Engineering-Grade LiDAR to CAD Workflows for the Sydney CBD
In the Sydney CBD, engineering and construction projects rarely start with clean drawings. Buildings are dense, services are congested, and many assets have undergone decades of undocumented upgrades. For mechanical engineers, designers, and builders, relying on legacy drawings or assumptions can quickly lead to clashes, rework, and costly delays.
This is where Scan to CAD Sydney workflows provide measurable value.
At Hamilton By Design, Scan to CAD is not just about capturing a point cloud. It is an engineering-led process that converts high-accuracy FARO Focus S70 LiDAR scanning into usable, fabrication-ready CAD models that support real-world decisions across design, retrofit, and construction.
What “Scan to CAD” Means in the Sydney CBD
Scan to CAD is the process of:
- Capturing existing site conditions using terrestrial LiDAR
- Registering and validating the point cloud
- Converting the scan data into structured CAD models and drawings
In the Sydney CBD, this workflow is commonly used for:
- Commercial building refurbishments
- Mechanical and services upgrades
- Heritage and façade works
- Plant room replacements
- Fit-out coordination in live buildings
Unlike visual-only scanning, Scan to CAD focuses on engineering accuracy, not just appearance.
Why the FARO Focus S70 Is Used for Scan to CAD Projects
Hamilton By Design uses the FARO Focus S70 for Sydney CBD projects because it is purpose-built for high-accuracy, tripod-based terrestrial scanning in complex environments.
Key advantages include:
- Millimetre-level local accuracy
- Reliable geometry capture in tight interiors
- Excellent colour data for identifying materials and services
- Stable scanning in occupied and operational buildings
This makes the S70 ideal for office towers, retail spaces, basements, plant rooms, risers, and congested ceiling voids, where handheld or mobile scanners often lack the precision required for engineering design.
Typical Scan to CAD Applications in Sydney
Commercial Building As-Builts
Office buildings in the CBD often require accurate as-built documentation before refurbishment or tenant upgrades. FARO S70 scanning captures:
- Structural grids and columns
- Walls, slabs, stairs, and cores
- Ceiling heights and penetrations
These are converted into CAD models and drawings that architects and engineers can trust.
MEP and Services Coordination
One of the most common Scan to CAD uses in Sydney is services coordination. LiDAR scanning accurately captures:
- HVAC ductwork
- Pipework and valves
- Cable trays and electrical services
- Fire systems and hydraulics
Hamilton By Design models these services in SolidWorks, enabling clash detection, retrofit design, and fabrication-ready outputs.
Plant Rooms and Building Services Spaces
CBD plant rooms are often space-constrained and undocumented. Scan to CAD workflows support:
- Equipment replacement
- Skid and frame design
- Pipe rerouting and upgrades
Accurate models allow new equipment to be designed to fit first time, reducing shutdown risk.
Construction Verification and Digital QA
Scan to CAD is increasingly used for:
- Installed vs design verification
- Fit-up checks before fabrication
- Quality assurance and compliance reporting
This provides a defensible digital record of what has actually been built.
From Point Cloud to CAD: An Engineer-Led Process
At Hamilton By Design, Scan to CAD does not stop at data capture.
Our workflow includes:
- Engineer-supervised scanning
- Controlled point cloud registration
- Interpretation of scan data by mechanical engineers
- CAD modelling aligned to fabrication and FEA requirements
The result is not just a model, but engineering intent embedded in the CAD, suitable for downstream use in:
- Fabrication drawings
- Structural checks
- Installation planning
- Asset documentation
Why Scan to CAD Matters in the Sydney CBD
Sydney CBD projects are defined by:
- Limited access
- Tight construction tolerances
- High labour and downtime costs
- Zero tolerance for rework
Scan to CAD reduces risk by:
- Eliminating assumptions
- Providing accurate geometry
- Supporting better design decisions early
- Reducing clashes and site modifications
For builders, consultants, and asset owners, this translates directly into time and cost savings.
Scan to CAD Sydney with Hamilton By Design
Hamilton By Design specialises in engineering-grade Scan to CAD services in Sydney, combining:
- FARO Focus S70 LiDAR scanning
- SolidWorks CAD modelling
- Mechanical engineering expertise
- Fabrication-ready documentation
Our approach is deliberately practical. Every scan is captured with a clear understanding of how the data will be used, whether for retrofit design, services coordination, or construction verification.
If your Sydney CBD project requires accurate as-built data you can actually design from, Scan to CAD Sydney provides a proven pathway from reality to reliable CAD.
Our clients:
3D LiDAR Laser Scanning & Drafting Services in Chatswood & Greater Sydney