1. The direct answer
Point cloud to CAD means a drafter traces the scan into flat 2D drawings: floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, and sections, delivered as DWG or DXF for AutoCAD and similar packages. Scan to BIM means a modeller builds a 3D model of intelligent objects such as walls, doors, and pipes, each carrying data, delivered as a Revit model. CAD answers "what does each view look like". BIM answers "what is every element, where is it, and how does it relate to the rest".
If your workflow lives in 2D and you need drawings to document or mark up, CAD is the efficient choice. If you need to coordinate disciplines, detect clashes, or carry quantities and data through design, BIM is the right deliverable even though it costs more.
2. What each deliverable contains
A point cloud to CAD package is a set of 2D linework drawings at the levels and views you request. Lines represent walls, openings, fixtures, and key features at a chosen cut height. The drawings are dimensionally accurate to the scan but hold no 3D depth or object data.
A scan to BIM model is three dimensional. Each element knows what it is, so a wall is a wall with a type, thickness, and height, not just two parallel lines. From that model you can cut any plan or section automatically, run clash detection, and schedule areas and quantities.
3. Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Point cloud to CAD | Scan to BIM |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 2D drawings (plans, elevations, sections) | 3D parametric model |
| Typical format | DWG, DXF | Revit (RVT), plus IFC on request |
| Data per element | None, lines only | Type, size, material, parameters |
| Clash detection | Not possible | Yes, across disciplines |
| Quantities and schedules | Manual | Automatic from the model |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | 2D documentation, quick markup | Coordination, design, asset data |
4. File formats you will receive
- CAD route: DWG or DXF 2D drawings, optionally with the point cloud underlay as RCP
- BIM route: native Revit (RVT) model, with IFC for open exchange on request
- Both routes: the registered point cloud in E57 or RCP so you can verify against reality
State your target software so we export once in the right format. Our point cloud file formats guide explains when to ask for E57, RCP, or DWG.
5. Accuracy is the same; detail differs
Both deliverables come from the same measured point cloud, so the underlying accuracy is identical. The difference is how much information is carried forward. CAD drawings hold accurate geometry in 2D. BIM carries accurate geometry in 3D plus object data. Neither invents detail the scan did not capture.
6. Cost and turnaround
Point cloud to CAD is faster and cheaper because drafting 2D views takes less labour than building a full 3D model. Scan to BIM costs more and takes longer, but it removes coordination risk and produces data you reuse across the whole project. For indicative figures, see the scanning cost guide and try the pricing calculator.
7. How to decide
- Need only 2D drawings to document or mark up? Choose point cloud to CAD
- Coordinating multiple disciplines or detecting clashes? Choose scan to BIM
- Carrying quantities, areas, or asset data through design? Choose scan to BIM
- Tight budget and a simple 2D workflow? Choose point cloud to CAD
- Unsure or the project may grow? Take the cloud now and decide later