Quick Overview
- 1#1: Autodesk Revit - Leading BIM software for creating detailed 3D building models, floor plans, and information-rich maps used in architecture and construction.
- 2#2: Graphisoft ArchiCAD - BIM platform offering collaborative 3D modeling and mapping tools for comprehensive building design and documentation.
- 3#3: Trimble SketchUp - Intuitive 3D modeling software for quick visualization and mapping of building exteriors and interiors.
- 4#4: Autodesk AutoCAD - Precision CAD tool for drafting accurate 2D and 3D building plans, elevations, and mapping layouts.
- 5#5: Bentley MicroStation - Advanced CAD software for infrastructure and building design with robust 2D/3D mapping capabilities.
- 6#6: Mappedin - Indoor mapping platform for building interactive digital maps, wayfinding, and venue experiences.
- 7#7: Esri ArcGIS Indoors - GIS-based solution for indoor space mapping, analytics, and navigation within buildings.
- 8#8: Floorplanner - Online tool for easily creating 2D and 3D floor plans and building maps without design expertise.
- 9#9: Magicplan - Mobile app using AR and LiDAR to scan and generate accurate floor plans and building maps instantly.
- 10#10: RoomSketcher - User-friendly app for designing professional floor plans, 3D walkthroughs, and building layouts.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (including BIM, CAD, and spatial analytics), quality (accuracy and reliability), ease of use (for varied skill levels), and value (alignment with professional and personal use cases) to ensure comprehensive relevance.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines key building mapping software options, including Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, Trimble SketchUp, Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, and more, to highlight their distinct features and potential use cases. It helps readers understand functionalities, workflows, and suitability for projects of different scales, aiding in informed tool selection.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autodesk Revit Leading BIM software for creating detailed 3D building models, floor plans, and information-rich maps used in architecture and construction. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Graphisoft ArchiCAD BIM platform offering collaborative 3D modeling and mapping tools for comprehensive building design and documentation. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Trimble SketchUp Intuitive 3D modeling software for quick visualization and mapping of building exteriors and interiors. | creative_suite | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Autodesk AutoCAD Precision CAD tool for drafting accurate 2D and 3D building plans, elevations, and mapping layouts. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 5 | Bentley MicroStation Advanced CAD software for infrastructure and building design with robust 2D/3D mapping capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 6 | Mappedin Indoor mapping platform for building interactive digital maps, wayfinding, and venue experiences. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Esri ArcGIS Indoors GIS-based solution for indoor space mapping, analytics, and navigation within buildings. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Floorplanner Online tool for easily creating 2D and 3D floor plans and building maps without design expertise. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Magicplan Mobile app using AR and LiDAR to scan and generate accurate floor plans and building maps instantly. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | RoomSketcher User-friendly app for designing professional floor plans, 3D walkthroughs, and building layouts. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
Leading BIM software for creating detailed 3D building models, floor plans, and information-rich maps used in architecture and construction.
BIM platform offering collaborative 3D modeling and mapping tools for comprehensive building design and documentation.
Intuitive 3D modeling software for quick visualization and mapping of building exteriors and interiors.
Precision CAD tool for drafting accurate 2D and 3D building plans, elevations, and mapping layouts.
Advanced CAD software for infrastructure and building design with robust 2D/3D mapping capabilities.
Indoor mapping platform for building interactive digital maps, wayfinding, and venue experiences.
GIS-based solution for indoor space mapping, analytics, and navigation within buildings.
Online tool for easily creating 2D and 3D floor plans and building maps without design expertise.
Mobile app using AR and LiDAR to scan and generate accurate floor plans and building maps instantly.
User-friendly app for designing professional floor plans, 3D walkthroughs, and building layouts.
Autodesk Revit
enterpriseLeading BIM software for creating detailed 3D building models, floor plans, and information-rich maps used in architecture and construction.
Central parametric BIM model that automatically updates all views, schedules, and quantities when changes are made
Autodesk Revit is a premier Building Information Modeling (BIM) software designed for creating detailed 3D models of buildings, capturing architectural, structural, and MEP elements with parametric precision. It enables comprehensive building mapping by integrating geometry, data, and documentation into a single intelligent model, supporting design, analysis, and construction phases. Revit excels in generating accurate floor plans, sections, schedules, and visualizations, while facilitating real-time collaboration across teams.
Pros
- Unmatched parametric modeling and intelligent objects for dynamic building mapping
- Seamless interoperability with other Autodesk tools and industry standards like IFC
- Powerful cloud collaboration via Autodesk Construction Cloud for multi-disciplinary teams
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface and workflows
- High subscription costs may deter small firms or individual users
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware for large projects
Best For
Professional AEC firms and large teams needing industry-leading BIM for detailed building mapping and full project lifecycle management.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$2,545/year per user; included in AEC Collection (~$3,110/year) or pay-per-use via Autodesk Flex.
Graphisoft ArchiCAD
enterpriseBIM platform offering collaborative 3D modeling and mapping tools for comprehensive building design and documentation.
Advanced point cloud processing and Morph tool for intuitive freeform modeling directly from high-density laser scan data
Graphisoft ArchiCAD is a leading BIM (Building Information Modeling) software designed for architects and engineers to create precise 3D models of buildings, including as-built mapping from laser scans and point clouds. It enables detailed building mapping by importing scan data, generating meshes, and overlaying parametric elements for renovation and documentation projects. With robust collaboration tools and automated 2D documentation, ArchiCAD streamlines the workflow from mapping existing structures to designing modifications.
Pros
- Excellent point cloud and mesh import for accurate as-built mapping
- Comprehensive parametric library and modeling tools
- Seamless BIMcloud collaboration for team-based projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High subscription pricing
- Can be resource-heavy with very large scan datasets
Best For
Professional architecture and engineering firms handling complex building renovations and as-built modeling from LiDAR or photogrammetry scans.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at $2,490 for Solo license; team options with BIMcloud from $4,000+ per user/year.
Trimble SketchUp
creative_suiteIntuitive 3D modeling software for quick visualization and mapping of building exteriors and interiors.
Push/Pull tool that allows instant extrusion of 2D shapes into 3D buildings with precise inferencing
Trimble SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling software renowned for its intuitive tools that enable users to create detailed building models, floor plans, and architectural visualizations from basic sketches. It excels in building mapping by supporting geospatial imports like terrain data and integration with extensions for GIS workflows, making it suitable for conceptual design and site planning. With a vast library of pre-made models via 3D Warehouse, it streamlines the process of mapping and rendering real-world structures.
Pros
- Intuitive push/pull extrusion for rapid 3D building modeling
- Extensive 3D Warehouse library of free models and assets
- Robust extension ecosystem for advanced mapping and GIS integration
Cons
- Performance can lag with very large or complex models
- Subscription model required for pro features and desktop use
- Limited native photogrammetry or LiDAR processing compared to specialized tools
Best For
Architects, urban planners, and designers needing intuitive 3D modeling for building visualization and conceptual site mapping.
Pricing
Free web-based version; SketchUp Pro at $349/year; SketchUp Studio at $699/year with advanced reality capture tools.
Autodesk AutoCAD
enterprisePrecision CAD tool for drafting accurate 2D and 3D building plans, elevations, and mapping layouts.
Dynamic blocks and parametric constraints for reusable, intelligent building components
Autodesk AutoCAD is a leading CAD software renowned for its precision in 2D and 3D drafting, making it suitable for creating detailed building maps, floor plans, elevations, and as-built documentation. It excels in architectural and engineering workflows by offering tools for accurate dimensioning, layering, and annotation, with support for importing GIS data and generating scalable vector outputs. While versatile across industries, its robust feature set enables complex building mapping projects, from site layouts to interior schematics.
Pros
- Unmatched precision and accuracy for 2D/3D building layouts
- Extensive customization via AutoLISP scripting and plugins
- Industry-standard DWG format for seamless interoperability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High subscription cost limits accessibility
- Resource-heavy performance on standard hardware
Best For
Professional architects, engineers, and surveyors requiring high-fidelity, scalable building maps and plans.
Pricing
Subscription-based: $235/month, $1,890/year, or $5,670/3 years (USD).
Bentley MicroStation
enterpriseAdvanced CAD software for infrastructure and building design with robust 2D/3D mapping capabilities.
Integrated reality modeling that fuses point cloud data with CAD models for highly accurate as-built building maps
Bentley MicroStation is a professional-grade CAD software platform designed for 2D and 3D modeling, visualization, and analysis in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. It excels in creating precise digital twins and building information models (BIM) that can serve as detailed building maps for infrastructure and facility management projects. While versatile for building mapping tasks like floor plan design and spatial data management, it is more geared toward complex engineering workflows than pure indoor mapping applications.
Pros
- Exceptional 2D/3D modeling precision and BIM interoperability
- Strong support for standards-compliant file formats like DGN and IFC
- Advanced reality modeling integration for point clouds and geospatial data
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and custom commands
- High cost unsuitable for small teams or simple mapping needs
- Less intuitive for non-engineering users compared to building-specific tools
Best For
Large AEC firms and engineering teams requiring robust, accurate building mapping within integrated infrastructure projects.
Pricing
Subscription-based via Bentley's SELECT program; typically $2,000-$5,000 per user/year depending on modules and deployment, with custom enterprise quotes required.
Mappedin
specializedIndoor mapping platform for building interactive digital maps, wayfinding, and venue experiences.
One-click CAD-to-interactive-map conversion with photorealistic digital twins
Mappedin is an indoor mapping platform that transforms CAD floor plans into interactive, digital twin maps for buildings, campuses, and venues like malls, airports, and hospitals. It offers wayfinding, real-time updates, analytics, and integrations to improve navigation and user experience. The software emphasizes ease of deployment and scalability for enterprise-level indoor positioning and space management.
Pros
- Rapid map creation from CAD files with automatic vectorization
- Advanced wayfinding with AR and 3D visualization
- Robust analytics for space utilization and traffic insights
Cons
- Enterprise pricing can be steep for small-scale users
- Advanced customization requires developer expertise
- Limited offline functionality compared to some competitors
Best For
Large venues and enterprises managing complex indoor spaces that need scalable, interactive mapping solutions.
Pricing
Free tier for basic maps; paid plans start at ~$99/month for standard features, with custom enterprise pricing for advanced deployments.
Esri ArcGIS Indoors
enterpriseGIS-based solution for indoor space mapping, analytics, and navigation within buildings.
Seamless 3D indoor scene creation with real-time IoT integration for dynamic wayfinding and occupancy analytics
Esri ArcGIS Indoors extends the ArcGIS platform to create detailed digital twins of indoor spaces, enabling floor plan management, 3D visualization, and interactive mapping for large facilities. It supports wayfinding, asset tracking, space utilization analytics, and integration with IoT sensors for real-time data. Designed for enterprises, it excels in complex environments like hospitals, airports, and campuses, providing GIS-powered insights into indoor operations.
Pros
- Powerful integration with the ArcGIS ecosystem for advanced GIS analytics
- Robust 3D modeling and real-time location services (RTLS)
- Scalable for enterprise-level indoor mapping and asset management
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring GIS expertise
- High enterprise pricing not ideal for small teams
- Overly complex for basic indoor mapping needs
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations with existing Esri investments needing sophisticated indoor GIS for complex facilities.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription-based; starts at ~$10,000/year for basic setups, scales with users/features—contact Esri for custom quotes.
Floorplanner
specializedOnline tool for easily creating 2D and 3D floor plans and building maps without design expertise.
Real-time dollhouse-style 3D view with seamless switching between 2D floor plan and interactive 3D model
Floorplanner is a web-based floor plan creation tool that enables users to design 2D and 3D layouts for homes, offices, and commercial spaces with drag-and-drop simplicity. It offers a vast library of furniture, fixtures, and architectural elements, along with precise measurement tools and real-time 3D visualization. Primarily aimed at non-professionals and small teams, it supports exporting plans for presentations or printing.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface requires no prior design experience
- Extensive library of over 150,000 2D/3D objects and textures
- Instant 3D rendering and 360-degree walkthroughs for immersive previews
Cons
- Free plan limited to one project with watermarks and low-res exports
- Lacks advanced BIM integration or CAD import/export for professional workflows
- Rendering quality and customization lag behind dedicated desktop software
Best For
Freelancers, real estate agents, and homeowners seeking quick, professional-looking floor plans without steep learning curves or software installation.
Pricing
Free (1 project); Plus €5/user/month (5 projects, HD exports); Pro €19/user/month (unlimited projects, premium features); billed annually.
Magicplan
specializedMobile app using AR and LiDAR to scan and generate accurate floor plans and building maps instantly.
One-tap AR room scanning that auto-generates precise floor plans and 3D walkthroughs using just a smartphone camera
Magicplan is a mobile app that uses augmented reality (AR) and a smartphone camera to quickly generate 2D floor plans, 3D models, and measurements of indoor spaces without needing specialized equipment. It allows users to scan rooms, add furniture, annotations, and custom elements, then export plans in formats like PDF, JPG, or CAD for use in construction, real estate, insurance, and facility management. The app supports project organization, collaboration, and integrations with tools like SketchUp and AutoCAD.
Pros
- Rapid AR-based room scanning for instant floor plans
- Accurate measurements and versatile export options including 3D models
- Intuitive mobile interface with easy project sharing and collaboration
Cons
- Freemium model limits exports and advanced features to paid plans
- Accuracy can falter in low-light or highly complex/large spaces
- Primarily mobile-focused, lacking robust desktop editing capabilities
Best For
Contractors, real estate agents, and home inspectors needing quick, on-site floor plans without bulky laser scanners.
Pricing
Free plan with basic scanning (3 projects max); Pro $9.99/month ($89.99/year) for unlimited projects and exports; Business/Enterprise plans from $20+/user/month.
RoomSketcher
specializedUser-friendly app for designing professional floor plans, 3D walkthroughs, and building layouts.
One-click generation of photo-realistic 3D floor plans and interactive 360° panoramas from 2D sketches
RoomSketcher is a user-friendly floor plan and interior design software that enables users to create detailed 2D and 3D floor plans, furnish spaces with a vast library of items, and generate professional marketing materials like virtual tours. It supports drawing from scratch, tracing existing plans, or using measurements, making it suitable for quick building layouts and room mapping. The app is available on web, desktop, and mobile, with features like 360° panoramas and high-quality renders for visualization.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for rapid floor plan creation
- Extensive library of furniture, materials, and fixtures
- High-quality 3D renders and 360° virtual tours
Cons
- Limited advanced tools for complex architectural or large-scale mapping
- Free plan includes watermarks and export limitations
- Subscription required for full professional features
Best For
Real estate agents, interior designers, and homeowners seeking simple, professional floor plans and 3D visualizations without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro at $99/user/year; Business at $159/user/year.
Conclusion
When it comes to building mapping software, Autodesk Revit leads as the top choice, renowned for its advanced BIM capabilities and detailed information-rich models that empower architecture and construction workflows. Graphisoft ArchiCAD and Trimble SketchUp follow as strong alternatives, with ArchiCAD excelling in collaborative 3D design and SketchUp offering intuitive tools for quick visualization. Together, these three tools showcase the breadth of excellence in the field, each tailored to distinct needs but all delivering exceptional value.
Ready to transform your building mapping process? Try Autodesk Revit first to experience detailed, BIM-driven models that streamline design and documentation. For other workflows, explore ArchiCAD or SketchUp—but Revit remains the ultimate pick for comprehensive, information-rich building maps.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison