The demand for 3D laser scanning continues to grow in the AEC industry. The adoption of Point Cloud Scanning by engineering firms for various new and existing projects has shown significant time savings and profits for owners and stakeholders. Designers and contractors continue to see the value for their ability to deliver exceptional accuracy and a data-driven approach towards “proactive project management”.  The construction sector has witnessed heavy pitfalls through the entire lifecycle of the project and greater ones upon completion as well. 

With Scan to BIM services, owners and stakeholders can leverage clear communication and visualization on what was required and what has been built on-site. BIM has proved to be a principal driver for the demand of Point Cloud Modeling. Most of the states in the US have seen a very high rate of adoption for Building Information Modeling.

Thanks to modern BIM software like Revit, designers and general contractors can evaluate clashes through virtual coordination. It’s always client perception of how much the entire process will cost. It’s better not to tell them the cost, but educate them about the entire process and the kind of profits Point Cloud Scanning would yield in the long run.

The steps would include – the explanation of field work, brief introduction on Point Clouds, analyzing the data, using point cloud data in BIM software, building a 3D model and the final process of 3D coordination.

Huge point clouds require BIM authoring software like Autodesk Revit and Navisworks to use Point Cloud data.

Point Cloud

3D Laser Scanning creates a raw data output in a point cloud format. Point clouds generated by the scanners create high-visualization for the purpose of reference for onsite workers and professionals. These point clouds are a set of points in the 3D coordinate system. The point cloud data needs to be converted into software adaptable data through direct, parametric modeling and mesh-based modeling.

How do you bring about Point Cloud data to Point Cloud Modeling in BIM?

Scanning is just one part of the process; it must be integrated into the BIM workflow as well to support the entire construction process. These 3D scans can be used for Quality Assurance in partially built infrastructure.          Engineers and designers need software like Revit and Navisworks to manage point cloud data and provide Scan to BIM services for clients and owners.  In terms of Proactive Project Management or QA, these point cloud scans help general contractors and QA engineers to actually go onsite and compare point-cloud data against intended design.

Point Cloud Modeling comprises of three crucial components viz. Scanning and surveying, registration, and the conversion of models to 3D systems. This raw format is then converted to various file formats viz.. pts, .rcs, etc. This raw data can be accessed by BIM authoring software like ArchiCAD, Revit, Navisworks, etc.

What’s the reason behind companies opting for Point Cloud Scanning?

Bigger time savings on surveying

Scan to BIM services can save on time and cost for surveying new and existing buildings. A single Point Cloud technician can handle complex projects with the help of good laser equipment, and this can reduce surveying cost and efforts by at least 35% in totality.

Precision results

It is highly imperative for owners and stakeholders to know what has been built and what are the actual requirements of the end-product or deliverables. The accuracy of a Point Cloud Scanning provides users with the power to analyze models and a partially existing structure to make sure all the elements are kept in place.

Easy Renovation

Design assessment for building renovations has become extremely effective whilst using Scan to BIM Services. For existing structures that need renovation, but are occupied, 3D laser scanning provides an easy solution to scan the entire building without disrupting the lifestyle of occupants inside the building or infrastructure. New models can be designed as an extension of the old design wherein old reference data can be compared to check clashes or problems in the new design.

Team Collaboration

Scan to BIM services are extremely useful in close team collaboration wherein people from various trades can assess the 3D model and understand design flaws based on old designs and the proposed design. BIM engineers can integrate models from all the trades viz. Architecture, Structure, MEP and FP and put it into a federated model to identify clashes, threats, and design faults in the building.

Reduced Costs 

Point Cloud Modeling reduces overall construction and surveying costs as legacy surveying methods and technology had proved to be extremely expensive elevating costs beyond normal margins for owners and stakeholders. The most crucial part of Scan to BIM services is its ability to detect errors early on in the project lifecycle that creates heavy project profits.

Final Words  

Building Information Modeling has pushed the limits of Point Cloud Scanning to another level wherein it has become extremely simple for designers, architects, general contractors, owners and stakeholders to visualize every piece of the puzzle with superior clarity to make informed-decisions based on 3D models.