Resources · French-speaking Switzerland

3D surveys, explained plainly.

Prices in CHF, levels of detail, SIA standards, choice of software: the guides we would have liked to find when looking for a scan-to-BIM provider, figures included.

PL. 01 · 9 min

How much does a 3D survey cost in French-speaking Switzerland? 2026 prices

Real CHF price ranges for a 3D survey or scan-to-BIM model in French-speaking Switzerland: villa, apartment building, shop. Public rates, 2-minute quote.

10 July 2026

PL. 02 · 10 min

3D building scanning: technologies, accuracy, uses (the guide)

Terrestrial, mobile or drone: the guide to 3D building scanning in French-speaking Switzerland. Real accuracy, workflow, deliverables, prices.

10 July 2026

PL. 03 · 7 min

LOD 100–400: which level of detail for your BIM model?

LOD 100 to 400 explained: what the model contains at each level, how it maps to SIA 102 phases, and the right level of detail for your project.

10 July 2026

PL. 04 · 8 min

SIA 416 areas: what your BIM model must be able to calculate

SIA 416 defines building areas (SP, SN, SUP…) and building volume. How a BIM model from a 3D survey calculates them automatically, and at what price.

10 July 2026

PL. 05 · 7 min

Scan-to-BIM: Revit or Archicad?

Revit or Archicad for your as-built model? An honest comparison for scan-to-BIM and the pitfalls of IFC conversions. Both delivered natively, same price.

10 July 2026

PL. 06 · 9 min

Commissioning a 3D survey: the model specification (checklist)

The 8 points a 3D survey specification must fix: scope, LOD, accuracy, formats, LV95, lead times, acceptance. A checklist to copy into your tender.

10 July 2026

PL. 07 · 7 min

The “pretty but dumb” model: how to check that a scan-to-BIM model is usable

Heavy families, empty parameters, wrong quantities: how to check that a scan-to-BIM model is actually usable. A 10-point acceptance checklist.

10 July 2026

PL. 08 · 7 min

Selling a property with its model: the 3D survey in the real estate transaction

An older property without reliable drawings sells less well. What a 3D survey adds to the sales file: SIA 416 areas, up-to-date drawings, BIMx walkthrough.

10 July 2026

PL. 09 · 6 min

Swiss public LiDAR (swisstopo) vs a dedicated scan: what does your project need?

Swiss public LiDAR covers the territory, not your building. When swisstopo is enough, when you need a dedicated scan, how to judge an existing point cloud.

10 July 2026

PL. 10 · 7 min

AI × scan-to-BIM: what really changes (and what does not)

AI speeds up point cloud segmentation and modelling. The reliability of an as-built BIM model is still an architect’s job. A field analysis.

10 July 2026

PL. 11 · 9 min

Architectural survey: traditional method or 3D scanning, how do you choose?

Architectural survey: manual, laser scanning or drone? Accuracy, costs and deliverables compared, and when a laser measure is still enough.

5 August 2026

PL. 12 · 11 min

Point cloud of a building: from laser capture to the BIM model

The 3D point cloud of a building: how it is produced, the E57, RCP and LAS formats explained, how to use it in Revit and ArchiCAD, and prices in CHF.

5 August 2026

PL. 13 · 8 min

Outdated archive drawings: the hidden risk in your renovation

Moved partitions, dimensions never checked: why a building's archive drawings lie, and how a 3D survey secures your renovation in Switzerland.

5 August 2026

PL. 14 · 7 min

iPhone 3D scan or professional laser scanner: which is enough for your project?

iPhone LiDAR, Polycam, virtual tour or laser scanner? Real accuracy, when a smartphone is enough and when a professional survey becomes essential.

5 August 2026

PL. 15 · 9 min

Adding storeys to a building: why everything starts with a 3D survey

Adding storeys or converting an attic: the data a feasibility study needs, from 3D scanning to the as-built BIM model, with prices in CHF.

5 August 2026

PL. 16 · 8 min

CECB and energy retrofit: what to do when the drawings are out of date?

CECB certificate, retrofit options, subsidies: without reliable drawings, everything rests on estimates. What a 3D envelope survey changes, and its price.

5 August 2026

PL. 17 · 8 min

HBIM: why 3D scanning is the obvious choice for built heritage

HBIM: applying 3D scanning and BIM modelling to historic buildings. Contactless survey, point cloud archive, cantonal requirements, prices.

5 August 2026

PL. 18 · 9 min

Is BIM mandatory in Switzerland? What changes from 2025 to 2030

BIM is becoming the rule in Swiss public procurement: KBOB timeline, SIA 2051, BIM permit filing in Geneva, and what it means for existing buildings.

5 August 2026

PL. 19 · 9 min

IFC and openBIM: how do you exchange a model without breaking it?

What is an IFC file? Versions 2x3 and IFC4, export from Revit or Archicad, what is lost in conversion, and why to insist on the native file as well.

5 August 2026

PL. 20 · 7 min

Digital twin of a building: where to (really) start?

The building digital twin is a four-storey pyramid, and most portfolios in French-speaking Switzerland lack its base: accurate plans. Where to start.

5 August 2026

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