Data Formats & File Exchange Standards

Your project may involve:

• Architects
• Structural engineers
• MEP designers
• Contractors
• Heritage specialists
• Planners
• FM & asset managers
• BIM coordinators
• Offsite manufacturers

Each of these teams uses different software and workflows.

If the survey data is not delivered in the correct format, costs and delays multiply.

We provide formats that:

• Import cleanly
• Maintain accuracy
• Follow UK BIM modelling standards
• Avoid unnecessary conversion
• Work across multiple platforms
• Support long-term digital storage

Our goal is simple: zero friction and maximum compatibility.

Point clouds are at the heart of every Scan-to-BIM project. We deliver point cloud data in your preferred format.

Standard Formats (Always Included)

RCS / RCP (Autodesk ReCap & Revit)

• Best for Autodesk workflows
• Fastest import into Revit/Navisworks
• Ideal for sectioning, slicing and modelling

Optional Formats (On Request)

E57

• Open, highly compatible format
• Used by Revit, Navisworks, ArchiCAD, CloudCompare, 3DReshaper, MicroStation

PTX / PTS

• ASCII-based formats
• Useful for legacy workflows and specialist processing

LAS / LAZ

• GIS-friendly formats for external terrain, topography and urban mapping

PLY

• Often used for mesh workflows or heritage documentation

RVT — Revit Native Format (Primary BIM Deliverable)

Your as-existing BIM model is supplied in RVT format as standard.

Advantages:

• Native Revit geometry
• Clean categories and families
• Fully coordinated with the point cloud
• Ready for immediate design use

IFC Export

IFC is widely used for interoperability and long-term data retention.

Our IFC deliverables include:

• Correct IFC classes (Wall, Slab, Beam, Door, Window, etc.)
• Clean geometry
• Metadata mapping where required
• Compatibility with ArchiCAD, Tekla, Solibri, DDS-CAD and IFC viewers

Navisworks (NWC/NWD)

We export NWC files for clash detection and coordination workflows.

Uses include:

• Coordination meetings
• Site logistics
• 4D sequencing (with contractor tools)
• Trade coordination
• MEP installation planning.

While BIM is widely adopted, many clients still rely on 2D information for planning, tendering or construction.

DWG (AutoCAD)

Most common 2D output.
Includes:

• Plans
• Sections
• Elevations
• Roof plans
• External façades

DXF

Used for CNC workflows or specialist CAD environments.

PDF

Great for quick navigation and sharing with non-BIM team members.

All 2D drawings originate directly from the BIM model, ensuring consistency across all deliverables.

If the project includes external works or land surveying, we can provide:

DWG CAD Topographical Drawings

Containing:

• Contours
• Spot heights
• Boundaries
• Levels
• Kerbs, roads, hard landscaping

Revit Topography (RVT)

Allows the terrain to be used directly in BIM projects.

LandXML

Used for engineering and earthworks design.

LAS / LAZ

GIS-compatible terrain data.

Visual documentation is a crucial part of modern surveying.

TruView (Leica)

• Fully navigable panoramic environment
• Measurement tools included
• Ideal for remote inspections

Web-Based 360° Tours

• Browser-based
• No software installation needed
• Useful for design teams, clients and contractors

Image Sets (JPG/PNG)

• High-resolution originals
• Suitable for reports and heritage studies.

For projects requiring mesh outputs, we can provide:

OBJ / FBX / STL / PLY

Used for:

• Heritage visualisation
• Fabrication
• 3D printing
• Advanced modelling
• Unreal/Unity visual environments
• Laser cleaning mapping
• Industrial inspection workflows

Meshes can be generated from the point cloud or from photogrammetry (if requested).

A consistent folder structure reduces confusion and ensures long-term accessibility.

We typically provide:

01 – BIM Models

• RVT
• IFC
• NWC

02 – Point Clouds

• RCS/RCP
• E57
• PTS/PTX

03 – 360 Imagery / TruView

• HTML or LDS project
• JPG/PNG panels

04 – 2D Drawings

• DWG
• PDF

05 – Schedules & Metadata

• XLSX / CSV / RVT schedules

06 – Topographical Data

• DWG
• LandXML
• LAS

07 – Documentation

• QA verification
• Assumptions log
• LOD notes
• Accuracy statements

This structure is CDE-friendly and contractor-ready.

We follow a structured, multi-field file naming convention based on BS 1192 and PAS 1192-2 principles. Our approach uses a consistent sequence of information to ensure clarity, traceability, and compatibility with common BIM workflows.

Typical components include:

• Project code
• Originator code
• Volume or system
• Level or location
• File type (e.g., M3 = 3D model)
• Role / responsibility code
• Sequential number
• Status / revision code

Example: 0125-T3D-XX-01-M3-X-0001_P01.rvt

This structured approach prevents file conflicts, supports collaboration across large project teams, and enables clear version control throughout the project lifecycle.

Where required, we supply:

• Room schedules
• Door/window schedules
• Equipment inventories
• Key attributes embedded in Revit families
• Uniclass classification codes
• IFC-compliant parameter sets
• COBie-ready fields (on request)

Our models support asset management workflows — not just design.

We support multiple delivery methods depending on your CDE environment.

Microsoft SharePoint / OneDrive

(Recommended — secure, fast and reliable.)

FTP or Secure URL Download

For larger datasets.

Email Transfer

For smaller files (under 20–25MB).

Client CDE Uploading

We can upload to:

• Asite
• Viewpoint for Projects
• BIM360
• Aconex
• Dalux
• Trimble Connect

Physical Media (USB/SSD)

For restricted environments or offline storage.

By offering consistent and interoperable formats, we ensure:

• Zero compatibility issues
• Smooth coordination between disciplines
• Predictable file behaviour
• Accurate long-term storage
• Reduced conversion errors
• Fewer CDE issues
• Fast onboarding for new project members
• Successful collaboration across BIM platforms

This is why designers, contractors and asset owners trust our deliverables — they simply work.

Return to the main Scan-to-BIM Survey Specification.

Tel: 07731 747329
Tel: 07928 653296
Email: info@towersurveys3d.co.uk