Understanding As-built Documentation
As-built documentation refers to the precise, detailed records that capture the actual built condition of a structure or facility after construction or renovation is complete. Unlike design drawings, which show the intended plan, as-built documentation reflects every real-world modification, adjustment, or deviation that occurred during construction.
These records are indispensable across the construction, architectural, and engineering industries. They provide a reliable snapshot of the project as it physically exists, enabling future maintenance, renovations, facility management, and regulatory compliance.
At Data Capture Service, we specialize in delivering highly accurate, comprehensive as-built documentation using cutting-edge technologies and proven workflows to ensure your project’s true condition is recorded flawlessly.
Before arriving on site, our experienced Project Managers collaborate with you to understand the intended use of the as-built data. This helps determine the scanning resolution, coverage, and deliverables required — whether that’s simple 2D CAD drawings or fully detailed 3D BIM models.
We use industry-leading laser scanning equipment such as the Leica RTC360 and Leica P-series ScanStations. These devices employ LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to emit millions of laser pulses per second that bounce off surfaces, capturing exact distances with millimeter precision.
By positioning scanners in multiple locations around your project site, we collect comprehensive data from all angles, ensuring no detail is missed — including structural elements, mechanical systems, architectural features, and utilities.
Simultaneously with laser scanning, our equipment captures panoramic high-definition images at each scan station. These photos are geo-referenced and merged with point cloud data, providing rich visual context to the spatial measurements.
After fieldwork, our skilled engineers process the collected data by registering scans from multiple stations into a single unified point cloud. This involves aligning millions of data points to create a coherent, accurate 3D representation of your project as it truly exists.
Depending on your project goals, we transform raw point cloud data into a variety of deliverables, including:
The uses of as-built documentation span a wide range of industries and purposes:
Our laser scanning technology delivers millimeter-level accuracy. This reduces costly rework caused by inaccurate measurements or assumptions.
With over 27 years of experience and more than 10,000 buildings documented across the United States, our team combines technical knowledge with practical understanding of your industry’s unique requirements.
Our advanced scanners, combined with expert technicians, enable rapid data acquisition—capturing millions of points in hours or days, depending on project size—minimizing disruption to your operations.
Whether you require simple 2D drawings, complex BIM models, or immersive virtual experiences, we tailor our deliverables to fit your specific project scope and intended use.
We exclusively use professional-grade Leica RTC360 and P-series scanners, ensuring data quality, range, and versatility. Our Project Managers receive rigorous training directly from the manufacturers to fully leverage these powerful tools.
Our Project Managers annotate scans onsite using mobile devices, capturing field notes, photos, and voice memos that provide essential context for engineers processing the data. This collaborative workflow ensures nothing is lost in translation.
When Data Capture Service was contracted to document a 100-year-old historic residence hall for a full restoration project, our team performed ultra-high-resolution 3D laser scans capturing every architectural detail. This precise as-built data allowed architects and engineers to create accurate BIM models essential for the restoration design, preserving the building’s character while upgrading its functionality.
In another example, a hospital facility in Marysville, Ohio, required simple yet precise 2D CAD drawings of the façade to assist roofing contractors in fabricating soffits and fascia components offsite. Our laser scanning data eliminated the need for risky hand measurements and enabled faster, safer fabrication, saving the client time and money.
Your project deserves the most accurate, comprehensive, and reliable as-built documentation available. Trust Data Capture Service to bring unmatched expertise, cutting-edge technology, and customized solutions to every step of the process.
