GDS prepares scope-defined facility scanning proposals after reviewing the information below. The more completely you can answer these seven questions, the more precise and competitive the proposal will be. If you can only answer some of them, submit what you have , the GDS project team will identify any gaps during the scoping call.
GDS Project Support
Most physical-to-digital projects touch more than one discipline. Depending on the scope, GDS can support the workflow from field capture through usable engineering deliverables with 3D Laser Scanning, 3D Modeling, reverse engineering, and Consulting.
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Scope note: Accuracy, tolerance, deliverable format, registration method, pricing structure, schedule, access conditions, safety requirements, and any certification or compliance needs should be defined in the quote, proposal, or statement of work. This article is educational and should not be treated as a project guarantee.
Seven Pieces of Information That Enable a Scope-Defined Proposal
1. Facility Location and Site Address GDS needs the physical location to assess mobilization logistics, travel time, accommodation requirements, and applicable site safety regulations. For remote sites, location information is critical for accurate cost development.
2. Approximate Facility Size (Area and Height) Provide total floor area in square metres or square feet, number of floors or elevation levels to be scanned, and approximate ceiling or structure height at the highest point to be captured. "Our compressor building is approximately 40 m × 25 m (131 ft × 82 ft) on two levels, with an apex height of 14 m (46 ft)" is the ideal format.
3. Scope of Areas to Be Scanned Describe which specific areas, bays, rooms, or zones require scanning , not just the overall facility footprint. "We need the entire compressor hall plus the adjacent pipe rack section from column line A to column line G" produces a more accurate proposal than "the whole plant." Reference the facility scan scope discussion if you have read How Much of My Facility Needs to Be Scanned?.
4. Required Deliverables Specify exactly what you need at project completion: - Registered point cloud only (.e57, .rcp, .las)? - Point cloud plus 2D drawings? - Full as-built BIM model (Revit, AutoCAD, IFC)? - If BIM: specify LOD (200, 300, 350) and disciplines to be modeled
The deliverable specification is the single most impactful driver of project cost. "A registered point cloud in .e57 and .rcp format" and "a LOD 300 multi-discipline Revit model" are two completely different project scopes with very different price points.
5. Site Access Conditions and Constraints Describe access restrictions that will affect field operations: - Is the facility live and operational during scanning? - Are confined space entry permits required for any areas? - Are elevated work permits required (scaffold, lift, rope access)? - Is scanning restricted to specific shifts (day, night, shutdown only)? - Are there ATEX or hazardous area zone classifications?
Each access restriction adds field time and cost. Disclosing constraints upfront ensures the proposal covers them rather than discovering them during mobilization.
6. Required Accuracy In many facility documentation projects, a standard terrestrial LiDAR workflow may be appropriate, but the required tolerance should be confirmed during scoping. If your project requires higher precision , for example, equipment foundation alignment verification or prefabrication fit-up , specify the required accuracy so GDS can select the appropriate scanner technology.
7. Desired Project Timeline Provide your required delivery date and, if applicable, the shutdown or access window during which field scanning must be completed. Rush scheduling is available for critical projects.
What Happens After You Submit
1. Within 4 business hours: GDS confirms receipt and assigns a project engineer to review your submission 2. Scoping call (if needed): For complex or large-scale projects, GDS may schedule a 30-minute call to clarify scope before building the proposal 3. Within after scope review: You receive a scope-defined, written proposal with defined deliverables, timeline, exclusions, and payment terms 4. On acceptance: GDS confirms the site visit date, issues a project kickoff document, and begins target and registration planning
Optional , Helpful But Not Required
The following information is not required to initiate a proposal but significantly improves proposal accuracy:
- Existing facility drawings (PDF, DWG) showing area boundaries and equipment layout
- Previous scan data if a partial scan exists and this project extends coverage
- Equipment list with manufacturer and model numbers (for BIM family research)
- P&ID or process flow diagram relevant to the scan zone
- Photos of the facility interior from multiple angles
Quick Facts
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The next best article depends on where you are in the project. These suggested reads connect this topic to the next practical decision your team is likely to face.
FAQ
How quickly can GDS provide a facility scanning quote?
GDS delivers scope-defined facility scanning proposals after the required scoping inputs are reviewed of receiving the seven scoping inputs. For large or complex projects requiring a scoping call, the proposal follows after the scope, assumptions, and deliverables are clarified.
What if I don't know the exact size of my facility?
An approximate size estimate is sufficient to begin the proposal process. the GDS project team will refine the scope during the scoping call or on receipt of any existing facility drawings. Submit what you know , GDS will identify what additional information is needed.
Do I need to be on site during the scan?
A site contact who can provide access, escort GDS personnel through security, and identify any areas that must not be scanned is required. The site contact does not need to be an engineer or technical specialist , a facilities manager or maintenance supervisor is appropriate.
Ready to Scope Your Project?
Submit the seven scoping inputs above and GDS can prepare a project-specific proposal after reviewing the required scope, access, deliverables, schedule, and project assumptions , no hidden costs, with the project assumptions clearly stated.