CAD Construct llc drafting bim modeling virtual tour services
GET IN TOUCH

Nothing Touches the Building

Connecting irreplaceable fabric to a permanent record

Scanning is non-contact. The scanner measures with light from a distance, so fragile historic surfaces are never probed or disturbed.

Explore 3D Laser Scanning

Geometry That Was Never Orthogonal

Where irregular geometry meets the point cloud

Ornate, irregular structures defeat hand measurement. The point cloud records their true geometry as it actually stands.

Request a Scan

Documented to LOA 40 Where the Work Demands It

Accuracy that carries into restoration drawings

We capture and document to USIBD LOA 40 (1–5 mm) where the project requires it, with appropriate control.

Understand USIBD LOA

Complex Detail, Modelled Faithfully

Linking ornament to drawings and BIM

Existing-condition drawings and BIM models built from the cloud, including deformation and condition documentation.

Explore Scan-to-BIM

An Archive of Conditions as They Stand

A record that spans before, during and after

Point clouds and an archival 360-degree record make a durable account of the structure before, during and after restoration.

Start a Project

3D Laser Scanning for Historic Preservation

Last updated:

Short answer: We document historic and ornate buildings non-invasively at high accuracy (up to USIBD LOA 40), capturing complex geometry and detail that hand measurement can't — a permanent record for restoration and archival.

Historic structures are irreplaceable and rarely orthogonal. Laser scanning captures their true, complex geometry without touching a surface, creating a precise record for restoration, adaptive reuse, and archival documentation.

What preservation teams deal with

  • Ornate, non-orthogonal geometry that's impossible to hand-measure
  • Fragile surfaces that can't be physically probed
  • Need for a precise archival record before or during restoration
  • Meeting documentation standards for heritage work

How field-verified documentation helps

Graphic covering four historic preservation challenges: ornate non-orthogonal geometry impossible to hand-measure, fragile surfaces that cannot be physically probed, the need for a precise archival record, and meeting heritage documentation standards.

We capture the structure at high accuracy and deliver point clouds, as-builts, and BIM that faithfully represent its real geometry — non-contact, complete, and verified to a defined LOA.

What we deliver for preservation teams

  • High-accuracy registered point clouds (up to LOA 40)
  • Existing-condition as-built drawings
  • BIM models of complex/ornate geometry
  • Deformation / condition documentation
  • Archival 360° virtual record

Why CAD Construct LLC

Five-step graphic showing how a historic structure is documented: capture without touching anything, set control for tight tolerance, record true geometry, model the complex conditions, and archive the current condition.

Experienced with complex existing conditions across Western PA, documenting to tight tolerances where the geometry demands it.

Frequently asked questions

Is laser scanning safe for fragile historic surfaces?

Statistics graphic showing historic preservation accuracy: USIBD LOA 40, a 1 to 5 millimetre measurement band, zero physical contact with the structure, and five deliverables.

Yes — it's non-contact. Nothing touches the building; the scanner measures with light from a distance.

How accurate can you document historic detail?

Comparison graphic contrasting hand measurement of historic fabric against non-contact laser scanning, across surface contact, curved and carved detail, irregular geometry, coverage at height, and archival value.

We can capture and document to USIBD LOA 40 (1–5 mm) where the project requires it, with appropriate control.

Can you model irregular, non-orthogonal geometry?

Yes — the point cloud captures true geometry, and we model complex conditions faithfully.

Can the record be used for archival purposes?

Graphic listing five preservation deliverables: high-density point clouds up to LOA 40, existing-condition as-built drawings, BIM models of complex ornate geometry, deformation and condition documentation, and an archival 360 degree virtual record.

Yes — point clouds and virtual tours make a durable archival record of current conditions.

Our services for Historic Preservation

Non-contact capture protects fragile fabric while creating a permanent record.

Related resources

Documenting a historic structure? Request a quote.

Free tools & templates

CAD Construct LLC logo

CAD Construct LLC

3D laser scanning, as-built documentation, scan-to-BIM & 360° virtual tours across Pittsburgh & Western PA — 20+ years turning existing buildings into field-verified digital records. cadconstructllc.com


Related resources & tools