All buildings sit in a specific context, and are influenced by their environment. Whether considering daylighting, wind, or site levels it’s important for Architects and Designers to know how their proposal will meet the ground. As more and more AEC professionals are using BIM in their practice, digital 3D site models are becoming integral. In the UK there are a number of providers, all offering different tools and types of models. In this article, we will look at how Cetopo compares to Z-Mapping, and which is best suited to your workflow.
Highlights of Z-Mapping
Z-Mapping has been around since 2004, and specialises in producing detailed 3D models of major UK cities using drone technology. Models are designed to situate architectural projects in their context with high LOD building models. Highlights include:
- Building models up to LOD5 in most major UK cities
- Z-Map navigator designed to be used by Local Authorities in London
- Excellent coverage inc. fences etc. in London
Highlights of Cetopo
Cetopo expanded to cover the UK in 2023, having built a strong user base in the Nordics since 2020. Cetopo specialises in instant access 3D site models and 2D plans, which the user can directly configure and preview in the platform before downloading. All model formats are optimised to run quickly in any BIM or 3D software. Highlights of Cetopo include:
- Full coverage of England, and most of Scotland including ALL cities.
- Native models, designed to be fully and easily editable by the user.
- Ordnance Survey Mastermap data licensed for use in Planning Applications.
- Instant access and unlimited model downloads in a set area.
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What does it cost?
Z-Mapping and Cetopo use different pricing models; Z-Mapping has a pay per file model, whereas Cetopo offers multiple downloads and bulk discounts through a subscription model. Prices shown below are indicative only.
Cetopo’s subscription model is ‘project based’, ranging from small to large subscriptions. Each ‘project’ refers to an area which includes unlimited downloads in any common 3D format, as well as 2D OS Mastermap. Prices shown here are based on a standard Cetopo project, however Cetopo project areas can be as large as needed. Areas exceeding 2 hectares are charged on a sliding scale, with rates decreasing as the area increases. Subscriptions are not liable for VAT since Cetopo is based in Finland.
Z-Mapping’s price per model is dependent on the area and whether it is developed or not. Models are either custom built or ‘off-the-shelf’ (i.e. it has previously been built for another customer or project). This also affects the price and lead time.
Z-Mapping
- 2 HA in Manchester: £540 + VAT
Delivery time: 1-3 days - 2 HA in Rosyth, Fife: £535 + VAT
Delivery time: 5-6 working days
Cetopo
- 2 HA in Manchester: £160
Delivery time: instant - 2 HA in Rosyth, Fife: £160
Delivery time: instant
What is included?
Z-Mapping
- 1 model in your preferred format
Cetopo
- Unlimited 3D and 2D downloads in all common formats
- OS Mastermap in DXF
- Ability to configure and preview models before download
Where do Z-Mapping and Cetopo cover?
Cetopo covers all of England and most of Scotland. All cities in Scotland are covered, but some rural areas are not covered. Cetopo’s interface shows exactly which areas are covered.
Z-Mapping covers ‘most major cities, and 100s of custom built sites across the UK’. They also offer custom-built models of areas which are not already covered, but lead times are very long. Z-Mapping does not provide a list of areas covered.
How accurate are the models?
Cetopo and Z-Mapping use different methods to survey the terrain, buildings etc. Cetopo uses LIDAR, Ordnance Survey, and other governmental and private data to compute models, while Z-Mapping uses photometry and manually models the buildings and terrain. Z-Mappings models can include more detail on buildings (parapets, lamp posts etc), while Cetopo models have a more precise terrain.
Z – Mapping
Cetopo
Buildings:
Terrain:
Roads:
Trees:
LOD5
Horizontal: Based on Aerial photography.
Vertical: max. +0.05m, general +0.25-0.5m
Based on Aerial Photography
Based on Aerial photography
LOD2
Horizontal: 1m grid (up to 0.25m in Scotland)
Vertical: ±0.15m (in practice ±0.05m)
Based on Ordnance Survey, includes pavements etc
Localised based on Lidar, Species from UK Forestry
How useable are the site models?
Z-Mapping models are available in formats supported by most major softwares, but with limited editing capability. Cetopo models are available as native file formats for most major softwares, and are designed to be fully editable.
Z-Mapping
- All elements separated into individual layers
- Terrain Mesh + buildings editable in most software
- Default tree models can be individually deleted.
- One model sent by email
Cetopo
- All elements separated into individual layers, and as separate object per item
- Terrain mesh, roads & buildings editable in all software
- Tree models can be automatically substituted for .rpc or enscape assets.
- Unlimited downloads in 2D and 3D, directly from platform.
Can I use it for rendering and 3D printing?
Both Cetopo and Z-Mapping offer models which are 3D-print ready, and have some optimisation for visualisation.
Z-Mapping
- High building LOD looks good in renderings
- Generic tree models look plasticky
- Have to buy a second model for 3D printing
Cetopo
- Lower building detail suitable for visualizing the surrounding buildings
- Trees look very good in rendering
- 3D printed ready models included in basic price
What other features are available?
Z-Mapping offers a range of additional products which are available to buy separately, while Cetopo gives users access to all of its features included in the cost. Some additional features include:
Z-Mapping
- Urban Designer Pack
- Unreal Engine Navigator for London
Cetopo
- 2D DXF files inc. OS Mastermap data
- Laser cutter ready files
- A range of 2D graphic templates
- Interactive preview
TLDR: Which should I use?
Cetopo and Z-Mapping clearly have slightly different operating models. Z-mapping’s approach is to sell individual models, while Cetopo provides access to data and allows users to download as many configurations as desired in a given area.
Use Z-Mapping if:
- You only work in one software and only need one model
- You work for a Local Authority, and only want to view the models
- You work in London, and want very detailed building models.
- You do not want 2D plans for Planning Applications to be included
Use Cetopo if:
- You want to access all of your models and plans in one place
- You want instant access to models
- You want control over how your model looks and behaves in your software
- You want multiple models and plan drawings
- You work across multiple softwares
- You work in smaller towns/villages across the UK, as well as cities