3D Spatial Measurement into Design Programs

[Bart H.]

Does anyone use any form of 3d measurement devices to take measurements that can then be uploaded into a design software?

We have used a design software to do our permitting, and visually model things like removing walls etc. The problem is the measuring and data entry is labor intensive. 

If anyone is using an electronic device, what do you use?  and how effective is it?, ie does it import cleanly, save you a lot of time.  What types of devices and software do you need etc.

[Aaron McGinnis]

Our system to measure is 2 people, one measuring and one writing down measurements. A laser tape measure speeds the process considerably. We can generally do a detailed, accurate measure of a 3000sqft house in about 2-3 hours with 2 people. 

All bets are off in a house that has a lot of asymmetrical rooms, extra corners, or a lot of ceiling height changes. Old victorian houses that have had a million add-ons and modifications from drunk uncle Jimmy can take much, much longer.

We translate from drawings to Archicad. It generally takes longer to draw the house than it does to measure the house, usually a day or two of a competent draftman's time. 

I, too, am curious about the automeasure devices. I'm always afraid that they'll be inaccurate or have data import/export issues.