What is reality capture?

It is the process of scanning an object, building, or site using laser scanners and allows today’s builders to capture site data quickly and more accurately than ever to connect it directly to the digital design process. This results in a 3D model based on millions of data points.

How does reality capture work?

Reality Capture for construction, also referred to as Laser scanning or Lidar, is the digital process of collecting accurate measurement data about real-world conditions. The physical device that captures reality is a 3D laser scanner, but the entire process for capturing and processing the data is reality capture.

How to use reality capture?

3D laser scanning lets users to measure current job site conditions quickly and easily with pin-point accuracy. This is very beneficial, because often, these structures do not exist in a BIM environment, or the previous blueprints and documentation have been either lost, damaged over time or they no longer represent the current condition of the structures. Reality capture helps people model this information.

How do 3D laser scanners work?

Terrestrial 3D scanners use laser points to capture details in a 360-degree field of view, but it requires an interlocking collection of multiple scans, or “set ups” to put together a full 3D image of a project. So, when doing construction reality captures it requires several scans that will be bundles together to create the full point cloud.

What is a 3D laser scanner?

An instrument that uses LiDar technology to create a point cloud - a large set of data points represented in a coordinate system, containing X, Y, and Z coordinates and can also contain RGB values for each individual point. When an area is scanned, hundreds of thousands of points are collected. The resulting image is a point cloud full of vector data which can be very accurately modeled and measured.

3D Cameras &
LiDAR Scanners

Capture real-world data and create realistic digital twins of actual physical space with a LiDAR scanner.

Financing Options

Request a Quote

Matterport Pro2

Create virtual 3D models and floorplan layouts of physical spaces with the Matterport Pro2.

Learn more >

Shop Pro2 >

Matterport Pro3

Level up to LiDAR scanning for more precision and full-sun scanning with the Matterport Pro3.

Learn more >

Shop Pro3 >

Pro3 Acceleration Kit

Bundle and save with the Matterport Pro3 Acceleration Kit. It's everything you need to start scanning.

Learn more >

Shop Pro3 Bundle >

LiDAR Scanning for AEC

Architecture, engineering, construction, facilities management, and real estate companies benefit from scanned data from digital twins to get immersive visual access to critical building intelligence.

This data is a complete and accurate "as-built" record that is valuable to all project partners throughout the lifecycle of the construction project.

This 3D data enables faster and easier collaboration, increased productivity, added efficiencies, and overall project cost reduction.

Capture and create "digital twins"
See the job site as it exists
Get immersive visual access
Gain critical building intelligence
Share data with other stakeholders

Shop LiDAR Scanners

Architectural, Engineering, and Construction

Building renovations can now quickly and easily capture complete and accurate ask-built documentation.

In addition, because of digital twin architecture, this information is directly obtained at a fraction of the cost and time compared to more traditional methods.

Trust is also increased among project partners by updating all stakeholders using weekly scans to document construction progress.

As a result, site conditions are easily verified. The post-COVID hybrid-remote world lets partners remotely monitor job site health, safety, welfare, and regulatory compliance.

See Matterport Digital Twins for AEC >

Facilities Management

Manufacturing and chemical plants are living facilities that require constant updates and upgrades to remain relevant and competitive. Laser scanning and 3D capture let facilities manager capture existing conditions before beginning any design phases.

Digital twins of commercial and industrial facilities replace time-consuming manual measurements. In addition, 3D point clouds can be imported directly into BIM software.

Capture dimensional data to document structural components, above-ground utilities, and onsite equipment.
Reality capture eliminates the need for hand-drawn sketches and reduces the time needed to deliver floor plans.

Policeman during investigation at road accident area

Public Sector

Public safety officials need an accurate capture of a crime or accident scene, so no critical piece of evidence is left to clear an incident to restore normal operations quickly; these professionals need precision, speed, and safety.

Using 3D cameras gives public sector professionals the ability to create digital representations that are photorealistic, dimensionally accurate, and feature-rich.

3D digital twin technology also bolsters school safety by sharing 3D models with first responders.

Commercial Real Estate

Realtors can decrease physical site visits and reduce workflow friction through 3D models.

This virtual interface results in more significant cost savings and efficiencies throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Regarding operations, stakeholders can gain deeper insights into every space, from use to repair.

Risks are mitigated with more accurate risk assessments. Building inspections and maintenance are also significantly streamlined using virtual data.