3D data transforms the complete building lifecycle with Scan to BIM or 3D Scanning Services

The AEC industry has become well-versed with the terms Scan-To-BIM, 3D Scanning Services or Point Cloud Modeling.  If there’s structure that needs to be scanned for rework or captured before demolition, it can be done with Point Cloud Services. The adoption of advanced surveying techniques like Point Cloud Scanning Services or photogrammetry have transformed the way the AEC industry needs to visualize construction projects for design and deliverables. The entire process can be integrated with BIM technology to create precise information-rich models that can be shared with the entire team.

2019 will look at Point Clouds or Scan-to-BIM in various phases of the building lifecycle

Reality capture will go beyond 3D models and BIM, it can be absolutely leveraged in the AEC industry to determine accurate scheduling, costing, and maintenance protocols of a project lifecycle. There has been an increased focus on reality capture technology and solutions with Point Cloud Modeling. There are multiple enterprises that use technology or scanners like Faro Focus, Trimble, Geo Slam Zeb Revo, Paracosm, and more to determine spatial analysis, lend clear visualization, greater accuracy, quantity estimation, and reduced faults.

How do you define Scan-to-BIM?

Scan to BIM or Point Cloud Services are referred to as scanning a physical space or infrastructure in 3D space. This builds a precise representation of the structure with a Point Cloud with BIM software. This software representation is leveraged to design, assess, and evaluate project progress and success.

Scan to BIM is Quick  

Point Cloud Scanning Services are a modern breakthrough in the AEC industry as it captures every minute dimension of the structure and delivers a faster, yet highly detailed representation of the actual structure for restoration or retro-fitting existing structures.

Point cloud data is extremely useful for project analysis as it is done through various processes. Multiple scans are taken various angles and stations, whilst secondly, each point cloud data is combined for post-processing requirements, and in the third step, a BIM authoring software is used to create information-rich models, also known as Point Cloud Modeling.

Scan to BIM is backed by modern technology

Point Cloud Scanning Services are useful for new projects as well, as it helps stakeholders create and maintain important records of the building or other structures around the new project. When it comes to time savings for complex projects, Scan to BIM technology can be record large interior and exterior spaces, or even electrical and plumbing installations, etc.

Surveyors are increasingly turning to the above-mentioned 3D scanning services or instruments that capture extremely detailed visuals and convert them into a point cloud. The magnitude of scanning in terms of area per day could be around 90,000sq.ft. to 120,000 sq. ft. depending on the complexity of the project(s). This technology is very helpful for buildings that are still in use, as terrestrial or mobile scanners can be used to cover or scan hard-reaching spaces or map true distances, and create an accurate master data-set of the project at hand.

How does it all happen?     

When all the Point Cloud Scanning Services or activities are done, and all the point clouds are linked together, they are taken into software like Autodesk Revit or any other algorithm -based authoring tools that identify each point cloud and transform them into 3D objects. This helps designers and modelers with detailed information for floor plans, elevations, and even complex building sections.

The scan to BIM process can begin at any point of the building lifecycle, and it has proved to be extremely helpful to renovate older structures with enhanced precision and information transparency through Building Information Modeling.

Benefits of Point Cloud Scanning Services

The AEC industry operates at strict budget timelines; thus, it requires great accuracy and transparency for contractors as it reduces the risk factor in terms of time and budget, whilst it increases the probability for bidders to win the bid for a certain project(s). Scan to BIM is extremely compelling for long-term project savings through exhaustive collaboration and intelligent, information-rich 3D models.

Final thoughts on Point Cloud Scanning Services

By using 3D Scanning Services coupled with BIM technology, the entire information flow becomes seamless for all the stakeholders. It creates a great impact on every trade; be it onsite or office. Scan to BIM is transforming the way AEC professionals or contractors connect all the dots.

Futuristic Construction Surveying with Point Clouds to BIM

Laser scanned data can be extremely valuable for scanning large areas quickly, and more effectively than before. It provides accurate data that can be integrated to Revit models. A three-dimensional approach to BIM with Point Cloud Capturing delivers 3D building elements for other infrastructure like ducts, pipes, and other infrastructure. Recent technological integration's through hardware and software can augment BIM applications in the A/E/C building environment. There is great emphasis on rapid 3D capturing and modeling with 3D laser scanning for virtual design and construction. There’s a pressing need for smart feature detection algorithms and virtual cloud point processing for efficient design, construction and management.

Point Cloud Technology for a Beginner

Pre-construction or renovation requires accurate planning and virtual intelligence to convert models into reality. In the early inception phase, 3D laser scanning services prove to be intuitive tools to author object models while referencing the point cloud. A point cloud is an integration of range-based scanning and photogrammetry, and it serves as an initial point of building a 3D model. So, basically a point cloud system is a huge collection of points in 3D space, thus it serves as a very precise measurement to create content from within the point cloud. Thousands of laser beams are fired per second, resulting in the formation of point cloud data. The resulting point cloud can bring about Billions of data that can be used for analysis and modeling in BIM.

point cloud

From Point Clouds to BIM – Understanding the transition & how it can help

A typical scan to BIM to process with Point Cloud involves three phases namely –
• Modeling the geometry of components
• Assigning object categories and material properties to components
• Establishing comprehensive component relationships

Terrestrial laser scanners are used as optical instruments that allow the creation of geometric representations in real-time. This is achieved by a collection of 3D points that form the point cloud environment. A TLS or Terrestrial Laser Scanning instrument is used to perform multiple tasks in a very short duration. Snapshots can be recorded by the TLS in a very short time as the sensor allows multiple conditions of the surveyed object to be captured. This technique is used in the fields of cultural heritage capturing, it provides a means to store documentation, monitor present conditions of important buildings, and support the restoration process. All the 3D models store numeric and qualitative information for further reference. Airborne Laser Scanning or ALS is also be used as an automation tool to reconstruct building shapes, that can be integrated with airborne and terrestrial images. In the present scenario laser scanning surveys are gaining more traction to generate 3D structural models, as advanced systems can process large datasets. 3D laser scanning services aim at precise building reconstruction using its geometry. A finite element model is applied to a 3D cloud point model, as it generates a cross-section of the building, that can be applied to structural analysis as well. The interoperability of BIM with Point Cloud Laser Scanning provides sharp BIM models. Point cloud data can be imported to the following software’s like Revit to ensure all the models are built smartly and serve an optimized building purpose.

Models and their choice of selection 

Point Cloud to BIM can be used to create various models depending on the requirement of the infrastructure or space. Models can be classified through

• Primitives
• Mesh Based Models
• Hybrid Models

For a primitive approach all the points in the point cloud are segregated to various geometric shapes like cylinders, cones, spheres, planes, and various other 3D shapes. A mesh-based model is deployed when infrastructure or a surface under consideration requires a very high requirement of details, as it requires greater computational power, the final build would also require large volumes of storage space. As the name suggests, hybrid models integrate primitives and mesh-based models for various detailing requirements.

 

Benefits that come along with 3D Laser Scanning Services to BIM

• High level of 3D modeling accuracy with data intelligence and reliability
• Pre-planning platform for design work
• Improves communication and collaboration with 3D visualization for decision making and renovation
• Purge all RFI paperwork, construction delays, increase accuracy, and fuel outright completion
• Save time and money with digital construction techniques rather than onsite visits
 

The Judgment

The deployment of Point Cloud and 3D Laser Scanning Technology adds a new realm of high value possibilities in real-time to BIM workflows. Precise data captures and detailed information about various spatial elements increases the accuracy of project progress and completion. The onset of remarkable hardware and software integration makes it possible for contractors and project teams to put in their valuable time into a fully unified BIM workflow process.

Read Further on – Latest BIM Technologies

Source: http://blog.bimengus.com/futuristic-construction-surveying-point-clouds-bim/