Expert answers to common questions about virtual tours, laser scanning, drone mapping, and professional documentation services.
Questions about Matterport and virtual tour technology
A Matterport 3D tour typically costs $350-$1,000 for residential properties up to 3,000 sq ft, $750-$2,000 for commercial spaces, and $2,000-$5,000+ for large venues. Pricing depends on square footage, complexity, and add-ons like floor plans (+$50) or MatterPak (+$100). THE FUTURE 3D offers 1-hour response time.
Creating a Matterport tour takes 1-4 hours of on-site scanning depending on property size. A 2,000 sq ft home requires approximately 1-2 hours. Processing and delivery typically takes 1-2 business days. Rush same-day delivery is available for urgent needs.
A Matterport virtual tour includes immersive 3D dollhouse view, guided tour mode, measurement tools, floor plans, high-resolution photography, and cloud hosting. Additional options include schematic floor plans, MatterPak 3D files, video exports, and virtual staging integration.
Yes, Matterport tours can be easily embedded on any website using an iframe code. We provide the embed code with your tour delivery. Tours are mobile-responsive and compatible with all major browsers. Custom branding and white-label options are also available.
The Matterport Pro3 offers 20MP resolution (vs 134MP on Pro2), faster capture speed, improved low-light performance, and LiDAR integration for better accuracy. Pro2 remains excellent for real estate. Pro3 is preferred for commercial and AEC applications requiring higher detail.
Questions about LiDAR and laser scanning technology
3D laser scanning is used for as-built documentation, construction progress monitoring, BIM modeling, facility management, renovation planning, and quality control. Industries include architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and real estate. It captures precise measurements of existing conditions.
3D laser scanning achieves accuracy of 1-5mm depending on equipment and methodology. Survey-grade scanners like Trimble X12 reach 1.1mm @ 10m accuracy, X9 reaches ±2.3mm @ 20m, and X7 reaches ±2.4mm @ 10m. Mobile scanners like NavVis VLX3 achieve ±5mm (1 sigma), or ±3mm with control points. We match scanner selection to your project requirements.
LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances directly, providing highly accurate point clouds regardless of lighting. Photogrammetry creates 3D models from overlapping photographs, requiring good lighting but capturing better color/texture. LiDAR excels for precision; photogrammetry for visual documentation.
A 3D laser scan typically captures 20,000-30,000 sq ft per day with stationary scanners like Trimble X12. Mobile SLAM scanners like NavVis VLX3 can capture 200,000-300,000 sq ft daily. Small rooms take 5-10 minutes per scan position. Project timelines depend on size, complexity, and required detail.
3D laser scanning produces point cloud formats including E57, LAS, LAZ, RCP, and PTS. These can be converted to mesh formats (OBJ, FBX), CAD files (DWG, DXF), and BIM models (RVT, IFC). We deliver in your preferred format for seamless integration with existing workflows.
Questions about converting scans to BIM models
Scan-to-BIM is the process of converting 3D laser scan data (point clouds) into intelligent Building Information Models (BIM), typically in Autodesk Revit. The resulting models contain parametric building elements with accurate geometry, enabling architects and engineers to work with existing conditions digitally.
Scan-to-BIM costs $0.15-$0.75 per square foot depending on LOD requirements. LOD 200 ($0.15-$0.25/sqft) covers basic architecture; LOD 300 ($0.25-$0.45/sqft) adds MEP detail; LOD 400 ($0.45-$0.75/sqft) is fabrication-ready. Minimum project: $2,500. Pricing includes elements specified in your scope.
Scan-to-BIM LOD levels range from LOD 100 (conceptual massing) to LOD 400 (fabrication-ready). LOD 200 includes generic placeholders. LOD 300 provides accurate geometry and dimensions. LOD 350 adds coordination elements. LOD 400 includes full fabrication detail. Most renovation projects use LOD 300.
Scan-to-BIM modeling takes 1-2 weeks depending on building size, complexity, and LOD requirements. A 10,000 sq ft building at LOD 300 typically takes 1-2 weeks. Large commercial projects may take 2-3 weeks. Rush timelines are available for time-sensitive renovations.
Scan-to-BIM primarily uses Autodesk Revit for BIM modeling, with point cloud processing in Autodesk ReCap or Trimble RealWorks. We deliver native Revit (.rvt) files compatible with your version, plus IFC for interoperability with other BIM platforms like ArchiCAD or Bentley.
Questions about drone mapping and aerial photography
Yes, commercial drone operations in the United States require FAA Part 107 certification. All THE FUTURE 3D drone pilots are Part 107 certified and maintain current airspace authorizations. We handle all flight permissions, LAANC authorizations, and airspace coordination for your project.
Drone photogrammetry creates accurate 3D models and maps from overlapping aerial photographs captured by drones. Software processes hundreds of images to generate orthomosaics, digital elevation models (DEMs), and 3D meshes. It's used for surveying, construction monitoring, and site documentation.
Drone surveying achieves accuracy of 1-5 cm horizontally and 2-10 cm vertically with proper ground control points (GCPs). RTK-enabled drones like DJI M400 RTK can reach 1-2 cm accuracy. Survey-grade results require professional processing and ground control networks.
We use DJI Matrice 400 RTK with Zenmuse L3 LiDAR for survey-grade mapping, DJI Matrice 4E for photogrammetry, and DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise for compact operations. Equipment selection depends on project requirements, accuracy needs, and site conditions.
Yes, drones can fly in urban areas with proper authorizations. We obtain LAANC approvals for controlled airspace near airports and coordinate with local authorities as needed. Many urban flights are possible same-day. Some restricted areas require advance waiver applications.
Questions about documenting existing conditions
As-built documentation is the comprehensive recording of existing building conditions, capturing current dimensions, layouts, and details that may differ from original construction documents. It's essential for renovations, facility management, compliance verification, and historical preservation.
As-built drawings are needed because original construction documents are often inaccurate, outdated, or missing. Buildings change over time through renovations, repairs, and modifications. Accurate as-built documentation prevents design conflicts, reduces change orders, and enables informed decision-making.
As-built documentation is created using 3D laser scanning to capture existing conditions with millimeter accuracy. Point cloud data is processed into 2D drawings, 3D models, or BIM. Traditional methods include manual measurements and photography, but 3D scanning is faster and more accurate.
As-built documentation typically includes floor plans, elevations, sections, ceiling plans, and 3D models. Deliverables can include point clouds, CAD drawings (DWG), BIM models (Revit), and PDF documentation. Scope is customized to project needs—from basic floor plans to full BIM.
As-built documentation costs vary by scope: 3D laser scanning ranges $1,000-$4,000 for residential, $3,000-$15,000 for commercial buildings. Scan-to-BIM modeling adds $0.15-$0.75/sqft. A 10,000 sq ft building typically ranges $3,000-$10,000 for scanning + BIM. Industrial facilities with MEP detail may cost $10,000-$50,000+.
Questions about 3D scanning for specific industries
3D scanning in construction is used for as-built documentation, progress monitoring, quality control, clash detection, and quantity verification. It captures site conditions at each phase, compares against design models, identifies deviations, and provides accurate data for project management decisions.
3D scanning in real estate creates immersive virtual tours for property marketing, enabling remote property viewing. Matterport tours increase engagement, reduce unnecessary showings, and help properties sell faster. Real estate applications include listings, rentals, and property management documentation.
3D scanning in architecture captures existing conditions for renovation projects, historic preservation, and design verification. Architects use point clouds and BIM models to understand site constraints, design within existing structures, and verify construction matches design intent.
3D scanning in manufacturing is used for quality control, reverse engineering, factory layout planning, and equipment documentation. It captures precise measurements of parts, assemblies, and facilities, enabling comparison against CAD models and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
3D scanning in facilities management creates digital twins for space planning, maintenance coordination, and asset tracking. Building owners use scan data to manage renovations, coordinate MEP systems, plan space utilization, and maintain accurate facility documentation.
Questions about data processing software and platforms
DroneDeploy is a cloud-based drone mapping platform ($329/month) for automated flight planning, real-time orthomosaic generation, and AI-powered analytics. It excels at construction progress monitoring with Procore integration, stockpile volumetrics, and AI progress reports. Processing happens in the cloud with 2-4 hour turnaround for typical projects.
Pix4D is professional photogrammetry software achieving 1-2cm accuracy with ground control points. It offers desktop processing with full control over parameters, CAD/GIS integration, and certified volumetric measurements. Pix4Dmapper ($350/month) is ideal for survey-grade engineering deliverables.
LiDAR data is processed with ROCK Cloud for ROCK sensors, DJI Terra for Zenmuse L3/L2, and desktop software like Trimble RealWorks, Leica Cyclone, or CloudCompare. ROCK Cloud provides cloud processing with 2-4 hour turnaround. For point cloud registration and cleaning, we use Autodesk ReCap or manufacturer-specific software.
Autodesk ReCap ($370/year) is point cloud processing software that converts scan data into formats for Revit and AutoCAD. It registers multiple scans, cleans noise, and exports RCS/RCP files. ReCap is essential for Scan-to-BIM workflows, providing the foundation for BIM modeling in Revit.
Matterport is the leading virtual tour platform creating immersive 3D experiences with dollhouse view, floor plans, and measurements. Capture with Pro3 camera, upload for automatic cloud processing, and share via web links. Hosting ranges from free (1 space) to $309/month for multiple spaces.
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