EMPOWERING YOU
WITH NZ'S MOST ADVANCED
EASY-TO-USE
SURVEY DATA

"By capturing a precise digital twin of existing conditions, ARCLAB surveys allow for greater design confidence while mitigating potential issues earlier in the project.

This approach minimises disruptions, rework and cost."

40
+

combined years of surveying

400
+

unique survey projects completed

SAVE TIME.

REDUCE RISKS.

MINIMISE ERRORS.

Traditional survey methods are lower in upfront costs but become more expensive over time. They often lead to costly site re-visits, are prone to human error and have gaps in information that result in rework and delays.

ARCLAB surveys capture 1000x more measurable points compared to 2D surveys, with greater accuracy, efficiency, coverage and precision.

3D Surveying

Using advanced 3D scanners & drones, we survey the site into millions of precise data points. This dataset forms the foundation for accurate plans and models.

Topographical Surveying

From this rich dataset, we extract ground levels, site features and boundary information, creating a detailed and comprehensive survey plan.

As-Built Modelling

For renovation projects, we engineer highly-accurate architectural models of the existing building, tailored to the requirements of your project.

3D Surveying

Using advanced 3D scanners & drones, we survey the site into millions of precise data points. This dataset forms the foundation for accurate plans and models.

Topographical Surveying

From this rich dataset, we extract ground levels, site features and boundary information, creating a detailed and comprehensive survey plan.

As-Built Modelling

For renovation projects, we engineer highly-accurate architectural models of the existing building, tailored to the requirements of your project.

3D SURVEYING

Precise, mm-accurate and high-density spatial data captured using mobile & tripod-based LiDAR scanners. This serves as the starting point for all of our survey projects, including interior scans & exterior facade and topographical surveys.

Outputs:
Point Clouds, Photosphere Walkthrough

TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEYING

Survey of all existing exterior site features, including ground levels, elevation changes, contours, building levels, footprints, roof, boundary & easements, and any other relevant key site features.

Output:
Survey Plans

OTHER SERVICES:

AS-BUILT MODELLING

The creation of detailed 2D drawings or 3D digital models that represent the exact current conditions of a building or structure. These models are used to compare real-world conditions with design plans or for renovations and retrofitting.

Output:
BIM Documentation

AERIAL MAPPING

Aerial LiDAR and photogrammetry for high-resolution imagery, 3D models, and detailed contextual mapping from above. Ideal for surveying large-scale sites or hard-to-access areas.

Outputs:
Aerial Orthophoto, Point Clouds, Reality Mesh

METROLOGY SCANNING

Ultra-precise measurements of industrial components and structures (+/-0.025mm), metrology services ensure accuracy and quality for manufacturing, engineering, and inspection processes.

Outputs:
Point Clouds, Reality Mesh

LAND SURVEYING

Site setouts, removal of limitations, boundary redefinition surveys, drainage as-builts, scheme plans, subdivisions, unit titles, cross leases and cadastral certifications (including setout and HIRB).

Outputs:
Survey Plans, Specialised Outputs

SPECIALISED SURVEYS & MONITORING

Project-specific surveys, including deformation monitoring, floor flatness reports, environmental assessments, and bespoke measurement services, helping ensure long-term site safety and performance.

Outputs:
Specialised Outputs

POINT CLOUDS

Millions of data points in digital space, generated by 3D scanning such as LiDAR or photogrammetry. These datasets represent the surface of an object or environment in high levels of detail, and are the starting point for engineering further datasets.

File Outputs:
.rcs  .rcp  .e57  .las

PHOTOSPHERE WALKTHROUGH

High-resolution panoramic imagery spatially located in a web-based viewer, allowing users to virtually explore a space as though they were physically present.

File Outputs:
web-based link

SURVEY PLANS

Detailed 2D drawing of a site, with layers showing legal information and features of the property. Critical for all construction projects, providing accurate data about the topography and existing conditions, so that all consultants have a clear understanding of land characteristics.

File Outputs:
.dwg  .pdf

BIM DOCUMENTATION

3D digital representations of a building specifically for architectural and engineering outputs. Modelled natively within ArchiCAD or Autodesk Revit, and tailored to project requirements.

File Outputs:
ArchiCAD .pln,  Revit .rvt,  Sketchup .skp

REALITY MESH

Textured 3D models derived from metrology scanning or photogrammetry. Represent real-world objects or environments with a high degree of accuracy and texture, and are useful to create highly detailed visualisations and renders.

File Outputs:
.fbx  .obj  Rhino  .3dm

AERIAL ORTHOPHOTO

A geometrically-corrected image captured from above that has been adjusted to remove distortions caused by perspective. Provides a true-to-scale image of the ground and up-to-date visual information for decision-making.

File Outputs:
.tiff  .jpg

SPECIALISED OUTPUTS

Custom data or deliverables tailored to meet specific project requirements. Can include detailed reports, custom visualizations, or unique data formats.

The best survey platform in the industry.

Our web-based portal arclab.space gives you and all consultants realtime online access to a comprehensive suite of survey datasets, including 3D models, point clouds and photographic walkthroughs.

CONTACT US

What type of project do you have in mind?

CONTACT US

What survey services
do you require?

CONTACT US

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Together, we are setting a new surveying standard for building professionals to do their best work.

Our practice was established in 2020 to bridge the gap between digital design and real-world site conditions. We're uniquely positioned with a team of surveyors and technicians to combine architectural expertise with innovative surveying techniques. This allows us to deliver services that are technically proficient and tailored to architectural and engineering standards & workflows.

Chirag Jindal
Founder, Director
Paul Brock
Managing Director
Polina Gorr
BIM Technician
Sian Singh
BIM & Project Lead
Nicolas Fuentes
BIM & Automation Lead
Nigel Munemo
LiDAR Technician
Jonathan Hislop
Developer

SURVEY
TEAM

Michael Cutfield
Cadastral Surveyor
Joshua Andrew
Professional Surveyor
Joseph Heath
Professional Surveyor

Trusted by New Zealand’s leading building professionals

"Precise and efficient. ARCLAB surveys have given us the ability to understand site complexity and demonstrate potential issues to clients much earlier in the project.”

DEAN MACKENZIE

MONK MACKENZIE ARCHITECTS

“Comprehensive information, ready to access, easy-to-use web platform, easy-to-use datasets that do useful things without overcomplicating the world. We don’t need to be computer scientists to know how to use it, inventing ways to deliver information that is really useful.”

SEAN FLANAGAN

BULL O-SULLIVAN ARCHITECTS

“Makes our work much more efficient, in particular when dealing with projects where it is not possible to photograph everything ourselves. It has also mitigated any potential issues on-site later.”

SAROSH MULLA

PAC STUDIO

“Really easy communication. A product and interface that works.Meeting deadlines. Providing quick, transparent fee proposals. World-class service and turnaround times. Very tidy project hub which makes for a professional showing to clients &consultants.”

SAM PENRICE

STUDIODB

The accuracy of information reduces the unknown considerably and therefore adjustments during construction are also minor. A full ARCLAB package provides all survey information a project could possibly need.”

DARREN GUBB

GUBB DESIGN

“Having more detailed site information has increased the accuracy of our output and reduced the work required in design and documentation. We can now understand the site context earlier in the design process without multiple site visits. ARCLAB are the best at what they do.

SAM ATCHESON

DORRINGTON ATCHESON ARCHITECTS

“Quick response and turnaround from scanning to modelling. Seamless transition into our approach using our model template. Helpful tutorials during handover and follow up on process. Speed of completion, high quality of model and ability to ‘visit site’ at any time from desktop. Saved us time and resourcing, while providing a better result we couldn’t achieve with manual site measures. The added value is also within the ongoing tools made available that assist in communication with the client and other consultants.”

FRANKLIN MWANZA

COPELAND ASSOCIATES

Comprehensive supply of information that enhances our ability to make decisions in the concept phase. Much more convincing understanding of the context we build in for clients. More holistic service, more care and more responsiveness. Great service, output, and ability to handle additional requests.”

NICK ROBERTS

ROBERTS GRAY ARCHITECTS

Frequent Questions

What is LiDAR scanning, and how does it work?

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser beams to measure distances. A LiDAR scanner emits millions of laser pulses per second, which bounce off surfaces and return to the sensor. By calculating the time it takes for the laser to return, we create a highly accurate 3D point cloud of the environment. This data can then be processed into models or plans for architectural design & engineering.

What are the benefits of using LiDAR scanning over traditional surveying methods?

A traditional survey approach will output a basic 2D survey plan limited to the initial brief of the project. Our topographical surveys include a detailed 2D survey plan that covers the entire site + context, alongside a host of additional 3D resources:

Point Cloud

Photosphere Walkthrough

Aerial Photography

BIM Topography

ARCLAB.space

How much does a topographical survey cost with ARCLAB vs traditional?

For a standard residential site less than 800m2, traditional surveys are expected to cost between $2k-$2.5k. For the same site, ARCLAB surveys cost $2.5-$3.5k. Larger sites are often equal in cost, if not more efficient, for a greater output.

What is an as-built BIM, and why is it important?

An as-built Building-Information-Model (BIM) is a digital 3D representation of a building, structure or site as it exists in its current state. These models are crucial because:

  • They provide accurate documentation of existing conditions for renovations and rebuild projects.
  • They help identify deviations from original plans.
  • They support decision-making throughout the project, and catch errors earlier in the process.
  • They integrate with modern construction technologies for visualization and analysis.

What software suites do you use to create the as-built BIM?

Our team is a combination of surveyors and architectural BIM technicians with experience working natively in both ArchiCAD and Revit. We work within your architect or designer's office template, and can also prepare outputs for Sketchup, AutoCAD and Vectorworks.

I'm an architect. Can we make the model ourselves from the point cloud?

Yes. You're welcome to get us to survey and create the point cloud datasets, and then create your own BIM model from there. This is a process that will require training. ARCLAB’s technicians have our own native plugins and workflows, as well as the experience of 300+ as-built projects in our toolbelt. This makes us very efficient at scan-to-bim modelling, and the majority of the practices we work will engage us to carry out this work.

How long does it take to complete a 3D Survey?

The timeline depends on the project size and complexity:

On-site Scanning: Small projects take less than a day (e.g. a small house or commercial building, in a <1000m2 site), while larger projects might take several days - weeks.

CAD Survey Plan: An additional 3-4 working days to process the data and engineer a survey plan.

BIM As-built: Turning point cloud data into a BIM model may take 1–3 weeks for smaller projects and longer for more complex ones.

We work closely with clients to define timelines that meet their needs.

What is the cost of creating BIM as-builts?

Costs vary depending on several factors:

  • Size and complexity of the project.
  • Level of Detail required in the BIM model.
  • Site conditions and accessibility.
  • Deliverables: Whether you need raw point cloud data, 2D survey plans, or a 3D BIM model.
  • We provide customized quotes after evaluating the project scope. As a rough estimate, prices can range from $2.5k to $20,000+, depending on the project.

For as-builts, doesn't the architect come out to measure my house?  What is the advantage to have ARCLAB survey the project?

Traditionally yes, your architect would come out and measure with a tape measure, disto and a clipboard. This 'works,' but can create a large number of errors and assumptions, and it's easy for critical elements to be missed.  With us carrying out a full Lidar survey you get a mm-prefect snapshot of your home. We turn these measurements into an architectural model for the design process, allowing for a better design, and less errors.  Also of note, by the time you take into consideration the architect's time for their measure-up, it is more or less the same cost to have us survey it for better results.

Do you only operate in Auckland?

We're based in Auckland but work from Kaitaia to Bluff - anywhere in New Zealand.  There are travel costs with out of town work, but usually it's well worth it for the type of project. Happy to discuss your particular location.

ARCLAB.space - Isn't that just dropbox?

No ARCLAB.space is our online platform that lets the architect, consultants, you, (everyone!) view, measure, record and download all the 3D survey data we issue without needing any proprietary software. The surveying and architectural process uses all sorts of files to show both 2D and 3D data.  Most people struggle to view anything that's not a pdf or jpeg.  However on ARCLAB.space you can view, interact (and share) all the data, including .dwg's, BIM models, photospheres, and even the point clouds (which are otherwise GB’s in size)

Do you offer all other surveying services, such as setouts, HIRB certification etc?

As a professional surveying practice, we carry out all surveying services including boundary resurveys, removal of limitations, construction set outs / monitoring etc.

Mobile website coming early February