What to Expect During the Reality Capture Phase of Your Project
At B3 Design Studios, we believe that great design starts with great data—and reality capture is where it all begins. Whether you’re developing raw land, renovating a structure, or planning a complex site, the reality capture phase sets the foundation for accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration throughout your project.
But if you’re new to the process, you might be wondering: What exactly happens during the reality capture phase? In this post, we’ll walk you through what to expect—step by step.
What Is Reality Capture, Exactly?
Reality capture is the process of digitally documenting real-world environments using advanced technologies like 3D laser scanning, LiDAR, drones, and photogrammetry. These tools gather incredibly accurate spatial data that’s used to create 3D models, point clouds, topographic maps, and more.
It’s a game-changer for site planning, architecture, and engineering—and a core part of our workflow at B3 Design Studios.
Here’s What to Expect During the Reality Capture Phase
1. Pre-Scan Planning & Site Assessment
Before we scan, we meet with you to understand your goals, project scope, and the level of detail required. We assess the site remotely or in person to determine which tools—drones, terrestrial scanners, or both—will deliver the best results.
What we do:
Review existing site data (if available)
Identify access points and scan zones
Ensure permits or permissions are in place (especially for drone flights)
2. On-Site Scanning
Our team arrives on-site with the appropriate equipment and performs the scan. This could involve setting up laser scanners on tripods, flying drones for aerial imaging, or using handheld devices in tight spaces.
What you’ll see:
A small crew working methodically across the site
No disruption to your operations or nearby activity
Quick and efficient data capture—usually in just a few hours
3. Data Processing & Model Creation
Once we collect the raw data, our technicians get to work processing it into usable formats. This includes cleaning up the scan, aligning multiple data sets, and generating point clouds or 3D models tailored to your needs.
Deliverables may include:
Point cloud files (.rcp, .e57, etc.)
2D site plans or floor plans
3D models for BIM or CAD integration
Topographic maps and terrain models
4. Review & Collaboration
We walk you through the final deliverables, explain how to use them, and integrate the data into your project’s next phase—whether that’s design, permitting, or construction planning.
Benefits for your team:
A highly accurate digital replica of your site
Easily shareable data with architects, engineers, and stakeholders
Fewer surprises, better coordination, and faster decisions
Why This Phase Matters
Skipping or minimizing the reality capture phase often leads to avoidable errors, delays, and budget overruns later in the project. Investing in this early-stage step ensures:
Designs match real-world conditions
Unexpected site issues are identified early
Everyone starts from the same “source of truth”
At B3 Design Studios, our reality capture process is designed to be smooth, fast, and incredibly valuable from day one.
Let’s Get Your Project Off to the Right Start
Ready to experience the clarity and confidence that comes with accurate site data?
Reach out to the team at B3 Design Studios to schedule your reality capture session or learn more about how it fits into your full project timeline.
