Different tools solve different problems. Use them in the right order and your model mirrors the site; mix them up and coordination bogs down.
ReCap: from raw scans to usable clouds
Autodesk ReCap ingests raw scans, registers them, and exports cleaned point clouds (RCP/RCS) that Revit, Navisworks, and others can read. It’s your first step after scanning: set coordinates, clip volumes, and create regions so modelers don’t drown in data.
Best for: in-house registration and producing lightweight clouds for modeling.
Tradeoffs: desktop-centric; collaboration requires shared storage or CDE setup.
Cintoo: stream the site to your browser
Cintoo converts dense clouds into mesh-based, web-streamed reality you can measure and compare to the model. It’s great for multi-firm review, quick measurements, and progress comparison without massive local files.
Best for: distributed teams, visual QA, quick “does it fit?” checks.
Tradeoffs: conversion time and cloud subscription planning.
Navisworks: aggregate and clash
Navisworks is still the workhorse for 3D clash services, 4D linking, and model aggregation (Revit, IFC, DWG). Use it to run clash rules, group issues, and produce install-ready viewpoints that drive shop drawing revisions and spool drawing packs. It also supports takeoffs that later inform 5D.
Best for: coordination meetings, federated models, and clash management.
Tradeoffs: desktop heavy; issue tracking lives in NWF/NWD unless integrated.
Revizto: single source of issues office to field
Revizto centralizes issues in 2D/3D with photos, markups, and responsibilities. Field teams can drop pins on discrepancies, attach site photos, and sync notes back to design. This keeps “field truth” flowing both ways.
Best for: live issue tracking, field-to-office feedback loops.
Tradeoffs: workflow discipline; teams must comment in Revizto, not in siloed chats.
A practical flow that works
- Register in ReCap → 2) Stream selected zones via Cintoo → 3) Aggregate and clash in Navisworks → 4) Manage issues and field feedback in Revizto. Tie the results back into Revit for updates, then re-publish as built services at milestones.
Tip: If you offer BIM Services in India with global clients, this stack bridges time zones; the office pushes coordination overnight, and the field replies with Revizto notes by morning.
Bottom line
Pick each tool for what it does best. Combined, they shorten the path from scan to decision, from issue to resolution.