Table of Contents
Scan to BIM Services
In Europe, more than 80% of the buildings were constructed before 1990 and most of them do not have a BIM model. For these cases reverse engineering with 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry survey became a standard practice.
As technology advances, the use of new non-invasive imaging tools and methodologies such as 3d laser scanning and photogrammetry make it easy to perform highly complex architectural building surveys with high precision and accuracy that captures every detail that seemed too time-consuming and inaccurate in conventional methods.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools are essential to develop a consistent 3D architectural reconstructed model & incorporate it into BIM methodology to take advantage of benefits i.e. design calculation, cost estimates, material quantification, data management, as-built documentation, etc.
Laser scan to BIM services is the process of digitally capturing a physical space or site as laser scan data, which is further used for the creation, development, and maintenance of a BIM model
What is BIM?
BIM often linked to software is an integrated collaborative methodology centered on a digital model to manage throughout its life cycle from design-construction-maintenance. The BIM workflow brings improvements to data management in the design and construction phases. Its application covers wide areas such as clash detection, multi-disciplinary collaboration, project management, and asset management facilities.
What does scan to BIM mean?
Scan-to-bim is the process of capturing a physical space or site as laser scan data, used for the creation, development, & maintenance of a digital BIM model.
Integration of photogrammetry and laser scanning in the Bim workflow represents a significant advantage in the AEC industry.
They are powerful techniques to document initial conditions keep an updated record of the construction site, detect possible construction errors, and changes over time, and produce as-built documentation.
Both photogrammetry and laser scanning are data collection techniques that generate point cloud files – a representation of captured geometry of the entire building.
How does laser scanning relate to BIM?
Laser scanning technology is ideal for Building Information Modeling (BIM) due to its accuracy, and level of detail. It accurately documents as-built conditions and proves to be invaluable in facility asset management and modifications.
How does 3D scanning work in construction?
3D scanners share deep insights by capturing the precise dimensions of a selected area. The scanner spins 360 degrees to analyze every tiny detail of the construction site with high-resolution imagery.
What is point cloud BIM?
3D BIM model created with laser-scanned point cloud file. You can extract detailed elements of an object captured in physical space enabling accurate modeling, clash coordination, and quantity takeoff or Bill of materials
What software does scan to BIM use?
A laser scanner captures an accurate 3D scan, further imported into 3D BIM software (Autodesk’s Revit, Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, etc.) to create accurate as-built models resembling real-world conditions.
Commonly used laser scan machines – Leica Geosystems, Trimble, Faro Scanners, etc.
Scan or Point Cloud to BIM
Scan to BIM modeling Services or Point Cloud to BIM Services delivers accurate and parametric as-built BIM models & CAD models depicting the walls, slabs, roof plans, facades, and landscapes in and around the building.
Point Cloud to BIM captures as-built accurate data which helps to make a decision on unwanted structures.
Scan to BIM Services provider can work on both lasers surveyed data images and point cloud data.
Models with LOD 100 to 500 covering all architectural, structural, and MEPFP elements along with clash detection are prepared by cad design & drafting services providers for renovation, refurbishments, and reconstruction projects.
Scan to Revit 3D model helps clients to access digital 3D model, manage facilities and modify as per project needs.
Scan to BIM Services for Revit – Types of modeling
- Architectural: walls (exterior & interior), doors, windows, cabinets, etc.
- Structural: beams, columns, foundation, framing, annotations, truss families, etc.
- MEPFS: electrical panels, junction boxes, ducting, pipe systems, air terminals, fire sprinklers, etc.
- Revit MEP design coordination: Clash detection using Autodesk NavisWorks
- Point Scan to BIM Services with Quality and Accuracy
Read CAD drafting services / Architectural drafting services
Benefits of Scan to BIM Services
Point Cloud Scan Laser Survey Data, Company Standards-template, and drafting guidelines is adequate to deliver BIM Revit Model (*.rvt) & 2D as-built drawings (*.dwg) with dimensions, annotation, and layering, etc.
Scan to BIM modeling services is the most accurate and efficient way to develop an as-built BIM model from the existing building.
Also based on requirements 4 levels of documentation are provided
- Floor Plans
- Exterior Elevation & Roof Plans
- Sections
- Site Layout Plans
Scan to BIM modeling Services providers shares information-rich as-built 3D Bim model or 2D drawings for design validation-planning-interference checks-MEP or construction elements demolition-addition, documentation of existing building conditions, Quantity take-off, and budget estimation.
Scan to BIM Clients
Scan to BIM services (aka Point Cloud Modeling services) is catered to
- Laser Scanning Companies
- Surveyors
- Property Owners
- Architectural Design Firms
- MEP Engineering Companies
- GC or Construction Management companies.
Scan to BIM Modeling Process
- Transfer Point Cloud Scan Data (*.rcp & *.rcs) into Revit.
- Create multi-levels of the project building.
- Place the walls on those levels to ensure the uniformity of the model.
- Add elements of the building initially from the bottom of the scan.
Scan to BIM projects
• Mixed-Use Building
• Heritage Building
• Residential Building
• School Building
• Plant
• Commercial Building
Scan to BIM Workflow
Image Credit: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Scan-to-BIM-workflow_fig15_339097240
Conclusion
The use of photogrammetry techniques and terrestrial 3D laser scanning made a significant impact on the field of architectural survey, construction, conservation, and restoration.
Use of the most efficient, fast, non-invasive techniques with a high degree of precision enables more exhaustive studies, interventions, and records of the building in its as-is condition.
The BIM methodology allows access and analysis to embedded design information and attributes in a 3D model.
Scan to BIM process allows building integration and makes it possible to enjoy the benefits that BIM delivers.
The use of laser scanning & photogrammetry equipment requires knowledge to avoid errors that could make data alignment & point cloud generation a waste. Conversion of point cloud to BIM model requires a high degree of software expertise, in-depth architecture, building knowledge, and parametric families to meet the modeling demands of the building and contribute to the entire process. So the experience of the operators in every aspect is crucial else it can jeopardize the entire process.
FAQ
What is scan to BIM?
Scan to BIM is the conversion process of 3D laser scanned or point cloud data into a BIM model utilized for design, evaluation, modification, asset management, etc.
What type of input is needed to create BIM model/2D drawings from point cloud?
Input data shared in multiple industry point cloud files such as .pts, .ptx, .ptg, .las .rcs/RCP, .pod formats is needed to create BIM model/2D drawings.
How can Point cloud modeling be helpful?
Point cloud modeling can be helpful for clients in various ways. The 3D model generated helps in clash detection, asset management, 2D documentation, etc.