3D Laser Scanning Services: How to Prepare Your Site Before the Scan

3D Laser Scanning Services have transformed how project teams capture and document existing conditions. In just a few hours, a skilled crew can collect millions of precise data points and deliver a highly accurate point cloud-the foundation for BIM, CAD, and Digital Twin workflows.

But here’s what many owners and site managers overlook:

The quality of your point cloud depends as much on site preparation as it does on the scanner itself.

Even with advanced hardware, a poorly prepared site can lead to occlusions (missing data), ghosting (moving objects captured as blur/noise), and unnecessary clutter-making downstream modeling more difficult, time-consuming, and expensive.

If your scanning provider is scheduled to visit soon, use the checklist below to ensure a smooth, efficient, and high-quality scanning session.

Quick Checklist (Before the Scanning Team Arrives)

• Clear temporary clutter and remove visual obstructions
• Prepare keys, access badges, and security approvals
• Reduce foot traffic to avoid ghosting
• Turn on lights (especially for RGB/colorized point clouds)
• Reduce vibrations and stabilize scan positions

1) Remove Temporary Clutter – The #1 Enemy of a Clean Scan

Laser scanners rely on line of sight. If the scanner can’t see a surface, it can’t measure it. Permanent structural elements are fine-but temporary clutter creates unnecessary obstructions and blind spots.

Clear these items before scanning:

• Construction materials, pallets, and plywood stacks
• Temporary storage boxes, tools, and mobile equipment
• Vehicles parked near façades or entry points
• Overgrown vegetation blocking exterior walls

Why this matters: Removing clutter reduces occlusions and eliminates guesswork during BIM/CAD modeling. The resulting point cloud is clearer, cleaner, and more complete.

2) Prepare Keys, Access, and Security Protocols

Scanning crews move methodically from one area to another. Delays-especially from locked doors-disrupt the workflow and can extend the scanning schedule.

Before the team arrives, make sure:

• All keys, key cards, and access badges are available
• Mechanical, electrical, server, and storage rooms are accessible
• Restricted areas are pre-approved for entry
• Security induction and required safety training are completed in advance

This preparation eliminates downtime and keeps the scanning plan on track.

3) Minimize Foot Traffic – Prevent “Ghosting” in Your Scans

Laser scanners capture everything in the scene-including people moving through it. Movement often appears as blurred silhouettes or noisy artifacts, commonly called ghosting.

Best practices:

• Schedule scanning during off-hours or weekends when possible
• Ask staff to avoid walking near the scanner while it’s running
• If needed, pause movement for 2-4 minutes per scan setup

Cleaner scenes = cleaner point clouds = faster modeling.

4) Ensure Adequate Lighting for Colorized (RGB) Point Clouds

Laser scanners don’t need light for geometry-but colorized point clouds (RGB) do. If you require color capture for visualization, asset documentation, or stakeholder communication, lighting becomes essential.

If you require RGB/color scans:

• Turn on all interior lighting
• Open curtains or blinds where appropriate
• Inform your scanning provider if the building has no power
• Arrange temporary lighting if needed

Good lighting improves color consistency and produces sharper, more realistic textures.

5) Reduce Vibrations and Site Instability

Laser scanning operates at millimeter-level precision. Vibrations can affect stability and data quality-especially around heavy machinery or active construction zones.

Before scanning:

• Pause nearby machinery (hammer drills, forklifts, jackhammers) when possible
• Avoid placing tripods on unstable flooring or metal grates
• Inform the scanning team about heavy equipment cycles and vibration sources

Stable scan positions support higher accuracy and more reliable registration-particularly for industrial and structural projects.

The Bottom Line

A well-prepared site makes 3D Laser Scanning Services faster, more accurate, and more cost-efficient. Investing a small amount of time before the scan drastically improves point cloud quality and ensures smoother downstream workflows in Revit, Archicad, and other CAD/BIM platforms.

If you need high-accuracy as-built documentation or you’re planning a renovation, expansion, or facility audit, we’re here to help.

Ready to capture your asset in full detail?
Let’s discuss your project.