With tighter budgets, complex systems, and growing sustainability goals, accuracy and efficiency are critical to staying on track and ahead of risk in the construction industry.
Energy management and digital infrastructure are becoming the foundation of every successful project, and that’s where 3D LiDAR technology comes in. It is an essential tool for capturing data in real-time, turning physical spaces into high-detail digital models that teams can trust, share, and act on confidently.
What is 3D LiDAR?
According to the United States Geological Survey, LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging. This technology creates high-resolution models by measuring distances to objects using laser pulses. By calculating the time it takes for each pulse to bounce back, the scanner creates a point cloud or a detailed 3D representation of the scanned environment.
At Insight Services & Co., we use this across several industries, like architecture, facility management, real estate, and urban planning.
Leica’s BLK2GO technology powers our handheld 3D LiDAR Scanner, capturing 420,000 points per second using a combination of LiDAR SLAM, visual SLAM, and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) technologies to orient itself in 3D space and scan while in motion.
How Does 3D LiDAR Help in Construction?
Traditional construction planning relied on manual measurements, outdated blueprints, or repeated site visits. With 3D LiDAR scanning, you can quickly and accurately digitize a building or construction site.
For general contractors and project managers, this translates to fewer return visits to the job site, faster, more precise planning, and real-time collaboration with stakeholders using shareable 3D data.
This has several applications and benefits across industries, including maintenance planning, space management, city planning, infrastructure development, transportation projects, and even enhancing marketing efforts.
Whether working on renovations, retrofits, or new builds, 3D scans ensure you start with reliable, up-to-date information. This leads to fewer errors, smoother coordination across teams, and tighter control over your project scope, schedule, and budget, the areas we help our clients manage through our project management services with our Smart Building Solutions.
Energy Optimization Starts with Visibility
Energy efficiency starts with data. With 3D LiDAR, building managers and energy consultants gain a detailed view of mechanical systems, layouts, placements, and insulation areas.
Insight’s handheld scanner enables high-detail mapping that supports:
- Space planning and redesign
- Smart system integration
- Facility and operations management
These digital models help teams plan upgrades that improve energy performance, reduce consumption, and support long-term sustainability goals.
We work closely with stakeholders in technology infrastructure to ensure they have the tools and insights needed to future-proof their spaces.
Real-World Efficiency Gains
One of the most significant advantages of Insight’s 3D LiDAR solution is speed. Most jobs—from small facilities to multi-acre campuses—can be scanned in hours or days, not weeks, providing a dimensionally accurate, shareable digital model that accelerates planning and minimizes costly delays.
This technology benefits highly complex or limited downtime sectors, including manufacturing, utilities, or large-scale commercial spaces.
3D LiDAR captures the whole picture once, accurately, and in real time. From there, you can analyze, plan, and execute with confidence.
At Insight, we provide the tools, expertise, staffing, and support to integrate them into your workflow management strategy.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you unlock a more innovative, more efficient built environment.
