We believe in being upfront about what laser scanning can and cannot deliver. This page explains our professional standards, the real-world factors that affect scan accuracy, and how you can verify our data yourself — before you use it for anything.
CADSense operates two distinct laser scanning technologies in-house. The accuracy figures, limitations, and appropriate applications are different for each. The rest of this page covers TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) — our tripod-mounted, highest-precision method. If your project may involve SLAM, read this section first.
The scanner is stationary at each position — no movement error. Each point is measured with the full precision of the instrument. Best for complex machinery, pipework, structural connections, and any project where small objects must be precisely measured or where tight tolerances matter.
This is what the rest of this page covers. All accuracy statements, stat figures, and limitations below relate to TLS scanning.
The operator walks continuously while the scanner builds a live 3D map. Faster and lower cost than TLS, but with a broader accuracy tolerance and reduced fine detail on smaller objects. Fine edges can appear softer, and flat surfaces may show small point-to-point variation.
SLAM is excellent for civil, earthmoving, large buildings, BIM, and sites where overall layout and the "big picture" matter more than millimetre-level detail. Not ideal for dense pipework or tight fabrication tolerances.
Most scanning companies publish a single accuracy number and leave it at that. We think that's misleading — because scan accuracy isn't a fixed property of the scanner alone. Here's the honest picture.
Scan accuracy is the combined result of many interacting factors: the surfaces being measured, the distances involved, the number of scan positions, the environment on the day, and how all those positions are mathematically combined into one dataset. Every site is different.
A single number — say "±2mm" — applied to all projects would either be so conservative as to be useless, or so optimistic as to be dishonest. Rather than a guarantee we can't honestly make, we offer something more useful: transparent information about what affects accuracy, realistic expectations for your site, and a delivery process that lets you verify the data yourself before you commit to using it.
Point cloud data is uniquely self-verifiable. You can measure a known distance on site, compare it to the same measurement in our online viewer, and make a direct go / no-go decision. That check takes minutes — and we actively encourage it.
These are real-world figures based on professional practice — not theoretical instrument specifications under lab conditions.
Pipework, cabling, ductwork, and services. Scan accuracy is rarely a concern — natural fitment tolerance easily covers it. Use the data with confidence.
Bolt holes, flanges, existing pipework. We recommend a physical check of critical connection points before fabrication. This is standard industry practice.
Precision-machined components or very tight-tolerance fit-out. A site visit to verify critical dimensions before fabrication is strongly advisable.
The most challenging material type. Polished stainless causes beam scatter and phantom points. We explain this in detail in the full document — always advise us upfront.
For projects with contractual accuracy obligations or where an independent verification record is required, it is possible to have a licensed surveyor place control targets on site using a total station prior to scanning. These targets are directly measurable in the finished point cloud, providing a fully independent accuracy check against known coordinates. This is arranged and funded by the client using their own surveyor — it is genuinely not required for most commercial and industrial projects, and our standard self-verification approach is sufficient in the vast majority of cases. If this is relevant to your project, please discuss it with us before we mobilise.
Please note: this option does not alter our standard limitation of liability. What it does provide is an independent statement of the delivered point cloud's accuracy — giving you an objective, third-party verified reference before you choose to use the data on your project.
Using the data. We apply professional skill, care and industry-standard equipment to every project, and scan accuracy depends on the site conditions described above. We don't commit to a specific numerical accuracy unless it's been agreed in writing beforehand and the work scoped to suit. Measurements taken from a point cloud are the responsibility of whoever takes them, so please verify critical dimensions on site before fabrication or installation — that's standard practice, and we'd do the same. Our full accuracy statement and limitation of liability is in the Accuracy, Precision & Limitations document.
Accuracy, Precision & Limitations statement — version 1.0, May 2026. This page last updated 27 July 2026.
Our full Accuracy, Precision & Limitations document covers everything in plain language — written so any client can understand it, with the technical detail to back it up.
A 5-page professional standards document covering: individual vs. registration accuracy, scan range, surface colour and reflectance, stainless steel and reflective environments, manufacturer reference data, practical guidance by trade type, and our formal accuracy statement and limitation of liability. Published for client reference — no sign-up required.
New clients: we also provide a separate Client Acknowledgement & Acceptance of Service Terms document for signature before your first project. This covers our delivery process, your data checking responsibilities, our 7-day concern window, and data storage terms. Ask us for a copy when you get in touch.
If you have specific accuracy requirements, challenging materials, or unusual site conditions — tell us upfront. We'll design the right methodology and set realistic expectations before work begins.
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