As-built plans often sit as paper rolls in the archive or as PDFs that nobody can continue drawing with. We take your plans exactly as far as your project needs: as a searchable PDF, as an editable CAD file or as an IFC model for BIM. All from a single source, in our production in Glattbrugg near Zurich.
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Step 1: Paper to PDF
Scan plans and make them searchable
The first step in any digitisation is the scan. Our large format scanner captures construction plans, CAD drawings and cadastral maps up to 1.30 m wide; the length is unlimited. Capture is distortion-free and true to scale, and fine lines and small lettering remain legible. OCR text recognition makes title blocks and legends searchable: you then find plan number, floor or planner via the search instead of in the plan cabinet.
You receive the files as PDF, PDF/A, TIFF or JPEG, named according to your convention, usually within 24 to 48 hours. For many archives this step is already the goal. If you want to continue drawing, go to step 2.
- Up to 1.30 m wide, any length
- Distortion-free and true to scale
- OCR: title blocks and legends searchable
- PDF, PDF/A, TIFF or JPEG, usually within 24 to 48 hours
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Step 2: PDF to DWG
Redrawn by specialists, not converted automatically
A PDF or a scan can be viewed but not edited. For conversion, renovation or specialist planning you need a CAD file. Our specialists redraw the plan by hand instead of running it through an automatic converter. The result is a clean drawing with separate layers for walls, axes, dimensions, electrical and plumbing, dimensionally accurate and structured according to SIA.
You receive the file as DWG or DXF and can continue working directly in your CAD program. We usually deliver simple plans within 2 to 4 working days; prices start at 80 CHF per plan. For complex plans we quote price and deadline in advance.
- Redrawn by hand, not vectorised automatically
- Separate layers: walls, axes, dimensions, electrical, plumbing
- Dimensionally accurate and to SIA, as DWG or DXF
- Simple plans in 2 to 4 working days, from 80 CHF
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Step 3: DWG to IFC
The 3D as-built model for BIM
If your project works with BIM (Building Information Modelling), a 2D drawing is not enough. From the redrawn DWG plans we build a 3D as-built model and hand it over as an IFC file. The model is ready for ArchiCAD, Revit or BIM coordination and serves as the basis for conversion, renovation and facility management: rooms, areas and building elements exist as objects and can be evaluated.
Because every building is different, there is no list price for the IFC model. We check your plans, clarify the desired level of detail and prepare a binding quote based on the effort involved.
- 3D as-built model as IFC
- Ready for ArchiCAD, Revit and BIM coordination
- Basis for conversion, renovation and facility management
- Price based on effort, with a binding quote
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And afterwards: construction platform
File digitised plans directly in your project
Digitised plans are only useful if everyone involved can find them. On request we file scans, DWG files and IFC models directly in your project on the LOY construction platform: versioned, tagged and findable for the building owner, planners and contractors. Anyone who uploads a new plan version does not replace the old one but adds to it. It remains traceable which version applied when.
The platform adds to digitisation the step that saves the most time in everyday work: the plans are where the project is running, not in an email from last week.
- Filed directly in the project
- Versioned and tagged
- Findable for everyone involved
- Scans, DWG and IFC in one place
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Which step is right?
Not every project needs all three steps. What matters is what you want to do with the plans later. The following overview helps you choose, and if you are unsure, we tell you which step makes sense after a look at your plans.
- Only archive and find plans → PDF (step 1)
- Conversion or specialist planning → DWG (step 2)
- BIM, quantities and areas → IFC (step 3)
The steps build on each other: a paper plan is first scanned, then redrawn, then modelled. If your plan is already available as a PDF, you start directly at step 2. If you already have a DWG file, we begin with the IFC model.
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How it works
Step 1: Send or bring plans
Send paper plans by post to LOY, Flughofstrasse 58, 8152 Glattbrugg, or bring them by. Upload PDF or DWG files via the contact form or send them to info@loy.ch.
Step 2: Quote or price
We check the plans and quote price and deadline in advance: scans by volume, DWG from 80 CHF per plan, IFC models with a binding quote.
Step 3: Processing
Scanning, redrawing or modelling, depending on the order. Simple scans are usually ready within 24 to 48 hours, simple DWG plans usually within 2 to 4 working days.
Step 4: Delivery
You receive the files by download or email, on request filed directly in your project on the construction project platform.
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Frequently asked questions
Can't I just convert plans to DWG online for free?
Automatic converters deliver loose lines without layers and without dimensional accuracy. Walls are not walls but hundreds of individual strokes, and dimensions no longer match. For construction plans that will be used for further planning, this is unsuitable. That is why our specialists redraw by hand, with separate layers and according to SIA.
How accurate are digitised plans?
We capture scans distortion-free and true to scale. When redrawing in DWG we work dimensionally accurately according to the dimensions in the plan and to SIA. The accuracy of the result depends on the original: a clean, dimensioned plan yields a more accurate drawing than a faded copy. We clarify unclear areas with you instead of guessing.
What does digitising a plan cost?
That depends on the step. We charge scans by volume, redrawing in DWG starts at 80 CHF per plan, and we quote the IFC model based on effort. In any case you know the price before we start.
How long does digitisation take?
We usually deliver scans within 24 to 48 hours, simple DWG plans usually within 2 to 4 working days. For IFC models and large plan archives we agree the schedule with you.
Do you collect plans?
You can drop off and collect plans directly at our premises in Glattbrugg near Zurich or send them by post. Collection from your premises can be arranged on request.
Do I get the originals back?
Your paper plans remain your property. Note on the order form whether you want the originals returned or to collect them after scanning, or speak to us. We treat your documents confidentially throughout the entire process.
Can I start with an existing PDF or DWG?
Yes. If your plan is already available as a PDF, we start directly with redrawing in DWG. If you already have a DWG file, we create the IFC model from it. You only pay for the steps your project needs.
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Get started now
Send us your plans or download the order form. We tell you which step suits your project and quote price and deadline in advance. Phone +41 58 517 44 20, email info@loy.ch, Mon–Fri 8 am–5.30 pm.