3D models really can change your life. And your project. Honestly, they can. There are so many types available for any imaginable need in a construction project; bringing in better understanding, visualisation, efficiency and savings.

At Laser Surveys our range of 3D models aim to provide these benefits right from the start of a project, both for existing and new build.

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Our aim today is to help you find the right one for your project. The model to take your project up a level, give you that extra special bit of information, show your client what a fantastic building they’re getting and maybe even save you some on-site costs.

So, we come to our next question: which model is right for me?

Or maybe even models. We can combine many of our models together to give you an even more bespoke solution, but let’s first see what these options are.

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Topographical

Topographical models are sometimes known as surface models. They are a 3D version of a topographical survey and shown a surface made up of surveyed points of site level data. We can produce these models to varying levels of detail. The most basic shows just the surveyed points in one simple mass or “toposurface”.

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The highest level shows different surfaces, changes in level (for example at kerbs, ramps, steps), street furniture, walls and planting. If only certain things are needed, they can be specified, and we can pick those out.

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Building

Building models are generally created from measured building surveys that have been carried out by our team of surveyors. We use 2D drawings and 3D digital data from the site to create an accurate 3D model of your building. These are often done for existing buildings prior to renovation/refurbishment works commencing to aid in design development, visualisation and clash detection with existing features.

Varying degrees of detail can be specified for building models as well; from basic massing models showing just the shape of the building, to highly detailed representations of the building detailing external materials, windows and doors, architraves and cornicing among other elements. Again, specific details can be requested on a more basic model if only certain elements need focus.

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Underground Utilities

Underground Utilities or Underground Services can be surveyed by our specialist underground team of surveyors. The data they gather can then be used to create a 3D model of the services, indicating depth below the surface, service type, pipe/cable diameter and connecting inspection chambers.

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Underground services models are usually combined with topographical and building models – creating a clear picture of the intricacies of the site and the impact any works will have both above and below ground.

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Massing

Massing models are done generally where context is required, and so extend to cover a given area around the actual site. This is particularly useful when the nearby buildings are needed in basic detail to carry out studies for things such as lighting or circulation, and for providing planning drawings of the site and street.

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Most often models are only shown in our two most basic levels of detail. Most being mass only, with any buildings (or parts of buildings) where window and door extents need to be shown having basic openings included too.

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3D Mapping

If you need a greater extent of the surrounding context shown the our team can provide 3D mapping over much greater areas. In association with Vertex Modelling, and with a range of 4 levels of detail directly from photogrammetric 3D technology and high-resolution aerial imagery, these models have an amazing level of accuracy and are perfect for a range of purposes such as major site developments, town planning and phased works.

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These 3D models are available for anywhere in the UK and provide a cost-effective way to present you project accurately in-situ, allowing for amazing visualisation.

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Pre-construction / planning

Are you planning an extension? Maybe a whole new house? Do you need some drawings to submit? Why not get in touch? If you have a small project you need some planning advice and drawings for, we could be the people to call. Our in-house architectural team can assist you in the development of your project for pre-construction advice and planning applications. We can help bring your ideas to life and can even combine it with a basic survey of the existing building and site.

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Existing clients have really loved having the ability to view their project before it’s even started, and can’t believe how quick, easy and hassle free it is to change things! It makes things so much easier because you can get a clear idea of how your project is going to look, so if there is something you don’t quite like you can sort it before site work has even begun.

Drafting & Visualisation

Along with all our other 3D modelling options available we can also help you out if you have the drawings but not the software, or even just the time, available to turn these into a 3D model. Our drafting service enables every designer out there the opportunity to have 3D models of their projects!

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And don’t worry, you don’t need any special software to view it – we can turn your model into a 3D PDF, upload it to an online viewing platform, or model it in SketchUp, so that all you need is the link or file and an internet connection to view it. Can you imagine how excited your clients will be if they can show off their new house on their phone, or even share it on Facebook!

So, as you can see, 3D models really could change your life! And they can definitely change your project! All you must decide is which model or models you need.