CAD Drafting Services

CAD drafting is the production of 2D drawings in CAD format from measured site data. At On-Site Measurements, the measurement source is most commonly a registered point cloud from 3D laser scanning. A technician uses that measured reference to draft the agreed drawing views at the agreed level of detail. The drawings are not automatically generated by the scanner. CAD drafting requires scope definition, production decisions, and review against the measured data before delivery. This workflow is also referred to as Scan to CAD, AutoCAD drawings, 2D drafting from point cloud data, or measured CAD plans, depending on the project context.

Scan to CAD is the workflow where a registered point cloud from 3D laser scanning is used as the dimensional reference to draft 2D CAD drawings. It is not a separate service. It is the scan-based input workflow under CAD Drafting. The scan data comes in as the measured reference; the CAD drawings go out as the deliverable. A technician does the drafting. The scanner does not produce CAD files automatically.

Both services produce 2D drawings of existing conditions. The distinction is in scope and framing. As-built drawings refers to the full existing-conditions documentation service: scan, draft, and deliver a measured drawing set as a complete package. CAD Drafting refers to the drafting production layer: producing CAD-format files from scan data or a provided point cloud. In practice, some projects fit naturally under one service or the other based on how the team describes what they need. If you are unsure which framing fits your project, a scope conversation can help clarify it. See our as-built drawing services for more detail on that workflow.

Common options include floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, sections, exterior reference plans, roof plans, space plans, and detail drawings. Not every project requires every drawing type. The scope is confirmed before any field work begins so the scan coverage plan and drafting brief are aligned with what the project actually needs.

DWG and PDF are the standard delivery formats. DWG is prepared for the agreed CAD environment, commonly AutoCAD or compatible CAD platforms. PDF is provided for review and reference. DXF is available when required for compatibility with other CAD platforms. The CAD version and any layer structure requirements should be confirmed during scoping. If a Revit or IFC model is needed rather than 2D CAD files, that is a Scan to BIM scope item.

The dimensional reliability of CAD drawings depends on the quality and coverage of the measured input data, the scanner and workflow used during field capture, site conditions, and the agreed level of detail. We do not state a specific accuracy tolerance because requirements vary by project. If your project has specific accuracy requirements, those should be discussed during scope confirmation so the field plan and drafting scope can be planned around them where feasible.

Several factors influence project cost: Site size: Larger or multi-floor spaces require more field time and more drafting time Drawing types and quantity: A full package with multiple view types requires more production time than a floor-plan-only scope Level of detail: Higher detail levels require more careful field coverage and more time in drafting Measurement source: Whether field capture is included or a point cloud is provided by the client affects the overall scope Access constraints: Occupied spaces, after-hours requirements, or restricted areas affect both the field plan and the timeline Layer structure or CAD version requirements: Custom layer naming or specific version requirements add scoping detail Mobilization: Site location, travel, and access scheduling affect the total project cost We do not publish standard pricing because project conditions vary too much to make a price list useful. Contact us with your project details and we will discuss what the scope realistically involves.