Terrestrial laser scan data can be used for a myriad of purposes including modelling of buildings and landscapes for public engagement activities. This paper specifically asks the critical questions of how terrestrial laser scanning can be used to communicate effectively the impacts of sea-level rise on heritage sites. It explores how decisions made during data processing and model design, reflect confusion from the end user between accuracy and realism. It will chart how at each step of data processing it became a necessity to reflect on how each choice will impact on the final model. It became clear that this period of reflection is underpinned from a rigorous understanding of the software being used.