quote.

Question 4

Can it verify that construction matches the design?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We compare the point cloud with the design model and detect geometric deviations before they cause cost overruns.

Question 5

What accuracy does Trimble X7 scanning have?

Accepted Answer

There are two concepts to differentiate. Precision (individual point error): the Trimble X7 has 2mm error at 10m distance; each laser pulse measures the distance to the object within that margin. Resolution (point density): defines the level of detail captured — see the next question for more detail. Additionally, with Precision Points (in Trimble Perspective) the project can be georeferenced by taking GNSS coordinates at specific scanned points. The equipment features automatic self-leveling and calibration before each scan.

Question 6

What is the difference between precision, resolution and point density?

Accepted Answer

These are three distinct concepts. Precision is the noise or maximum error in each point's position (on the Trimble X7: 2mm at 10m). Resolution is the minimum distance between two distinguishable points, configurable between 4mm and 11mm at 10m distance — the lower the value, the greater the detail. Point density is the number of points per square meter captured: higher resolution means more density and more detail. Depending on the project type, we configure the appropriate resolution: standard for interior surveys, maximum for heritage, forensic or facade detail.

Question 7

What happens with reflective or transparent surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Glass, mirrors and highly reflective surfaces are the most demanding for any laser scanner. The Trimble X7 features a High Sensitivity Mode with time-of-flight EDM at 166 kHz, specifically designed to capture dark and reflective surfaces with better results than any other equipment on the market. Surfaces like tiles, marble or matte metal are captured without issue. For large windows, we combine scanning with complementary measurements.

Question 8

What delivery formats do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We deliver in industry-standard formats according to your needs: Point clouds (.RCP, .E57, .LAS), 2D CAD plans (.DWG, .DXF), BIM models (.RVT, .PLN, .IFC), 3D meshes (.OBJ, .FBX) and interactive web viewers to consult the scan without installing software. We also deliver in native Trimble formats — TDX (Trimble Data Exchange) and TZF (Trimble Zipped Format) — for workflows with Trimble software (RealWorks, TBC).

Question 9

How does the point cloud integrate with Revit or Archicad?

Accepted Answer

In the Autodesk environment (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks): the point cloud is linked as an .RCP file, an external reference that allows modeling by 'tracing' the 3D reality with total precision. In other software (SketchUp, ArchiCAD, etc.): the file is loaded or linked in common formats such as E57, OBJ or PLY. We can deliver the cloud ready to insert or the model already built (Scan to BIM).

Question 10

How large are point cloud files?

Accepted Answer

The size depends on the capture resolution, whether photographs are included, and whether the file is multi-station (each scan separate) or unified (everything in a single file). Files can be filtered and optimized with tools like CloudCompare (density filters, duplicate point removal) to suit each workflow's needs. We deliver files in optimized formats and provide access to a web viewer for quick consultations without specialized software.

Question 11

What software do I need to view the files?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the format. For point clouds (.E57, .RCP): web viewers like Potree (open source, the most widespread) or usBIM by ACCA Software; desktop software like CloudCompare (open source) or Autodesk ReCap. For CAD plans (.DWG): AutoCAD or DraftSight (free). For BIM models (.RVT, .IFC): Revit, ArchiCAD or BIM Vision (free). More options are becoming available and the viewer ecosystem is constantly growing. Additionally, we provide our own web viewer that requires no installation: open a link and navigate through the scan.

Question 12

Can I get DWG plans of an existing building without measuring by hand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We scan the space and deliver floor plans, sections and elevations in DWG, ready for CAD. One capture session replaces weeks of manual measurement.

Question 13

I'm a surveyor — how do I integrate your data with my survey?

Accepted Answer

We deliver surface and georeferenced point cloud in your coordinate systems. We complement where your total station can't reach: interiors, roofs, complex areas.

Question 14

What BIM level of detail (LOD) do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

Thanks to the Trimble X7 resolution and photographic capture, our scans are ideal for developing BIM models at LOD 350-400: real building geometry with walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, structural elements, precise dimensions, materials and installations. The files we deliver allow the client or their team to work directly at that level of detail.

Question 15

Can you update old plans with scanning?

Accepted Answer

Of course. We scan the current state of the building and create completely new plans with millimetric detail and zero errors, regardless of what existing plans may show.

Question 16

Do you also do facade surveys?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we perform facade surveys and elevation plans, ideal for rehabilitation, pathology assessment and permit processing. To cover the upper angles of the facade and capture architectural details with greater precision, the use of elevated platforms or scaffolding may be required.

Question 17

Do you offer Mixed Reality visualization?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use Mixed Reality technology with the Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2 device, which overlays BIM/3D models onto the real space. It can also be used with a tablet. Ideal for validating designs, detecting clashes, layout verification and on-site checks.

Question 18

Can I use scanning to design installations on existing structures?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The point cloud enables clash detection before installing ducts, machinery or equipment. Avoids surprises during construction.

Question 19

Does it have evidentiary value for expert reports?

Accepted Answer

The point cloud freezes the exact state of the site with documented date and precision. Measurable and verifiable even years later. Urgent service available.

Question 20

Do you scan vessels and shipyards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We scan vessels in dry dock or afloat, engine rooms and naval structures. We deliver models ready for design or maintenance.

Question 21

Do I need to close the premises or site to scan?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily, but it is recommended. The scanner captures everything it sees, including people in motion (who appear as 'ghosts' or noise). For the cleanest possible result, we recommend scanning during low activity hours or with the space cleared.

Question 22

What areas do you work in?

Accepted Answer

We operate throughout Catalonia: Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona and Lleida. For larger or special value projects, we travel anywhere in Spain.

Question 23

What is cadastral georeferencing?

Accepted Answer

It is the process of linking the scan to official geographic coordinates. This is legally required in property sales to verify that reality matches the cadastre. We deliver certificates valid for notary offices.

Question 24

Do I need to be present during the capture?

Accepted Answer

Not necessary. We only need access to the space. We can coordinate with the site manager, owner or whoever you indicate.

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