How Architects Use Matterport for Renovation and Existing Conditions Capture

Architects and design teams often need accurate information about an existing building before beginning renovation, refurbishment, or adaptive reuse projects.

Digital site capture technologies such as Matterport allow buildings to be documented quickly and converted into data that can support design workflows.

For many architecture firms, using a professional capture service first can be an efficient way to trial the technology before investing in their own equipment.

Why Existing Conditions Capture Is Important

When working on renovations or refurbishment projects, accurate information about the building is essential.

Traditional site measurement can be time consuming and may require multiple visits to verify dimensions and details.

Digital capture technologies allow the entire building to be documented in a single visit, creating a permanent digital record of the space.

This information can then be used by architects and consultants throughout the design process.

How Matterport Captures Buildings

Matterport uses LiDAR and 3D imaging technology to capture the geometry and visual details of a building.

The captured data can produce several outputs, including:

• Interactive virtual walkthroughs

• Measurement data

• Floor plans

• High-density point cloud files

• BIM models for design software

These outputs can assist architects when preparing drawings and planning design changes.

Scan-to-BIM Using Matterport

Matterport capture can form the starting point of a Scan-to-BIM workflow, where a building is digitally captured and then converted into a structured BIM model for use in architectural software.

The process typically involves three stages:

1. Site Capture

A Matterport Pro3 LiDAR camera is used to capture the building.
This creates a highly detailed digital record of the space, including geometry and visual information.

For smaller buildings such as houses or offices, the capture process typically takes around 1–2 hours onsite.

2. Point Cloud Data

The captured data can be exported as an E57 point cloud file.

Many architecture firms choose to import this data directly into software such as Revit or AutoCAD and create their own models using the point cloud as a reference.

3. BIM Model Creation

Alternatively, the point cloud can be converted into a fully structured BIM model.

These models are typically delivered in Revit format and can be produced at LOD 200 or LOD 300, depending on the requirements of the project.

This approach allows design teams to begin working from an accurate base model without needing to create the model from scratch.

Typical Timing

For many projects:

• Site capture: approximately 1–2 hours onsite for smaller buildings

• BIM modelling: typically delivered within around one week

Larger or more complex buildings may require additional time.

Why Architects Use Matterport Instead of Traditional Site Measurement

Documenting an existing building traditionally involves manual measurement, sketches, photographs, and often multiple site visits to confirm dimensions or details.

Digital capture technologies such as Matterport allow the building to be recorded much more comprehensively in a single visit.

Once captured, the model provides a permanent digital record of the space that can be revisited at any time during the design process.

This approach can provide several advantages for design teams:

• Reduced site visits – the building can be reviewed remotely through the digital model

• Improved documentation – visual records and spatial data are captured together

• Better collaboration – consultants can review the building without needing to attend the site

• Reliable reference for design – the point cloud provides a measurable record of the existing structure

For renovation and refurbishment projects, this can significantly simplify the process of documenting existing conditions before design work begins.

Trial the Workflow Before Buying Hardware

Many architecture firms are interested in using Matterport but are unsure whether to invest in their own equipment.

Using a professional capture service allows design teams to trial the technology first and understand how the data integrates into their workflow before purchasing hardware.

Matterport Capture Services for Architects

At R24, we provide Matterport capture services for Architectural and Design teams across Australia.

Our focus is on capturing buildings and producing high-quality data outputs, including point clouds and BIM models for use in Revit and AutoCAD.

These services are commonly used for:

• Renovation and refurbishment projects

• Existing conditions documentation

• Adaptive reuse projects

• Asset documentation for building owners

Discussing Your Project

If you are considering using Matterport for an architectural project, our team can discuss the capture process and the types of outputs available.

This can be a useful way to understand how digital building capture can support your design workflow.

Common Questions About Matterport for Architects

Can Matterport data be used in Revit or AutoCAD?

Yes. Matterport capture can produce E57 point cloud files that can be imported into design software such as Revit or AutoCAD.

Many architecture and design teams choose to import the point cloud directly into their software and use it as a reference to create their own drawings or models.

Alternatively, the captured data can be converted into fully structured BIM models, which can save time for the design team by providing an accurate model of the existing building ready for use in Revit or other design platforms.

This allows teams to choose the workflow that best suits their project, either working directly from the point cloud or ordering a completed BIM model.

Do architects need to own a Matterport camera?

Not necessarily. Many architecture firms choose to use professional capture services, particularly where scans are only required occasionally or where the focus of the team is on design rather than site documentation.

Working with an experienced capture team can also help ensure the building is scanned efficiently and correctly, which can improve the quality of the data used for design and BIM modelling.

For many projects, outsourcing the capture process allows architects to:

• Avoid investing in specialised hardware and training

• Ensure the building is captured quickly and accurately

• Receive clean point cloud data or structured BIM models ready for use in design software

• Focus their time on design rather than site documentation

Some firms later choose to purchase their own capture equipment once they have trialled the workflow and confirmed it suits their projects.

How accurate is Matterport for Architectural work?

Matterport Pro3 uses LiDAR technology to capture the geometry of a building and generate accurate spatial data.

Under typical conditions, the Matterport Pro3 can achieve accuracy of approximately ±20mm over 10 metres, which is suitable for many applications such as existing conditions documentation, renovation planning, and architectural design reference.

The captured data can be exported as E57 point cloud files, allowing architects and design teams to import the data directly into software such as Revit or AutoCAD.

Where a more structured model is required, the captured data can also be converted into BIM models at LOD 200 or LOD 300, depending on the level of detail required for the project.

These models provide an accurate digital representation of the building that can be used as a starting point for design, coordination, and documentation.