3D scan and BIM

3D modelling and BIM building scan
by drone

A drone building scan captures several hundred photographs from crossed angles, then derives a point cloud and a 3D model of the existing building by photogrammetry. That survey feeds refurbishment studies, extension projects and digital models.

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Why use a drone

A complete survey of the existing building, roofs included

A traditional survey documents accessible levels well, but roofs, upper facade sections and stepped volumes often remain approximate for want of access. Studies then start from incomplete geometry, which is paid for during the works.

The drone covers the full envelope of the building, from the base of the facade to the ridge, with no scaffolding or cherry picker. The resulting point cloud is geometrically consistent across the whole structure and serves as a shared basis for architects, engineers and contractors.

Full envelope surveyed, roof included
Point cloud consistent across the whole structure
No scaffolding or cherry picker to reach the upper parts
A shared basis for the architect, the design office and the contractors

Deliverables

Our scanning and modelling services

Deliverables and level of detail are agreed with you and with your design office before capture.

Aerial data capture

Flight plan at crossed angles covering facades and roof, with overlap suited to reconstruction and ground control where required.

Point cloud and 3D model

Photogrammetric reconstruction of the building envelope, delivered in the usual exchange formats for your software.

Elevations and facade drawings

Rectified, scaled views of each facade, usable as a base drawing for design studies.

Preparation of a digital model

Data delivered in a form your BIM team can pick up directly to model the existing building.

Textured model for presentation

A textured model of the building in its surroundings, useful for project presentations and public consultation.

Use cases

When clients call us in

Survey of an existing building before refurbishment
Extension or vertical extension projects
Building a digital model of a property portfolio
Documenting a heritage building or a complex structure
Feasibility study for rooftop equipment

Frequently asked questions

In which formats is the data delivered?

Point cloud, mesh, orthophotos and facade views in the usual exchange formats. We agree this with your design office before capture.

What accuracy can be expected?

It depends on shooting distance, overlap and ground control. We size the capture according to the tolerance required by the study.

Is the inside of the building surveyed?

The drone covers the external envelope. Interiors call for a dedicated scan, which can be combined with the aerial survey for a complete model.

How long does data processing take?

Capture takes a few hours; photogrammetric processing and preparation of the deliverables then take several days depending on the size of the building.

Is the model directly usable in BIM?

We deliver the geometric data that modelling starts from. Structuring it into BIM objects remains the work of your modelling team.

Our method

How a mission unfolds

Four steps, from the first conversation to the delivery of your data.

01
Scoping
We define together the perimeter, the accuracy required and the format of the deliverables.
02
Flight preparation
Feasibility study, analysis of site constraints and regulatory procedures.
03
On-site acquisition
Our remote pilots operate on site, without interrupting your activity.
04
Processing and delivery
Data processing, quality control and delivery of annotated results.

Nationwide coverage

We operate everywhere in France

Dronexperts operates across the whole of France. Our professional drone pilots travel to wherever your site is, anywhere in the country, and across Europe for the specific missions our industrial clients require.

Our 5 registered training centres — Paris West (Beynes, 78), Strasbourg (Schiltigheim, 67), Toulouse (Labarthe-sur-Lèze, 31), Marseille/Toulon (Le Castellet, 83) and Bordeaux (Mérignac, 33) — act as anchor points so we can reach every region quickly. They are starting bases, not a limit: we operate throughout France, with the same procedures, the same insurance cover and the same standards from one end of the country to the other.

Paris West — Beynes (78)

Our anchor point in Île-de-France: Paris, the inner and outer suburbs and the wider Paris basin.

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Strasbourg — Schiltigheim (67)

Our Grand Est base: Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse, Metz, Nancy, Reims and the German and Swiss border areas.

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Toulouse — Labarthe-sur-Lèze (31)

Our Occitanie base: Toulouse, Montpellier, Albi, Tarbes, Perpignan and the whole South-West.

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Marseille / Toulon — Le Castellet (83)

Our Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur base: Marseille, Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Nice and the Mediterranean coast.

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Bordeaux — Mérignac (33)

Head office and historical base of Dronexperts, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Limoges, Pau, Bayonne.

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Is your site far from all five centres? That is not a problem: our bases are starting points, not a service perimeter. We organise travel for the team and the equipment anywhere in France, and across Europe for specific missions, on quotation.

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