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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
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
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?
Yes — it’s non-contact. Nothing touches the building; the scanner measures with light from a distance.
How accurate can you document historic detail?
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?
Yes — point clouds and virtual tours make a durable archival record of current conditions.
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Our services for Historic Preservation
\nNon-contact capture protects fragile fabric while creating a permanent record.
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- 3D Laser Scanning — Non-contact laser scanning captures fragile and ornate detail to millimeter accuracy. Estimate cost →
- As-Built Documentation — Produce measured drawings that meet documentation and grant requirements. Estimate cost →
- Scan-to-BIM — Model heritage structures in BIM for restoration planning and analysis. Estimate cost →
- 360° Virtual Tours — Create a permanent, navigable 360° archive of the space as it exists today. Estimate cost →
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Related resources
Documenting a historic structure? Request a quote.
Free tools & templates
- 3D laser scanning cost calculator
- As-built documentation cost calculator
- Scan-to-BIM cost calculator
- 360° virtual tour cost calculator
- Virtual storefront cost calculator
- As-built ROI & rework-cost calculator
- Scan-to-BIM RFP template (Word)
- As-built scope-of-work template (Word)
- Site-prep checklist (Word)
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