Seeing the World in 3D: Real Applications of FARO Laser Scanning – and How Altohelix Makes It All Work
Whether you're managing a construction site, preserving a historic cathedral, or capturing a crash scene, one thing is true: accuracy matters. In today's world, the margin for error is razor thin, and time is always ticking. That’s where 3D laser scanning comes in — and FARO has been leading the way for decades.
At Altohelix, we work with organizations every day who are navigating the challenges of reality capture. Some need detailed as-built documentation, others are solving complex engineering problems, and some are making their first move into digital twins. No matter the goal, FARO’s Focus, Blink and Orbis laser scanners – paired with powerful software – give you the clarity, speed, and control you need.
Let’s take a closer look at where FARO’s tech really shines.
1. Construction & BIM: Build with Confidence
If you’ve ever tried to update a design based on outdated drawings or undocumented changes, you know the headache that comes with missing information. The FARO Focus scanner solves that by capturing every corner of your jobsite in crisp, measurable 3D detail. Need to scan floor-by-floor in a partially finished building? The Orbis mobile scanner, with its hybrid mode, lets you move and scan without stopping, slashing scan time while still delivering clean data.
With FARO’s BuildIT Construction, you can overlay real-world conditions onto your BIM models, run deviation checks, and catch issues before they become costly mistakes. It's not just about measuring — it's about building smarter.
2. Architecture & Heritage: Preserving What Matters
Not every structure is new. For architects and preservationists, FARO scanners offer a way to capture the past and bring it into the future. Churches, castles, monuments — the Focus scanner gives you millimeter-precise scans, even in low light or fragile environments. When speed matters (like in large museums or multi-block districts), the Orbis or Blink lets you walk and scan, covering more ground without compromising accuracy.
With As-Built Modeler and Sphere XG, stakeholders across the world can view and explore heritage sites in 3D, collaborate on restoration plans, and even integrate real-world geometry into design platforms like AutoCAD or Revit.
3. Public Safety & Forensics: Documenting Critical Scenes
Crime scenes and accident sites are high-stress, time-sensitive environments. Investigators need to document everything – fast – without disturbing the scene. The Focus is perfect for high-resolution, stationary scans, while the Orbis offers rapid, mobile scanning for larger or more complex environments like highways or collapsed structures.
Paired with FARO Scene and Zone 3D, you can reconstruct incidents digitally, generate courtroom-ready visuals, and analyze spatial relationships with confidence. The data doesn't just tell the story — it preserves it.
4. Industrial Facilities: Engineering Without the Guesswork
Plant shutdowns, retrofits, and piping projects all rely on one thing: having accurate data from the field. FARO’s solutions make this possible. The Focus delivers detailed scans of mechanical rooms, production lines, and equipment layouts. And when you need to scan a massive facility with limited downtime? Enter the Orbis, which keeps you moving — even in tight or congested areas.
Software like As-Built for AutoCAD/Plant 3D makes modeling pipes, tanks, and steel structures feel almost automatic, while BuildIT Metrology helps with precision alignment and inspection workflows. It’s not just scanning — it’s engineering made digital.
5. Infrastructure & Civil Projects: Cover Ground, Stay Precise
Scanning roads, tunnels, bridges, or rail corridors? These are big environments, and traditional scanning methods can be painfully slow. The Orbis hybrid mobile scanner is built for exactly this type of work — combining the best of stationary and mobile modes, and even supporting vehicle-mounted setups for faster throughput.
With SCENE and Sphere XG, field teams and design teams can stay synced. Add As-Built Modeler to convert terrain data into usable CAD files, and you’ve got a workflow that’s both lean and powerful.
So, Where Does Altohelix Come In?
The tools are only part of the story. What really makes a difference is having a partner who knows how to bring it all together.
At Altohelix, we don’t just sell hardware — we help you solve real-world challenges. Whether you're:
- New to laser scanning and need a full system rollout,
- Expanding into BIM or forensic workflows,
- Or ready to integrate FARO’s software into your operations,
—we’ve got your back.
We provide:
- Expert advice on scanner selection (Focus vs. Orbis and when to use each),
- Workflow design tailored to your industry and team size,
- Training that’s hands-on and real-world, not just theoretical,
- And ongoing support so your tools always deliver.
When you work with Altohelix, you're getting more than equipment — you're getting a trusted partner who understands the full FARO ecosystem, from the scanner in your hand to the 3D model on your screen.
Ready to Capture Reality in 3D?
FARO laser scanners and software are changing the way industries work — and at Altohelix, we’re here to help you make the most of them. Whether you're scanning your first building or your hundredth tunnel, we’ll help you go further, faster, and with more confidence.