Why do architects need LiDAR scanning?

LiDAR provides architects with precise, millimeter-accurate 3D point cloud data of existing buildings, sites, and terrain — enabling accurate as-existing BIM models, renovation design, and site-responsive architecture without relying on incomplete or outdated drawings.

Can LiDAR point clouds be used in Revit and BIM?

Yes. ARO Aerial delivers point clouds in formats (RCP, E57, LAS) that import directly into Revit, ArchiCAD, Navisworks, and other BIM platforms. Point clouds serve as the spatial reference for modeling existing conditions and coordinating new design elements.

What is the difference between drone LiDAR and terrestrial LiDAR?

Drone LiDAR captures terrain, roofs, and large-area coverage from the air — penetrating vegetation to map bare-earth surfaces. Terrestrial LiDAR captures building interiors, facades, and detailed geometry from ground positions. ARO Aerial provides both, combining them for complete coverage.

How accurate is LiDAR for architecture projects?

With calibrated sensors and GCP alignment, drone and terrestrial LiDAR achieves sub-inch accuracy — providing the precision architects need for BIM modeling, regulatory submissions, and renovation design where exact spatial data is critical.

LiDAR for Architecture & Design

ARO Aerial provides professional drone-based and terrestrial LiDAR scanning for architecture and design firms across Columbus and Central Ohio. We capture dense, georeferenced 3D point cloud data that documents existing buildings, sites, and terrain with survey-grade accuracy — giving design teams the precise spatial foundation they need for renovation, adaptive reuse, new construction, and historic preservation projects. Every scan integrates directly into BIM, CAD, and design platforms.

We work with architects, landscape architects, interior designers, and historic preservation specialists — providing classified point cloud data and as-existing models tailored to the design process. Whether you need a point cloud of an existing building for Revit modeling, bare-earth terrain data for landscape design, or a complete site scan for context modeling, ARO Aerial delivers accurate, integration-ready LiDAR data formatted for your tools and workflow.

Capture precise as-existing conditions — buildings, interiors, terrain, and site features — in 3D
Generate point clouds that import directly into Revit, ArchiCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, and AutoCAD
Document complex geometry, irregular surfaces, and historic details that manual measurement cannot efficiently capture
Create bare-earth terrain models for landscape architecture and site-responsive design
Build accurate as-existing BIM models from classified point cloud data
Support renovation, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation with defensible spatial documentation
Eliminate repeat site visits — capture everything once with millimeter-level detail
Provide survey-grade baselines for regulatory submissions, zoning analysis, and permitting

This is not generic scanning — it's design-grade LiDAR data built for project architects, landscape architects, and design teams who need accuracy and BIM integration.

1. Classified Point Clouds
Dense, georeferenced 3D point clouds with millions of data points
Classified by return type — ground, vegetation, structure, interior elements
Multi-return data capturing layered surfaces and complex geometry
Exported in LAS, LAZ, E57, and RCP formats for direct design platform integration
Compatible with Revit, ArchiCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Navisworks
2. As-Existing Building Documentation
Complete exterior and interior scanning of existing structures
Complex geometry, irregular surfaces, and architectural details captured at millimeter precision
Foundation for as-existing BIM models and renovation design
Ideal for historic buildings, adaptive reuse projects, and structures without reliable drawings
3. Digital Terrain Models (DTM) for Site Design
Bare-earth terrain models beneath vegetation for landscape architecture
Contour line generation at custom intervals
Slope, drainage, and watershed analysis
Topographic baselines for grading design and site-responsive architecture
4. Context & Massing Data
3D scanning of surrounding structures and site context
Point cloud data for shadow studies, view analysis, and massing studies
Neighboring building geometry for contextual BIM models
Streetscape and adjacency documentation
5. Scan-to-BIM Ready Deliverables
Point clouds processed and optimized for BIM modeling workflows
Registration, alignment, and noise filtering for clean design-ready data
Coordinate system alignment to project datum
Delivered with documentation of accuracy, methodology, and coordinate reference

1. Project Scoping

We coordinate with your project architect or design lead to define:

Areas of interest — building, interior, site, surrounding context
Required accuracy and point density
Deliverable formats and design platform integration (Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, etc.)
Coordinate system and project datum alignment
Schedule and access logistics

2. LiDAR Capture

Our team executes a systematic scan:

Drone-mounted LiDAR for site terrain, roofs, and large-area coverage (FAA Part 107–certified)
Terrestrial scanning for building interiors and detailed facades
GCP-aligned, GPS/INS-referenced data collection
Consistent methodology for accuracy and repeatability

3. Processing & Delivery

You receive design-ready outputs:

Classified, filtered, and QA-verified point clouds
Digital terrain models and contour maps (if applicable)
Data exported in your required formats for direct platform integration
Cloud-based access for your design team

Why do architects need LiDAR scanning?
LiDAR provides architects with precise, millimeter-accurate 3D point cloud data of existing buildings, sites, and terrain — enabling accurate as-existing BIM models, renovation design, and site-responsive architecture without relying on incomplete or outdated drawings.
Can LiDAR point clouds be used in Revit and BIM?
Yes. ARO Aerial delivers point clouds in formats (RCP, E57, LAS) that import directly into Revit, ArchiCAD, Navisworks, and other BIM platforms. Point clouds serve as the spatial reference for modeling existing conditions and coordinating new design elements.
What is the difference between drone LiDAR and terrestrial LiDAR?
Drone LiDAR captures terrain, roofs, and large-area coverage from the air — penetrating vegetation to map bare-earth surfaces. Terrestrial LiDAR captures building interiors, facades, and detailed geometry from ground positions. ARO Aerial provides both, combining them for complete coverage.
How accurate is LiDAR for architecture projects?
With calibrated sensors and GCP alignment, drone and terrestrial LiDAR achieves sub-inch accuracy — providing the precision architects need for BIM modeling, regulatory submissions, and renovation design where exact spatial data is critical.

LiDAR for Architecture & Design