3D Scanning & Drone Services in New York City, New York
From virtual tours to laser scans, from drone photogrammetry to digital twins — we bring the full spectrum of 3D scanning and drone services to New York City.
Service Information
Complete 3D Services in New York City
From virtual tours to digital twins, we provide end-to-end 3D scanning and documentation services in New York City.
3D Virtual Tours
Immersive Matterport virtual tours for real estate, hospitality, and commercial properties.
3D Laser Scanning
Survey-grade point cloud capture for as-built documentation and renovation projects.
Scan-to-BIM
Transform scan data into intelligent Revit models for architects and engineers.
Drone Photogrammetry
Aerial 3D Mapping and Orthomosaic creation for site analysis and documentation.
LiDAR Drone Surveying & Mapping
Survey-grade topographic mapping with RTK accuracy and terrain modeling.
Drone Inspections
Safe, efficient roof, facade, and infrastructure inspections with thermal imaging.
Digital Twins
Living 3D models with real-time IoT integration for facility management.
As-Built Documentation
2D CAD Floor Plans, Ceiling Plans, and PDF Documentation from 3D scanning.
Industries We Serve in New York City
From real estate to manufacturing, we provide specialized 3D scanning solutions for diverse industries in New York City.
Featured New York City Projects
Professional Equipment in New York City
State-of-the-art 3D scanning and mapping technology available for your New York City projects.
3D Scanners
Drones
Payloads
Software & Tools
Why Choose THE FUTURE 3D in New York City?
1 hour Response
Fast deployment to your New York City location
Licensed & Insured
Full coverage for your peace of mind
Local Expertise
Understanding of New York City requirements
Enterprise Equipment
Professional-grade scanning technology
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Your complete satisfaction is our priority
Why New York City Requires Specialized 3D Scanning
New York City presents unique challenges and opportunities for 3D scanning professionals. With over 1 million buildings across 302.6 square miles, NYC's diverse architectural landscape ranges from 19th-century brownstones to 21st-century supertall towers. Our team has documented properties in every corner of the city, from the dense urban canyons of Midtown Manhattan to the waterfront developments of Staten Island. We understand the specific requirements of working in New York—navigating co-op board approvals, coordinating with property managers, meeting DOB documentation standards, and respecting the unique character of landmark-designated buildings.
Our NYC team brings deep experience in navigating the city's unique challenges—from coordinating with building management in occupied co-ops to meeting the precise documentation standards required by the Department of Buildings. Whether you're renovating a pre-war apartment on the Upper West Side, documenting a landmark brownstone in Brooklyn Heights, or creating digital twins for a Midtown office tower, THE FUTURE 3D delivers the accuracy and professionalism that NYC projects demand.
Complete NYC Borough Coverage
From Manhattan's skyscrapers to Staten Island's waterfront, we provide comprehensive 3D scanning services across all five boroughs with dedicated local expertise for each.
Manhattan
The commercial and cultural heart of NYC. Manhattan's predominantly high-rise landscape includes Class A office towers in Midtown, luxury residential along Park Avenue, historic pre-war buildings on the Upper East and West Sides, and converted loft spaces in SoHo and Tribeca.
Brooklyn
NYC's most populous borough combines historic charm with modern development. Brooklyn is renowned for its brownstone neighborhoods, converted warehouse spaces in DUMBO and Williamsburg, and the rapid development of Downtown Brooklyn's new high-rise district.
Queens
The most ethnically diverse urban area in the world offers a suburban feel with varied housing stock. From the waterfront high-rises of Long Island City to the Tudor homes of Forest Hills, Queens presents unique scanning challenges and opportunities.
The Bronx
A borough of contrasts, from the grand estates of Riverdale to the revitalizing South Bronx. The Bronx contains historic pre-war apartment buildings, Art Deco architecture along the Grand Concourse, and emerging development corridors.
Staten Island
NYC's most suburban borough features lower-density residential neighborhoods and waterfront development. Staten Island's St. George area is experiencing significant redevelopment, while residential communities offer unique documentation needs.
NYC Neighborhoods We Serve
Comprehensive 3D scanning coverage across every corner of New York City. Click any neighborhood to learn more about our services in that area.
M Manhattan Neighborhoods
Primary Service Areas
Additional Areas
B Brooklyn Neighborhoods
Primary Service Areas
Additional Areas
Q Queens Neighborhoods
Primary Service Areas
Additional Areas
X The Bronx Neighborhoods
Primary Service Areas
Additional Areas
S Staten Island Neighborhoods
Primary Service Areas
Additional Areas
NYC Regulations & Logistics
Understanding New York City's unique requirements for documentation, permits, and building access.
NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
No specific DOB permit is required for 3D scanning or photography documentation—these are non-invasive activities. However, 3D scans are frequently used to support DOB permit applications for renovations, alterations, and construction projects. DOB requires accurate as-built documentation, typically in 2D PDF/DWG formats, which our scan data produces with under 2% error rate compared to 12-15% for traditional measurement methods.
- No permit required for scanning itself
- Scans support DOB filings for renovations
- As-builts required in 2D PDF/DWG format
- FISP (Facade Inspection Safety Program) documentation supported
Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)
For properties in NYC's designated historic districts or individual landmarks, the LPC requires photographic documentation of existing conditions for permit applications. While 3D scanning is not mandated, it provides superior documentation for landmark preservation projects. LPC applications through the Portico portal require at least six color photo views demonstrating existing conditions.
- Photo documentation required for LPC permits
- 3D scanning recommended for preservation accuracy
- Applications submitted via Portico portal
- High-resolution documentation for historic features
NYC Drone Regulations
Drone takeoffs and landings are prohibited throughout NYC under NYC Admin Code §10-126(c). Additionally, NYC airspace is heavily restricted due to proximity to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports (Class B airspace). For projects requiring aerial documentation, we utilize alternative methods including high-reach equipment, building roof access, and coordinated operations with proper permits when available.
- Citywide ban on drone takeoff/landing
- Class B airspace restrictions near airports
- Alternative aerial methods available
- Special permits for specific operations
Co-op and Condo Board Requirements
Most NYC co-op and condo boards require Certificate of Insurance (COI) from all vendors before granting building access. Our team carries comprehensive general liability insurance, workers' compensation, and umbrella policies that meet or exceed standard board requirements. We coordinate with property managers and building staff to ensure smooth access and minimal disruption to residents.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI) provided
- General liability and workers' comp coverage
- Coordination with property managers
- Alteration agreement compliance
NYC Building Types We Document
From 19th-century brownstones to 21st-century supertalls, we have experience scanning every type of NYC building.
Pre-War Buildings (Pre-1945)
NYC's pre-war building stock includes ornate limestone and brick facades, high ceilings, detailed moldings, and solid construction. These buildings present unique scanning challenges due to irregular room shapes, thick walls, and historic details that require careful documentation. Our NavVis mobile mapping and Trimble laser scanning capture these complex interiors with precision.
Scanning Notes
Thick masonry walls may require multiple scan positions; ornate details benefit from high-density capture settings
Post-War Buildings (1945-1980)
Post-war construction in NYC brought larger floor plates, standardized layouts, and reinforced concrete construction. These buildings are common in Queens, the Bronx, and newer Manhattan developments. Scanning is typically straightforward with regular geometries and open floor plans.
Scanning Notes
Efficient scanning due to regular layouts; large floor plates covered quickly with mobile mapping
Modern High-Rise Towers
NYC's modern high-rises feature floor-to-ceiling glass, open floor plans, and advanced building systems. From Hudson Yards to Downtown Brooklyn's new towers, these buildings require coordination with building management and often involve scanning multiple similar floors efficiently.
Scanning Notes
Glass curtain walls require careful positioning; leverage floor repetition for efficiency
Brownstone Townhouses
Iconic to Brooklyn and Manhattan, brownstones feature narrow, multi-story layouts with parlor floors, garden levels, and roof access. Scanning requires careful planning to capture tight staircases, irregular additions, and period details. Our portable equipment excels in these constrained spaces.
Scanning Notes
Narrow staircases require handheld scanning; garden level and roof access important for complete documentation
Industrial Conversions & Lofts
Former manufacturing buildings converted to residential and commercial use are prevalent in SoHo, Tribeca, DUMBO, and Williamsburg. These spaces feature high ceilings, exposed brick, cast-iron columns, and large windows. Open floor plans allow efficient mobile scanning.
Scanning Notes
High ceilings captured efficiently with mobile mapping; expose structural elements and MEP systems
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Scanning in New York City
Everything you need to know about our 3D scanning services in New York City.
1 What 3D scanning services are available in New York City?
2 How fast can you provide 3D scanning in New York City?
3 What industries do you serve in New York City?
4 How much does 3D scanning cost in New York City?
5 Do you offer drone services in New York City?
6 Can you create BIM models from scans in New York City?
7 What New York City neighborhoods do you serve?
We provide comprehensive 3D scanning and drone services throughout the New York City metro area, including:
- • Midtown
- • Financial District
- • Tribeca
- • SoHo
- • Greenwich Village
- • East Village
- • Chelsea
- • Upper East Side
- • Upper West Side
- • Harlem
- • Washington Heights
- • Lower East Side
- • Chinatown
- • Flatiron
- • Murray Hill
- • Gramercy
- • Kips Bay
- • Battery Park City
- • Hell's Kitchen
- • Inwood
- • Williamsburg
- • DUMBO
- • Downtown Brooklyn
- • Brooklyn Heights
- • Park Slope
- • Bushwick
- • Greenpoint
- • Bed-Stuy
- • Crown Heights
- • Flatbush
- • Cobble Hill
- • Bay Ridge
- • Prospect Heights
- • Fort Greene
- • Clinton Hill
- • Sunset Park
- • Bensonhurst
- • Sheepshead Bay
- • Coney Island
- • Red Hook
- • Long Island City
- • Astoria
- • Flushing
- • Jamaica
- • Forest Hills
- • Bayside
- • Jackson Heights
- • Elmhurst
- • Rego Park
- • Kew Gardens
- • Richmond Hill
- • Ozone Park
- • Rockaway Beach
- • Sunnyside
- • South Bronx
- • Riverdale
- • Fordham
- • Pelham Bay
- • Mott Haven
- • Hunts Point
- • Co-op City
- • Kingsbridge
- • Parkchester
- • Throgs Neck
- • City Island
- • Westchester Square
- • St. George
- • Tottenville
- • New Brighton
- • Great Kills
- • New Dorp
- • Port Richmond
- • Stapleton
Contact us for service in any New York City neighborhood not listed above.
8 What additional equipment and software do you use in New York City?
In addition to our featured equipment above, our full technology inventory includes:
3D Scanners:
- • Trimble X9
- • Trimble X7
- • Leica BLK2GO
- • Leica BLK2GO PULSE
- • Leica BLK ARC
- • Leica RTC360
- • FARO Focus Premium
- • FARO Focus Core
- • Matterport Pro3
- • NavVis VLX2
- • NavVis MLX
Drones:
- • DJI Matrice 400 RTK
- • DJI Matrice 4E
- • DJI Matrice 4T
- • DJI Matrice 350 RTK
- • DJI Matrice 300 RTK
- • Skydio X10
- • Skydio R10
Payloads & Sensors:
- • DJI Zenmuse L3
- • DJI Zenmuse P1
- • DJI Zenmuse H30T
- • DJI Zenmuse H20T
- • ROCK R3 Pro V2
- • ROCK Ultra
- • ROCK R3 V2
GNSS & Survey:
Processing & Cloud Software:
- • DroneDeploy
- • Pix4D
- • DJI Terra
- • ROCK Cloud
- • GNext Labs AI
- • T2D2
- • Skand
- • NavVis IVION
- • Autodesk Construction Cloud
- • Procore
- • Optelos
- • Buzz Solutions
- • Matterport Cloud
- • FARO Sphere XG
- • Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360
- • Autodesk ReCap
- • RealityCapture
- • CloudCompare
- • Bentley ContextCapture
- • Trimble RealWorks
- • Agisoft Metashape
- • Bluebeam Revu
- • OpenSpace AI
- • Buildots
- • Avvir
9 Do I need a permit for 3D scanning in NYC?
10 How do you handle drone photography in NYC given the restrictions?
11 What do I need to get building access for scanning in my NYC co-op or condo?
12 Can you scan landmark-designated buildings in NYC?
13 How long does it take to scan a typical NYC apartment?
14 Do you serve all five NYC boroughs?
15 What equipment do you use for NYC high-rise scanning?
16 How do you handle scanning in occupied NYC buildings?
17 What deliverables do you provide for NYC DOB filings?
18 What is your response time for NYC emergency scanning projects?
Have more questions about our New York City services?
Our Service Network
1-hour response across the US, 24-hour response internationally.
Neighborhoods in New York City
Nearby Locations
Other U.S. Locations
Ready to Capture Your Space in Stunning 3D?
Join 300+ satisfied clients nationwide and internationally who trust THE FUTURE 3D for professional 3D scanning, Virtual Tours, and Digital Twin solutions.