3D files and deliverables: seven formats from a single scan

One scan, several files

When we scan a building with the Matterport Pro3 camera, we first get a 3D tour: dollhouse, floor plan view, measurement tool. That same model can then be the starting point for seven technical files. Our processing partner produces them from your scan; we order them and deliver them to you. Each file has a sample to download on its page, so you can see what you will receive before deciding. The summary table above compares formats, starting prices and turnaround; here is what each file is for.

The seven files, one by one

The E57 point cloud is the dense reference cloud, already registered. Architects, engineers and modellers open it in ReCap, Revit, AutoCAD or Civil 3D to draw the existing conditions. It contains no text.

The MatterPak is a lighter bundle: a colourized XYZ cloud, a textured OBJ mesh and plan images. It is used to visualize, check dimensions or prepare a base plan in 3ds Max, ReCap, Revit or AutoCAD. It contains no text either.

The schematic floor plan is a 2D floor plan, in PNG and PDF, handy for a listing, a lease file or a layout. It is included in the 3D scan packages; an additional plan is ordered at the price in the table. We offer it in French up to 10,000 sq. ft. and in English beyond, up to 25,000 sq. ft.

The CAD file (DWG) is a 2D drawing you edit in AutoCAD or compatible software. It comes in four variants, from architecture alone to the complete package with furniture and electrical. Labels are in English, layers follow ISO 13567, and the maximum floor area processed is 125,000 sq. ft.

The BIM model (Revit) is an RVT model you continue in Revit: walls, slabs, doors and windows, with variants that add furniture or MEP systems. The Revit template is in English. It is the file that takes the longest to produce.

The TruePlan is a sketch intended for Xactimate, the loss estimating software. It is delivered about 8 hours after the order, under 25,000 sq. ft., and covers up to 125,000 sq. ft.

The Sketch File is a loss sketch in FML format, for Cotality’s Claims Estimate. It is delivered immediately after the order, up to 25,000 sq. ft., with room names in English.

Which one to choose? A guide by need

Visualize the building. The MatterPak is the lightweight option: it gives a cloud, a mesh and plans. For a simple plan to attach to a file, the schematic floor plan is already included with the scan.

Measure and survey the existing conditions. The E57 cloud is the choice of teams that draw over a dense point cloud. If you would rather receive the drawing than make it, go for the DWG file.

Draw in 2D. The DWG file replaces a manual survey: you get drawings ready to edit in AutoCAD. Choose the variant according to whether you need furniture or electrical.

Model in 3D. The Revit model is for projects that work in BIM. Allow for the longest turnaround on the list.

Estimate a loss. The TruePlan goes into Xactimate; the Sketch File goes into Claims Estimate. Choose the one for the software your insurer or estimating firm uses: if in doubt, ask before ordering.

If your project falls between two needs, the 30-minute call settles it based on your software, your floor area and your schedule. You can also order a second file later, without scanning again.

Turnaround, language and limits

Turnaround runs from the moment you order the file: the Sketch File is delivered immediately, while the Revit model takes 5 to 22 business days; the summary table gives each file’s own. The MatterPak is available as soon as the model is processed. On language, the E57 and MatterPak files contain no text, the schematic floor plan is offered in French up to 10,000 sq. ft. and in English beyond, and the labels in the DWG file, the Revit model and the Sketch File are in English. The final floor area billed follows the area measured during processing, which may differ from your estimate. The supplier may delete the E57 cloud after three years: keep your own copy.

A supplier in Quebec

We scan in Montreal, the Montérégie, the Outaouais and across Quebec; beyond about 100 km from Montreal, a travel fee of $0.73/km applies, shared among the sites of the same trip. For an overview of 3D surveying, see our 3D building scan, check our rates or write to us.