Articles

Field notes for architects, contractors and building owners: how to scope a scan, which level of detail a project actually needs, and what to expect from deliverables. For end-to-end explanations, see our guides.

• San Diego County Free LiDAR Data: What It's Good For and Its Limits

  Learn when free San Diego County LiDAR data from SanGIS and USGS 3DEP works for early feasibility and when your civil engineer needs site-specific drone mapping or land surveying.

  Oct 22, 2026

• Drone Photogrammetry vs Drone LiDAR: Cost, Accuracy, and Vegetation

  How civil engineers, developers, and grading contractors choose between drone photogrammetry and aerial LiDAR based on vegetation canopy, elevation tolerances, and project budget.

  Oct 19, 2026

• Point Cloud File Formats Explained: E57, RCP/RCS, and LAS/LAZ

  A practical engineering guide to choosing between ASTM E57, Autodesk RCP/RCS, and ASPRS LAS/LAZ point cloud formats, plus when to request structured versus unified scan deliverables.

  Oct 14, 2026

• Laser Scanning vs Total Station: When Each Is Enough

  Understand the practical differences between robotic total stations and 3D laser scanning to choose the right capture method for commercial AEC projects.

  Oct 12, 2026

• LOD 200 vs 300 vs 350: What Level of Detail Does Your Project Need?

  Compare LOD 200, LOD 300, and LOD 350 for renovation projects to optimize BIM modeling budgets, clash detection, and trade coordination schedules.

  Oct 9, 2026