LiDAR Scanning in Arcata, California.

LiDAR Scanning in Arcata. FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

• Do you scan Cal Poly Humboldt research facilities? +

  Yes, research lab spatial documentation, equipment-density scans, retrofit-planning scans, and as-built records are all regular work. Coordinate scan timing with university scheduling to capture facilities during low-occupancy windows.
• Can you provide CAD/BIM-ready point cloud exports for academic research? +

  Yes, point cloud exports compatible with AutoCAD, Revit, and academic CAD/BIM workflows are available on request. For engineering and architecture department research projects, we coordinate output formats with the principal investigator up front.
• What is LiDAR and a digital twin? +

  LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is high-precision 3D scanning that captures a space as a measurable, navigable model. A digital twin is the resulting 3D representation, a fully accurate spatial record clients can walk through, measure, and overlay design changes onto. Useful for industrial, commercial, and infrastructure documentation.
• Who is this service for? +

  Lumber mills documenting facility layouts, construction firms tracking site progress, engineering firms doing as-built surveys, real estate developers showcasing complex spaces, and historical preservation projects. Anyone who needs accurate spatial documentation that goes beyond photography.
• How long does a scan take? +

  Depends on scope. A single floor of a small commercial building can be scanned in 2–4 hours; a multi-acre industrial facility takes a full day or more. Tex provides a timeline as part of every project quote.
• What deliverables do clients receive? +

  Interactive 3D walkthroughs accessible via web link, high-resolution still images from any angle, accurate measurement data, floor plans extracted from the scan, and optional integration with CAD/BIM workflows. Custom deliverables (point cloud exports, mesh models) are available on request.
• How does this compare to photogrammetry or drone mapping? +

  LiDAR captures ground-truth spatial data with millimeter accuracy, ideal for interior spaces, equipment-dense environments, and any project where measurement accuracy matters. For large outdoor sites where coverage matters more than per-point accuracy, drone aerial photogrammetry is the better tool. For many projects, the two are combined.
• How accurate is the scan? +

  Industrial LiDAR scanners we use deliver point accuracy in the millimeter range under typical conditions, with registration error across a multi-scan facility typically held under 5mm. That's accurate enough for as-built architectural documentation, retrofit planning, and equipment-clearance verification. Project-specific accuracy targets are confirmed in the proposal.
• Can I get a Revit, AutoCAD, or BIM model from the scan? +

  Yes. Point cloud exports are compatible with Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and other CAD/BIM workflows. We can hand off raw point clouds for your in-house team to model, or coordinate scan-to-BIM modeling with an AEC partner for clients who need a delivered Revit model. Output format is scoped per project, let us know what your downstream workflow looks like.
• How is the digital twin delivered? Do I need special software? +

  The digital twin is delivered as a web-accessible link, clients open it in any browser, no software install required. From the browser you can navigate the space, take measurements, drop notes, and share access with stakeholders. Raw point cloud and CAD-compatible exports are available on request for technical workflows.