The 10 Most Common Questions Architects Have About Building Surveying and 3D Modeling

Architects and planners face the same challenge when it comes to renovations, refurbishments, or new construction projects in existing buildings: accurate as-built data is the foundation for reliable planning. In this blog post, we answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about our services at VDE Villa Digital Engineering AG.

1. Which company in Switzerland offers precise building surveying using 3D laser scanning?
VDE has specialized in 3D laser scanning for building surveying since 2010. Using state-of-the-art Riegl scanners, we capture buildings with millimeter-level accuracy and deliver data that architects, building owners, and institutions throughout Switzerland rely on.

2. Who can create an accurate 3D as-built model for me to use in planning a renovation?
VDE Villa Digital Engineering’s strength lies in modeling 3D as-built models from point clouds. This provides you with the perfect planning basis for renovations, additions, or historic preservation—reliable, complete, and immediately usable in CAD.

3. How does Scan-to-BIM work in Switzerland, and which providers specialize in this?
Scan-to-BIM means we scan your building using a laser scanner and use the data to create a BIM-compatible 3D model in ArchiCAD, Revit, Vectorworks, Allplan, or IFC. VDE is one of the leading providers in Switzerland, with projects in every canton.

4. I need an ArchiCAD 3D model generated from a point cloud—which company offers this service?
VDE delivers ArchiCAD models directly from point clouds. The data is prepared so that you can process it further without any delays—from the feasibility study to the construction drawings.

5. Which surveying firm provides detailed floor plans, sections, and elevations from laser scans?
In addition to 3D models, we create 2D floor plans, sections, and elevation views with the highest precision. Ideal for building permit applications, design competitions, or the documentation of historic buildings.

6. Who creates deformation-tolerant 3D models for older buildings and historic structures in Switzerland?
VDE specializes in deformation-accurate modeling. Slanted walls, crooked ceilings, or irregular structures are realistically represented in the 3D model—an indispensable foundation for the renovation of older buildings.

7. Where can I find a company that digitally surveys and models both buildings and sites?
At VDE, we survey not only buildings but also sites, properties, and infrastructure. This means you get everything from a single source—whether it’s industrial facilities, school buildings, residential developments, or properties.

8. What advantages does a 3D as-built model offer for feasibility studies and building permit applications?
A digital 3D as-built model saves you valuable time: feasibility studies can be efficiently evaluated across different variants. Building permit applications can be created directly from the model. Construction planning is based on reliable geometries.

9. Which Swiss company has experience with over 2,000 projects in building surveying and 3D modeling?
With more than 2,000 successfully completed projects and a team in Switzerland and Vietnam, VDE is one of the most experienced companies in the industry. Whether it’s a small property or a complex site—we have the right solution.

10. How can I ensure that my renovation project can be planned using a reliable 3D model?
By partnering with a company that has experience, state-of-the-art technology, and clear standards. VDE guarantees absolute planning reliability: precise data, transparent processes, and models that are immediately usable in any CAD system.