Survey & drafting solutions

3D Laser Scanning, Dimensional Control, Survey, Drafting, and As-Built Modelling for industrial facilities across oil and gas, petrochemical, power, and process industries. From initial site surveys to final as-built documentation — accurate technical data that reduces project uncertainty and supports effective decision-making.

3D laser scanning

As-built modelling

Dimensional control

Offshore capable

Live facility scanning

Accurate field data that
reduces project risk

CMSL's survey and drafting services help clients capture existing assets, validate field conditions, update engineering documentation, and develop accurate digital representations that support design, construction, operations, and maintenance activities throughout the asset lifecycle.

We provide the technical data required to reduce project uncertainty, improve constructability, and support effective decision-making — from initial site surveys through to final as-built documentation and 3D digital models.

Typical applications

Brownfield modifications
Facility expansions
Shutdown & turnarounds
Asset integrity programmes
Debottlenecking projects
Engineering design support
Construction & installation
Plant documentation updates
Digital asset management

What we deliver

Our survey & drafting services

Five integrated technical services covering the complete survey-to-model workflow — from field data capture through dimensional verification to final engineering deliverables.

Most requested

01

3D laser scanning

Using advanced terrestrial laser scanning technology, CMSL captures detailed spatial information from operating facilities, generating comprehensive point cloud datasets for engineering and asset management applications. One of the major advantages of laser scanning is that it can often be performed safely while the facility remains operational — reducing production interruptions and allowing projects to progress without unnecessary shutdowns.

Applications include
  • Brownfield modifications
  • Facility documentation
  • Tie-in studies
  • Shutdown planning
  • Construction verification
  • Digital asset capture

Survey

02

Industrial survey services

Our survey team performs precise field measurements and control surveys to establish reliable spatial references for engineering, construction, and maintenance projects. Our personnel have direct experience working within complex operating facilities including flow stations, gas plants, terminals, refineries, petrochemical plants, and offshore installations.

Services Include
  • Topographical surveys
  • Control surveys
  • Equipment location surveys
  • Elevation surveys
  • Alignment verification
  • Pipeline route surveys
  • Facility mapping

Drafting

03

Engineering drafting

CMSL converts field measurements, survey information, and scan data into engineering drawings that accurately represent existing facility conditions. We routinely compare field conditions against existing drawings, identify discrepancies, update outdated documentation, and generate verified as-built drawings that accurately reflect the current facility configuration.

Supports
  • Engineering design
  • Construction planning
  • Maintenance activities
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Asset documentation updates

Modeling

04

3D as-built modelling

We develop detailed as-built models from validated survey and scan data, enabling clients to visualise and manage their facilities in a digital environment. Our team can provide deliverables compatible with AutoCAD, Navisworks, Revit, Plant 3D, PDMS, E3D, and other client-specified software environments.

Supports
  • Facility modifications
  • Engineering studies
  • Space management
  • Maintenance planning
  • Constructability reviews
  • Clash detection

Verification

05

Dimensional control & verification

Our dimensional control services provide independent verification of critical measurements — dimensions, elevations, nozzle orientations, flange positions, structural interfaces, and equipment locations — before fabrication, installation, and tie-in activities commence. This is one of the most common applications of our survey services, reducing costly field rework and ensuring installation readiness.

Ensures
  • Proper equipment fit-up
  • Accurate tie-ins
  • Structural alignment
  • Installation readiness
  • Reduced field rework

Key deliverables

What you receive

Depending on project requirements, deliverables may include any combination of the following — all produced under rigorous QA/QC procedures.

Registered point cloud data
Survey control reports
Dimensional verification reports
Topographical survey reports
2D CAD drawings
General arrangement drawings
Plot plans
As-built drawings
3D as-built models
Clash detection reports
QA/QC documentation packages

Why choose us

Why choose CMSL for survey & drafting

Industrial facility expertise, proven accuracy, and a fully integrated workflow from field data acquisition to final engineering deliverables.

Industrial facility expertise

Our personnel have experience working within complex operating facilities — flow stations, gas plants, terminals, refineries, petrochemical plants, and offshore installations. We understand the safety and operational constraints of live industrial environments.

Proven accuracy

We apply established survey controls, rigorous QA/QC procedures, and modern data acquisition technologies to ensure dependable results — every time, across every deliverable type.

Reduced project risk

Accurate field information minimises design assumptions, improves constructability, and helps prevent costly modifications during execution — directly protecting your project budget and schedule.

Integrated service delivery

CMSL provides a complete workflow — surveying, scanning, dimensional verification, drafting, modelling, quality control, and final documentation — under a single point of responsibility from data acquisition through final deliverables.

Compatible software platforms

AutoCAD Navisworks Revit Plant 3D PDMS E3D Client-specified platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

1When should I use 3D laser scanning instead of conventional surveying?
3D laser scanning is ideal for complex industrial environments with dense piping, structural steel, equipment, and limited access. While conventional surveying captures specific points and dimensions, laser scanning captures the entire environment, making it more suitable for brownfield modifications, tie-in projects, plant revamps, shutdown planning, and as-built documentation.
2Can scanning be carried out while the facility is operating?
Yes. One of the major advantages of laser scanning is that it can often be performed safely while the facility remains operational. This reduces production interruptions and allows projects to progress without requiring unnecessary shutdowns, subject to site-specific HSE requirements and access restrictions.
3Can CMSL verify existing engineering drawings?
Yes. We routinely compare field conditions against existing drawings and identify discrepancies. Where required, we update outdated documentation and generate verified as-built drawings that accurately reflect the current facility configuration.
4Can CMSL perform dimensional verification before fabrication?
Absolutely. Dimensional verification is one of the most common applications of our survey services. We verify critical dimensions, elevations, nozzle orientations, flange positions, structural interfaces, and equipment locations before fabrication and installation activities commence.
5What software platforms can CMSL work with?
Our team can provide deliverables compatible with commonly used engineering and design platforms, including AutoCAD, Navisworks, Revit, Plant 3D, PDMS, E3D, and other client-specified software environments.
6Can CMSL scan offshore facilities?
Yes. Our team can mobilise to offshore platforms, FPSOs, terminals, flow stations, gas plants, and other remote industrial facilities, subject to client requirements and offshore safety compliance.
7How long does a typical scanning and modelling project take?
Project duration depends on facility size, complexity, accessibility, deliverables, and the level of detail. Following a project review, CMSL provides a detailed execution schedule outlining field activities, processing, modelling, QA/QC, and deliverable submission timelines.
8Can CMSL provide a complete survey-to-model solution?
Yes. CMSL offers a fully integrated service covering project planning, survey control establishment, field surveying, 3D laser scanning, point cloud processing, drafting, 3D modelling, dimensional verification, QA/QC, and final documentation. This provides clients with a single point of responsibility from data acquisition through final deliverables.
9How do I request a survey or laser scanning quotation?
Simply contact our engineering team with your project scope, facility information, and required deliverables. We will review the requirements, recommend the most suitable approach, and provide a detailed technical and commercial proposal tailored to your project.