Orthomosaic Elevations vs Traditional CAD Elevations: What's the Difference?

When working on an architectural project, accurate existing building elevations are essential. However, depending on the type of building and the level of detail required, traditional CAD elevations may not always provide the full picture.

At Archilink Surveys, we use LiDAR scanning and drone photogrammetry to capture detailed building information, allowing us to produce both traditional 2D AutoCAD elevations and high-resolution orthomosaic elevations.

But what's the difference, and which is best suited to your project?
 

What Are Traditional CAD Elevations?

Traditional CAD elevations are 2D architectural drawings showing the external faces of a building, including windows, doors, rooflines and other architectural features.

At Archilink, we use our LiDAR point cloud data to produce accurate existing building elevations in AutoCAD, providing architects with the information they need for planning applications, extensions and refurbishment projects.

CAD elevations provide a clear, simplified representation of the building, making them ideal for architectural design work.

However, certain details, such as individual stonework, weathering, cracks and changes in materials, may not be represented within a traditional CAD drawing.

What Are Orthomosaic Elevations?

Orthomosaic elevations are high-resolution photographic representations of a building's external walls, created by combining multiple overlapping images into a single, geometrically corrected image.

Using drone photogrammetry alongside our ground-based LiDAR surveys, we can produce detailed orthomosaic elevations that accurately represent the building's appearance.

Unlike traditional CAD drawings, orthomosaic elevations retain the visual information captured in the original photographs, including stonework, brickwork, architectural detailing and visible defects.

This allows architects to examine the existing building in considerably more detail without needing every individual feature to be manually drawn.

Why Are Orthomosaic Elevations Useful for Heritage Projects?

When working on listed buildings and historically significant properties, capturing as much existing detail as possible is particularly important.

Orthomosaic elevations allow architects and conservation specialists to examine individual stonework, mortar joints, decorative features and areas of visible deterioration.

They can also be particularly useful for building condition surveys, helping identify and document areas requiring further investigation or repair.

Rather than relying solely on simplified line drawings, architects can work directly from a detailed photographic record of the building's existing condition.

Which Should You Choose?

For most residential extensions and architectural projects, traditional AutoCAD elevations provide the information required to begin the design process.

However, for heritage, conservation and building condition projects, orthomosaic elevations can provide valuable additional information.

At Archilink, we can provide both, allowing architects to benefit from accurate CAD drawings alongside detailed photographic elevations where required.

Need a Measured Building Survey?

With teams operating from Aberdeen, Glasgow, Manchester and London, Archilink Surveys provides measured building surveys, drone photogrammetry and orthomosaic elevations across the UK.

If you have an upcoming project, email your requirements to info@archilink.co.uk, and our team will be happy to provide a same-day quotation.

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We deliver reliable survey services across the entirety of the UK from our four location: Aberdeen, Glasgow, Manchester and London. Get in touch to find out how we can support your surveying needs.