📸 What is Scan to CAD ?

📸 What is Scan to CAD – Façade?

Scan to CAD is a process that involves capturing a building's real-world data using 3D laser scanning (LiDAR) or photogrammetry, and then converting this point cloud data into accurate 2D CAD drawings such as elevations, sections, and floor plans.

When applied to façades, this workflow allows engineers, architects, and conservation teams to generate detailed drawings of building exteriors—saving time, reducing human error, and ensuring precision.

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🧱 Why Use Scan to CAD for Façades?

Here’s why the industry is shifting to Scan to CAD for façade documentation:

✅ High Accuracy

Laser scans capture millions of data points within minutes, resulting in highly accurate 3D representations of façade geometry.

✅ As-Built Documentation

Perfect for renovations, restorations, or retrofits where existing drawings are outdated or missing.

✅ Saves Time

No need for manual site measurements. Scan once, and extract all the views and dimensions you need.

✅ Complex Details Captured

Capture intricate architectural elements, ornaments, and curved surfaces with ease.

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🛠️ Typical Workflow

1. 3D Laser Scanning – Capture the façade using a terrestrial laser scanner or drone-based LiDAR.

2. Point Cloud Registration – Combine multiple scans to form a complete façade view.

3. Import into CAD – Load the point cloud into AutoCAD, BricsCAD, or similar platforms.

4. 2D Drawing Creation – Trace over the point cloud to generate detailed elevation drawings, window/door placements, and architectural detailing.

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🏢 Applications

• Heritage building restoration

• Façade renovation or recladding

• BIM modeling and retrofitting

• Façade inspections and deformation monitoring

• Compliance with local building regulations

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🧩 Real-World Example

We recently scanned the front façade of a 3-story historical building in Brazil. The resulting CAD elevation included all ornamental moldings, arch shapes, and window trims—data that would have been nearly impossible to capture accurately using traditional measuring tape or total stations.

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🚀 Final Thoughts

Scan to CAD for façades is transforming how architects and engineers approach existing structures. Whether you're working on a heritage restoration or a modern redesign, having accurate, detailed 2D drawings from laser scans provides the foundation for successful planning and execution.

Want to see how Scan to CAD can work for your next project?

Scan to CAD

Façade CAD drawing

Laser scanning façade

Point cloud to CAD

2D façade drawings

 

Scan to CAD for building façades

Convert façade scan to CAD

Laser scan to 2D elevation

Façade documentation from point cloud

Architectural façade CAD drafting

As-built façade drawing services

Building façade 2D CAD

Point cloud to AutoCAD elevation

Historic façade documentation

Scan to CAD workflow for façade

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