From Drone Capture to 3D Model

Digital Twin
Generation UK

3D digital twin generation from drone photogrammetry and LiDAR survey data. Centimetre-accurate asset models for infrastructure monitoring, inspection planning, emergency response and asset documentation. Delivered in open formats.

A digital twin is not a visualisation project. It is an operational asset that enables your team to inspect without visiting, plan without guessing and brief emergency responders before they arrive. Built once from real capture data, it serves your organisation for years.

Real Capture Data
CAA GVC Authorised
Open Format Delivery
IFC-Compatible Output
No Platform Dependency
At a Glance
cm
Model accuracy from RTK survey data
IFC
Compatible output for BIM integration
Open
GeoTIFF, LAS, OBJ — your data, your systems
cm
Model Accuracy
Interior
& Exterior Coverage
Open
Format Delivery
IFC
BIM Compatible

The Canopy process

Every engagement follows a structured methodology that ensures accurate data, legally defensible outputs and actionable results.

01
Site Capture

Drone photogrammetry and LiDAR survey of the site interior and exterior. RTK GNSS georeferencing throughout. Capture plan designed to achieve required model resolution and coverage.

02
Point Cloud Processing

Dense photogrammetric point cloud and LiDAR returns merged, cleaned and georeferenced. All data processed to survey-grade accuracy with full quality documentation.

03
Model Construction

Textured 3D mesh built from combined datasets. Interior and exterior elements modelled. Access routes, plant locations, hazard zones and infrastructure incorporated.

04
Delivery and Integration

Digital twin delivered in open formats compatible with your existing infrastructure. GeoTIFF, LAS, OBJ and IFC-compatible files. No proprietary platform required.

Built for clients who cannot afford to get it wrong

CAA GVC authorised. ITC Level 2 certified. ISO 18434-1 compliant. Every Canopy engagement is backed by the qualifications, methodology and insurance your procurement team requires.

Real Data Foundation

Built from Actual Capture

Unlike BIM models built from design drawings, a Canopy digital twin is generated from real drone capture of the as-built site. Every room, corridor, structural element and external feature reflects the actual physical asset — not a design intent.

Inspect Without Visiting

Remote Asset Management

Once built, the digital twin enables your team to inspect structural elements, measure dimensions, plan maintenance interventions and document asset condition remotely. Reduce physical site visits for routine inspection cycles.

Emergency Response

Pre-Walk Before You Arrive

Fire and rescue services can walk the full site interior and exterior before any incident occurs. Security teams can pre-plan access routes and tactical positions. Emergency response quality improves when responders have prior site familiarity.

Change Detection

Repeat Capture Value

Annual re-capture against the baseline digital twin enables automated change detection — identifying structural movement, new obstructions, asset deterioration or perimeter changes that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Open Format Standards

BIM and GIS Integration

IFC-compatible output integrates with Revit, ArchiCAD and other BIM platforms. LAS point clouds import into ArcGIS and specialist point cloud tools. OBJ meshes work in all 3D visualisation environments. Your data works in your systems.

Compliance Documentation

Planning and Insurance

A georeferenced, dimensionally accurate 3D model of your asset provides defensible documentation for planning submissions, insurance valuation, regulatory compliance and due diligence processes.

What operators need to know

What is a digital twin?+
A digital twin is a centimetre-accurate 3D virtual replica of a physical asset or site, built from real survey data rather than design drawings. It captures the as-built condition of every structural element, space and external feature, and is georeferenced to enable spatial analysis, measurement and integration with GIS and BIM systems. Unlike a rendered visualisation, a digital twin is a survey-grade dataset with documented positional accuracy.
How is a digital twin different from a BIM model?+
A BIM model is built from design drawings and represents design intent. A digital twin is generated from real drone capture and represents the actual as-built condition of the asset. For existing infrastructure and buildings that predate BIM, a digital twin is often the only way to create an accurate 3D asset record. Digital twins also capture condition data that BIM cannot — including thermal anomalies, surface deterioration and structural deformation.
What formats is the digital twin delivered in?+
Canopy digital twins are delivered in open, industry-standard formats. 3D mesh in OBJ format for visualisation and BIM integration. Dense point cloud in LAS format for GIS and specialist analysis platforms. Georeferenced orthoimage in GeoTIFF format. IFC-compatible export for BIM workflows. All data is delivered as standard files — no proprietary platform is required to access any deliverable.
How long does digital twin generation take?+
Timeline depends on site size and complexity. A standard industrial building requires one to two days of capture and two to three weeks of processing. A large multi-building estate requires a phased capture programme with processing delivered incrementally. Full timelines are provided at scoping stage.
Can you model building interiors as well as exteriors?+
Yes. Canopy captures both interior and exterior environments where access is available. Interior capture uses a combination of terrestrial photogrammetry and ground-level LiDAR to model rooms, corridors, stairwells and plant areas. Combined with exterior drone capture, the result is a seamless interior-exterior model of the complete asset.

Ready to build a digital twin of your asset?

Tell us about your site and what you need the model to do. We will scope the right capture methodology and delivery format.