How 3D Laser Scanning is Priced
Most commercial 3D laser scanning projects are priced on a project basis rather than hourly. This means you receive a fixed quote for the entire project—including on-site scanning, data processing, and deliverable creation—based on your specific requirements.
Project-based pricing provides cost certainty: you know the total investment before work begins, with no surprises or hourly overruns. The quote is based on an assessment of the scope, complexity, and deliverable requirements.
While some providers offer daily rates or hourly billing, project-based pricing is more common for commercial work because it better reflects the value delivered and aligns incentives—the provider is motivated to complete the work efficiently.
Major Cost Factors
Several factors significantly influence the cost of a 3D laser scanning project:
1. Site Size
Larger sites require more scan positions and more time on-site. A 5,000 square foot office space might require 10-15 scan positions, while a 100,000 square foot warehouse could require 60-80 positions or more.
Typical scanning rates for commercial spaces range from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet per day, depending on complexity. Larger projects simply require more time for both data capture and processing.
2. Site Complexity
Complex geometries, multiple floors, mechanical rooms, and congested spaces take longer to scan and process. A simple open warehouse scans faster than a multi-story office building with numerous rooms, stairwells, and mechanical systems. Complexity factors include:
- Number of rooms and spaces
- Ceiling heights and multi-floor layouts
- Amount of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Presence of obstructions that require additional scan positions
- Difficult-to-access areas requiring special equipment
3. Deliverable Type and Detail Level
Different deliverables require different levels of effort during post-processing:
| Deliverable Type | Processing Effort | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Point Cloud Only | Low (registration and cleanup) | $ |
| 2D CAD Floor Plans | Medium (extraction and drafting) | $ |
| 3D BIM Model | High (modeling and attribution) | $$ |
| Detailed As-Built Drawings | High (extraction, detailing, notation) | $$ |
Point cloud-only delivery is the most affordable option because it requires minimal post-processing. CAD drawings and BIM models require substantial additional work extracting information from the point cloud and creating deliverables.
4. Accessibility and Safety Requirements
Sites requiring special access equipment or safety protocols increase project cost. Factors include:
- Need for scissor lifts, boom lifts, or scaffolding to access high areas
- Confined space entry requirements
- Hot work permits or other safety documentation
- Escort requirements or security clearances
- After-hours or weekend work to avoid disrupting operations
5. Occupied vs. Vacant Facilities
Occupied buildings with furniture, equipment, and ongoing operations take longer to scan. Scanners must work around obstacles, and the resulting point cloud requires more cleanup to remove temporary objects.
Vacant facilities scan more efficiently because there are fewer obstructions and less data cleanup required. If possible, scheduling scanning during a vacancy or before furniture installation can reduce costs.
6. Travel Distance
Projects outside a service provider's immediate area may include travel charges. For Phoenix-area projects, providers typically include local travel in their base pricing. Projects in outlying areas (Prescott, Flagstaff, Tucson) may include mileage charges or travel time fees.
7. Timeline Requirements
Expedited delivery typically involves premium pricing. Standard turnaround for most projects is 3-10 business days after on-site scanning. If you need deliverables faster (rush project), expect to pay 25-50% more due to rearranged schedules and prioritized processing.
Similarly, projects requiring after-hours or weekend scanning to avoid disrupting operations may include premium rates.
Typical Price Ranges in Phoenix
While every project is unique, here are general price ranges for common commercial 3D laser scanning projects in the Phoenix area:
| Project Type | Typical Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small Office or Retail | 2,000-10,000 sq ft | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Medium Commercial Building | 10,000-30,000 sq ft | $4,000-$8,000 |
| Large Office or Warehouse | 30,000-100,000 sq ft | $7,000-$15,000 |
| Industrial Facility | Varies (high complexity) | $10,000-$25,000+ |
| Multi-Building Campus | Multiple buildings | $15,000-$50,000+ |
These ranges assume point cloud delivery plus basic 2D floor plans. Projects requiring detailed BIM models or comprehensive as-built drawings will be at the higher end or above these ranges. Always request detailed quotes for your specific project.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
To receive accurate pricing for your project, provide potential vendors with:
- Site information: Address, size (square footage), number of floors
- Scope description: What areas need to be scanned? Interior only, exterior, or both?
- Deliverable requirements: What do you need? Point cloud, CAD drawings, BIM model, specific file formats?
- Level of detail: Do you need general documentation or detailed as-built drawings?
- Timeline: When do you need scanning completed? When do you need deliverables?
- Site conditions: Occupied or vacant? Any special access or safety requirements?
- Budget constraints: If you have a specific budget, mention it—vendors can sometimes adjust scope to fit
Evaluating Cost vs. Value
When evaluating quotes, consider value—not just price. A lower quote might involve lower-quality equipment, less comprehensive coverage, minimal post-processing, or no follow-up support.
A slightly higher quote might include professional-grade equipment with documented accuracy, more scan positions ensuring complete coverage, thorough data processing and quality control, and follow-up support with reasonable revisions.
The goal is accurate, usable data that supports your project goals—not simply the lowest price. Poor-quality scan data can cost more in the long run if it requires re-scanning or causes design errors.