How Point Cloud to BIM Reduces Surveying Time and Operational Costs

Scan to BIM technology converts accurate and detailed laser-scanned data, comprising millions of point clouds, into smart BIM models. Incorporating Scan to BIM best practices into the workflow ensures Point Cloud to BIM conversion documents as-built conditions with extreme precision and enables their representation in 3D space for renovation and retrofitting. Faster coordination and clash detection reduce costly reworks and expedite the approval process with high-quality deliverables.

There is a proven process through which point clouds can integrate with BIM for surveying workflows. It helps BIM professionals and surveying companies leverage survey-grade point cloud data to create a coordinated and clash-free point cloud-to-BIM model.

• Surveying with laser scans: Document the built conditions utilizing laser scanners and LiDAR to create a rich point cloud.
• Process surveyed data: Remove noise, register, and align point cloud data to generate a coordinated dataset in 3D space.
• Get data into BIM tools: Use the processed data and load it into model creation and auditing software like Revit or Navisworks.
• Create the 3D model: Generate as-built models for trades, including architecture, structure, and MEPF components.
• Verify the data in the model: Check model precision against captured point cloud data to ensure spatial accuracy.
• Use the 3D model: Use the 3D point cloud to BIM model for faster interference detection and extraction of quantity takeoffs from the 3D model.

Data collection is accelerated while using various advanced equipment like laser scanners, drones, and LiDAR.

• Utilize advanced LiDAR or laser scanning equipment to document data.

  Deploying advanced laser scanning equipment or LiDAR driven by high-frequency lasers, inertial navigation, and multi-return algorithms can help surveyors document spatial coordinates with millimeter-level accuracy. Field calibration in real-time leads to precise georeferencing, reduced drifts, and detailed documentation for reflectance, color, and geometric parameters for downstream analysis.

• Create dense point clouds in a matter of hours vs days with traditional surveying.

  Creating highly dense point clouds in rapid succession shortens the timeline for surveying large sites for renovation and retrofitting. Registration automation integrates with scans, which leads to large datasets in a matter of hours.

Data accuracy is significantly improved through survey-grade point cloud data and point cloud to BIM conversion.

• Use of high-accuracy data points to lower errors.

  Millions of accurate point clouds captured with laser scanners eliminate dimensional ambiguities. Millimeter-based accuracy ensures spatial geometry, connections, and component placement in a digital representation, which lowers issues during design, coordination, and renovation.

• Generate detailed 3D models to achieve improved decision-making.

  Point cloud to BIM conversion using 3D BIM models with + -10 mm accuracy improves decision-making and expedites approvals. These 3D models support precision within As-Built data, which supports design validation, scheduling, and cost estimation. Featured accuracy within digital twins also makes coordination seamless among surveyors, BIM professionals, and clients to lower project risks.

There are various automation workflows embedded within the point cloud to BIM, which include scan registration, segmentation, noise filtering, clash detection, progress tracking, etc.

• Improve BIM modeling from scan data using conversion automation.

  Point Cloud to BIM modeling uses accurate scan data and automation for object recognition with AI/ML tools, for architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines. Tools like Revit reinforced by Scan to BIM plugins ensure geometry extraction for size, shape, and orientation.

  Parametric modeling with assigned parameters like dimensions, type, etc. reduces modeling time. Other automation features, templates, batch processing, and assisted automation contribute to greater modeling consistency for large-scale projects.

• Leverage faster integration with design and construction tools for higher interoperability.

  Point Cloud to BIM tools like ReCAP, Revit, Navisworks, and other platforms showcase flexibility, scalability, and seamless integration with third-party tools. BIM professionals and surveyors can leverage interoperability with tools like BIM360 to eliminate data loss and support collaboration in real time.

Higher labor costs can create a dent in planned budgets for renovation and retrofitting. Point Cloud to BIM supports surveying firms and clients to cut down on labor costs, with a significant reduction in site visits.

• Cutting down time spent on the site to collect data.

  Large projects require multiple site visits if done using traditional methods. However, advanced laser scanning equipment, including drones and laser scanners, can reduce site visits to capture millions of point clouds.

• Greater site safety while surveying various locations.

  Laser scanning done with LiDAR or advanced laser scanning tools ensures sites are safe to survey. Surveying hazardous locations using old tools increases the risk of potential hazards. Laser scanning equipment makes it safer for surveying personnel to scan the entire area, including hard-to-reach areas, which enhances scanning coverage.

Rework can significantly create damaging outcomes for renovation and retrofitting projects. Point cloud to BIM can mitigate rework at an early stage.

• Creation of accurate and data-rich 3D models eliminates design issues.

  Design issues emanate from inaccurate and inconsistent survey data. 3D models generated from millions of point clouds ensure every location is mapped and modeled. This lowers design ambiguities in the design stage.

• Quick detection and resolution of interdisciplinary clashes eliminate rework.

  Preemptive identification and resolution of interdisciplinary clashes, including hard, soft, and workflow interferences, reduce rework by a significant factor. Multiple teams collaborating on a single platform and resolving clashes ensure lower change orders and RFIs.

Visualization and scheduling are key factors that can improve the use of resources during renovation, conservation, and retrofitting.

• Utilization of advanced hardware and software to increase point cloud to BIM conversion efficiency.

  Use of top-of-the-line hardware and software improves the conversion efficiency of point cloud models. Tools like Revit, Navisworks, ReCAP, and BIM360, combined with automation tools like Dynamo, Scripts, APIs, and AI/ML platforms, enhance project outcomes for surveying companies.

• Enable scalable project execution with rapid ramp-up or ramp-down capability.

  Outsourcing Point Cloud to BIM services to expert partners enables greater project scalability. BIM solution providers with extensive experience in workflows and tools can ramp up or ramp down resources as per project needs.