Oct 6, 2014 -- The technology of 3D scanning and converting it into a 3D model has its applications into various fields. It is helpful and used in the Building Industry, Process Industry and Digital Factory, for the purpose of Reverse Engineering, Ship Building, Documentation of accident and forensic scenes, Facility Management, etc.

In relation with the Building Industry (AEC), scan to BIM is the process by which a Building Information 3D Model (BIM model) is created from scanned point cloud data to accurately represent the ‘As Built’ environment. The laser scan point cloud survey data is collected and registered by certified surveyors and it is this registered point cloud from which the BIM model is produced.

Scanned Image

 What is a Point Cloud Model?

A point cloud model is a set of millions of data points within a coordinate system. These points represent the outer surface and the shape of an object. However, a point cloud model cannot be used as a BIM model. This point cloud data is used as a reference, and BIM experts trace upon this data to reconstruct a 3D model that is ready for BIM.

Scan-to-BIM process consists of three major steps: scanning, registration, and modeling. There are many inaccuracies and inefficiencies associated with each of the aforementioned processes that leads to inaccurate end product, as-built BIM, and also that increase the cost of Scan-to-BIM operations.

BIM Model

Benefits of Scan to BIM

The major advantage of the technology is in the ‘As Built’ sector. Especially on the much older buildings, there are almost no details available in terms of drawings or details. Laser scanning technology for a building is much quicker, more accurate and more detailed than compared to the traditional surveying methods.

It helps in creating an ‘AS Built’ accurate BIM model from the point cloud data, which saves significant time and cost for the client on the design side of the project. This helps in giving the design team, a much accurate and detailed 3D BIM model. Additionally it is possible to create a full set of ‘As Built’ 2D plans, sections and elevations from the BIM model.

This BIM modelling service and deliverable helps in providing a streamlined workflow for the design, planning and construction stages of retrofit, refurbishment and renovation projects, and also provides architects, engineers, government agencies and facility managers with a 3D model which contains the intelligent part as well.

Now, for Scan to BIM tasks, a practical know how and experience is of utmost importance. This is because a BIM expert learns the actual ropes of handling a point cloud to BIM, project only while working on one.

Final BIM Model

Let’s discuss some of the important points need to be taken care of, before commencing on a project:

Detailed Inputs

It is very much essential to get the precised and detailed brief of the project, as it can be challenging due to the nature of Scan to BIM project and especially for the project involving the interior modeling part also. There comes a situation, where the client can request for a pricing part without providing the scanned data. In such cases, one needs to make sure to receive the photographs and/or videos of what is going to be scanned and study them carefully.

It is very likely that the service providers either provides under price and suffers heavy loss or over price and lose the contract. If possible, it would be advisable to make a site visit and study the building components such as beams and columns and their junctions. One needs to study the site condition as well, as it would also influence the modeling process.

In case where the client provides the scanned point cloud data, it would be much beneficial to get the 360° colored panoramic views, which gives a clear idea to the modelers about the existing conditions. Many of the recent scanning machines have this facility.

Level of Detailing

This is a very important point to be received from the client or to be mentioned in the scope of work provided by the client. The Scan to BIM projects are quite different as compared to the Visualization projects. The former one mainly requires to focus on detailing part, whereas the later one is mainly for a presentation in a 3D format. The level of detailing applies to Architectural, Structural and MEP part of the project.

For the regular BIM projects, it mainly deals with the LOD 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500, which are mainly related to the design part. For the Scan to BIM projects, there are levels 1-5 which are referred to while discussing the details to be considered while modeling. Here, one needs to make sure that one’s understanding is on same lines with that of the client.

Knowledge Imparting

As known, the SCAN to BIM is comparatively very new technology and process. It can be the client is not fully aware about what he is asking for in reality, while the project is being discussed. It would be required to educate them thoroughly about the process and about the output that would be delivered. This would help avoid any disputes during the project process or at the time of final deliverables. The practical scenario differs from the theoretical part.

Project Work

As known, the SCAN to BIM conversion is a very specialized services which involves complexity and the exact, as the modeling is especially for the ‘As Built World’.  The precision is of utmost importance linked to the modeling part.

The future of scanning is immense and the different ways we scan will continue to evolve and become more customized to the specific industry problems presented. Point cloud data is still the best data that exists for capturing and studying existing conditions. The future will be exciting to watch for sure…

About Author:

Bhushan Avsatthi is an Associate Director at Hitech CADD Services. Bhushan is a Consultant, BIM expert and a green building advisor with more than 15 years of industry experience. Bhushan imbibes the prophecy of efficient and prudent use of energy in his day to day life and advices his team to do so as well. He is also involved in green initiatives like nonprofit tree plantation project and promotes using cycles for commuting small distances. Bhushan handles a team of architects, Structural and MEP engineers, LEED consultants and Energy modeling experts.