THE ACCURACY OF SQUARE FOOTAGE IN FLOOR PLANS: 3D SCANNING VS. ON-SITE MEASUREMENT
Advancements in 3D scanning technology have brought significant changes to how spaces are measured and recorded.
The 3D scanning tool provides fast and accurate data, simplifying the process of creating floor plans.
However, many realtors wonder if there are discrepancies between floor plans extracted from 3D scans and those measured on-site.
In this blog, we will compare these two methods, examining the differences, advantages, and disadvantages
based on our direct experience with both techniques.
ADVANTAGES OF 3D SCANNING
The 3D scanning tool uses laser scanners to precisely measure all elements of a space,
allowing for the measurement of large areas in a short amount of time. The key advantages of 3D scanning are as follows:
• Speed
It can measure large spaces quickly, saving time and allowing for fast extraction of floor plans.
• Purpose
It measures spaces with millimeter accuracy, making it suitable for creating walk-throughs or realistic representations of homes.
ADVANTAGE OF ON-SITE MEASUREMENT
On-site measurement is a traditional method where a person directly measures various parts of a space.
Although this method takes more time compared to 3D scanning, it offers several advantages:
• Purpose
Measuring on-site allows for a better understanding of detailed elements of the space.
For example, wall thickness which can affect square footage, door openings, and window locations are confirmed and measured accurately.
• Minimizing Environmental Factors
On-site measurements are less affected by environmental factors (e.g., reflection, refraction, angles) that can cause errors in 3D scanning.
Measuring directly on site helps reduce these errors.
LIMITATIONS OF 3D SCANNING
While 3D scanning has many advantages, it may not be as accurate as on-site measurement for several reasons:
• Potential for Errors
Environmental factors (e.g., reflection, refraction, angles) can cause errors in 3D scanning, unlike on-site measurements.
• Omission of Details
3D scanning typically captures large structures accurately but may miss small details or unusual layouts.
• Unclear Standards
The standards used to calculate square footage from 3D scans are not always clearly defined, making the results potentially unreliable.
ADDRESSING DIFFERENCES
The differences between 3D scanning and on-site measurement primarily arise from the measurement methods
and the details of data collection. While 3D scanning boasts speed, it lacks clarity on how square footage is calculated,
leading to lower accuracy. On the other hand, on-site measurement takes more time
but allows for direct verification of factors affecting square footage and ensures accuracy by following established standards.
CONCLUSION
While floor plans extracted from 3D scans are fast and convenient,
they may not always be as accurate as those measured on-site.
Therefore, it is crucial to choose a floor plan that aligns with the individual needs of the realtor.
3D scanning is useful for quickly and easily creating walk-throughs, showcasing the actual house,
or providing layout references. However, for verifying accurate square footage
and thoroughly understanding the layout down to the smallest details, on-site measurement is essential.
By combining these methods, we can provide buyers with more precise information and greater confidence in their future home.
