The Department for Building Archaeology,Institute of History of Art, Building Archaeology and Restoration at the Vienna University of Technology,has used 3D laser scanners for years for building survey.This includes scientific projects as well as student projects.The aim of the paper is to briefly share the experiences we made and to give an overview of several examples where laser scanning was used as an important tool for highly detailed,form-true surveys of irregular and complex objects.The reader will be introduced to a variety of surveyed objects, ranging from narrow wooden roof structures dating to the Austrian Baroque to large fortifications in Egypt/Nubia from the 6th century, which provided different challenges for the 3D-scanner and the person operating it.Additionally, the strengths and weaknesses of laser scanning in general will be discussed.(Although the advantages make up for the disadvantages, there is still a need for a combination of methods to conduct a complete building survey.)The paper then explores the process of using 3D point clouds, the output data of a 3D laser scanner, to create ground plans, horizontal and vertical sections,ortho-photos, and mesh-models.Furthermore, it will be explained, how we teach our students the proper use of laser scanners and what kind of mistakes can happen, due to a lack of knowledge, even though—or especially because—the whole operation process might seem simple on the surface.