Drone 3D scanning combines high-resolution aerial photogrammetry with precise digital processing to produce faithful 3D surveys of buildings and infrastructure. In Switzerland it is transforming the work of architects, engineers and design offices by greatly reducing on-site survey time.
What is drone 3D scanning?
The drone acts as a data-capture vehicle: its high-resolution cameras take hundreds of photos from different angles, which photogrammetry software turns into a cleaned, georeferenced 3D point cloud. That point cloud is a reliable base for your own BIM modelling, CAD plans or technical analysis.
Result: a complete, metric survey of a building in a few hours, where traditional methods take several days on site.
Deliverables
| Format | Use |
|---|---|
| LAS / LAZ point cloud | GIS, topographic analysis, deformation monitoring |
| DWG / DXF | Direct import into AutoCAD, ArchiCAD |
| IFC / Revit | Reference point cloud for your BIM modelling (Revit, ArchiCAD) |
| GeoTIFF (orthophoto) | Georeferenced scaled plans |
| SketchUp / OBJ | 3D visualisation, client presentations |
Plans and prices
Three plans adapted to the complexity of your project:
| Plan | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Scan Essential | CHF 690 | First assessment, preliminary plan, light inspection |
| Scan Pro | CHF 1,450 | Technical plans, preliminary designs, study files |
| Scan Project | CHF 2,100 | Demanding projects, ±0.5–2 cm accuracy, georeferenced data |
Files are delivered within 3 days (Essential), 4 days (Pro) or 5 days (Project). All CAD/BIM formats are included according to the plan.
Accuracy and performance
- Metric accuracy: 5–10 cm as standard, ±2–3 cm with Scan Pro
- Scan Project accuracy: ±0.5–2 cm with ground control points
- Image resolution: up to 50 MP
- Area covered: from a few hundred m² to several hectares per mission
Use cases in French-speaking Switzerland
Renovation and extension upwards
Before any renovation or added storey, an accurate 3D survey of the existing building is essential. Drone scanning avoids sizing errors and eases coordination with tradespeople.
Site control and acceptance
Compare what has been built with the execution plans: the scan reveals dimensional deviations, misalignments or non-conformities before acceptance of the works.
Heritage documentation
Digital inventory of historic buildings, documentation for cantonal heritage commissions, or 3D models for promotion.
Missing plans
Many Swiss buildings predate computers and have no digital plans. Drone scanning produces as-built DWG plans in a few hours, with the raw point cloud available on top.
Drone scan vs traditional methods
| Criterion | Drone scan | Manual survey | Terrestrial laser scanner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time on site | 2–4h | 1–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Accuracy | ±0.5–10 cm | ±1–5 cm | ±0.1–1 cm |
| Roof coverage | Complete | Limited / impossible | Partial |
| Cost | CHF 690–2,100 | CHF 1,500–6,000 | CHF 3,000–10,000 |
Areas we serve
Inspection Drone works across French-speaking Switzerland: Lausanne and the canton of Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Valais and the Jura.
Read also: drone or surveyor? Choosing the right survey method.
Read also: bridge and engineering structure inspection by drone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a drone 3D scan cost?
Three plans: Scan Essential CHF 690, Scan Pro CHF 1,450, Scan Project CHF 2,100.
How accurate is it?
5 to 10 cm as standard; ±2 to 3 cm with Scan Pro; ±0.5 to 2 cm with Scan Project, using ground control points.
Which files do I receive, and when?
LAS/LAZ point cloud, DWG/DXF, IFC/Revit reference cloud, GeoTIFF orthophoto, SketchUp/OBJ, depending on the plan. Delivery within 3 days (Essential), 4 days (Pro) or 5 days (Project).
Request your quote
Surface, complexity, required formats: every project is different. We reply within 24h with a tailored offer. FOCA-certified pilots, photogrammetry engineers, files delivered within 3 to 5 days.
Inspection Drone — FOCA A1/A2/A3 certified · French-speaking Switzerland · +41 76 581 60 78