Rights to Light Surveying

We deliver rights to light surveys to you in a ready to go 3D format. Utilising Laser Scanning, 3D Modelling and drone capture workflows, we can accurately capture and model large areas, to your required level of detail.

How we support rights to light work

What we provide for a rights to light assessment

We do not write the legal rights to light report. We capture the surrounding context and produce a ready-to-use 3D model so a rights to light consultant can assess the effect of a proposed development on neighbouring openings.

Data is collected with laser scanning and, where it helps, drone capture, then modelled in Autodesk Revit from the point cloud. Models are typically focused on external façades and features: window and door openings, roof forms such as chimneys, dormers and rooflights, plus crowning, balconies and external fire escapes where a higher level of detail is needed.

Street elevations and surrounding context for a large development can often be captured in a single visit. Because we model directly from the point cloud, missed openings are less likely to need a return trip. Related services include laser scanning, aerial drone surveys and Revit modelling.

We work across the Midlands and the UK, including Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, London, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Request a proposal and tell us the site and the level of detail your rights to light consultant needs.

Frequently asked questions

Do you provide the rights to light report itself?

No. We provide the survey data and 3D model that a rights to light consultant uses. If you already have a consultant, we will work to the level of detail they specify.

How much context do you usually model?

Generally the surrounding façades and openings, with more detail on roofs, balconies and fire escapes when the assessment needs it. We can model more if the brief requires it.

How quickly can the site be captured?

For many larger developments we can collect the surrounding context and street elevations in a single day, which is quicker than traditional methods for this type of external work.

What are Rights to Light surveys?

When a new development is required in a built up area, it is essential to survey the sites surrounding context. This enables analysis of the other buildings fenestrations to help realise the impact the new development will have on its neighbours Rights to Light. We analyse our point cloud data collected by our laser scanners directly in Autodesk Revit.

By using the point cloud data in Revit we can quickly build the model to the required tolerance by cutting slices through the data and the model simultaneously to check the accuracy.

Revit site model built from laser scan point cloud data for a rights to light assessment

Rights to Light models

Generally, Rights to Light models are quite low in detail and normally, only populated by external façades and features. The main requests we have are to capture and model door and window positions within the walls, main roof features such as chimneys, dormers and roof lights. Building crowning, balconies and external fire escapes are also regularly required at a higher level of detail. Of course even more detail can be modelled if required.

Every construction project needs to take into consideration its surrounding context specifically during the initial feasibility study. Larger developments in particular can potentially cause overshadowing of the neighbouring properties. This is usually when a Rights to Light surveyor needs to be consulted to complete a report on exactly which properties will be affected and by how much.

Experts in Rights to Light Surveys

We can collect a huge amount of external data in a very short amount of time. Due to the nature of laser scanning and its rapid data collection, we have been able to collect surrounding context and street elevation data for large developments in a single day. This is massively efficient when compared to traditional surveying techniques.

Quick Turnaround

Street elevations and surrounding context for large developments can often be captured in a single site visit, so the model is ready for your rights to light consultant sooner.

Cost Saving

Because we model directly from the point cloud, there are fewer return visits to site to pick up missed windows or roof features.

High Accuracy

Window positions, roof features and façades are checked against the point cloud as they are modelled, to the tolerance your assessment needs.