In-House vs Outsourced Scanning: Build Capability or Hire Services
An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.
| Feature | In-House Scanning | Outsourced Scanning |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | Equipment + training | Per-project |
| Control | Complete | Shared |
| Availability | On-demand | Scheduled |
| Learning | Ongoing | Minimal |
| Service Pricing | $50,000-$300,000 investment | $1,000-$50,000 per project |
In-House Scanning
Build internal scanning capability for full control and availability
In-house scanning involves purchasing equipment and training staff to build internal 3D capture capability for on-demand availability.
Pros
- Full control
- Available anytime
- Long-term savings
- Build expertise
Cons
- High upfront cost
- Training time
- Maintenance burden
- Technology risk
Best For
Outsourced Scanning
Hire scanning services for flexible, no-investment access
Outsourced scanning uses professional service providers for per-project scanning without equipment investment or training requirements.
Pros
- No upfront investment
- Expert operators
- Latest equipment
- Flexible scaling
Cons
- Less control
- Scheduling constraints
- Per-project costs
- Data handling
Best For
Our Expert Verdict
In-house for regular needs, Outsourced for occasional projects.
Choose In-House Scanning if...
Choose in-house when you have regular scanning needs and can justify the investment.
Choose Outsourced Scanning if...
Choose outsourced when scanning is occasional or highly specialized.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does in-house become cost-effective?
Typically when you need 10+ projects per year of similar scope.
Professional Services Using This Equipment
TheFuture3D offers professional services utilizing In-House Scanning and Outsourced Scanning for superior results.
3D Virtual Tours
Immersive Matterport virtual tours for properties and spaces
3D Laser Scanning
Millimeter-accurate point cloud capture with Trimble and NavVis
Scan-to-BIM
Transform scan data into intelligent Revit models
Digital Twins
Living 3D models with real-time IoT integration
As-Built Documentation
2D CAD Floor Plans and PDF Documentation from 3D scanning
Google Street View
Google Trusted Photographer services for business interiors
Industries That Benefit From This Technology
In-House Scanning and Outsourced Scanning technology drives innovation across these key industries.
Schools & Education
Virtual campus tours, facility documentation, and safety planning
Real Estate
Immersive property tours and marketing assets
Retail
Store planning and virtual store tours
Hospitality
Hotel virtual tours and event space showcases
Insurance
Property documentation and claims support
Property Management
Portfolio documentation and move-in/out inspections
Available Nationwide
TheFuture3D provides professional 3D scanning services across the United States.
Florida (Headquarters)
Northeast
West Coast
South & Midwest
Need Help Choosing?
Our experts can recommend the right equipment for your specific project requirements.