Providers of point cloud to BIM services use scan to BIM to capture the present condition of a building or structure. They use scan to BIM for renovation works, historical buildings, monuments, and buildings that will be refurbished.
Scan to BIM captures the structural elements, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, spatial relationships between objects, and more, helping engineers and architects understand the structure’s layout.
Once they have the scan of the building, stakeholders can decide on design alternatives or whether it is feasible to modify the construction. Scan to BIM helps designers create a conceptual design update based on the current condition of the building. They must ensure that their renovated design is compatible with the existing structure.
Architects must identify whether their designs clash with the existing structure. By scanning to BIM, they can detect clashes in the design phase and change the design accordingly.
Architectural model 3D design builder relies on various applications to convert the scan of the building into building information modeling. Here are the top five Autodesk applications that designers across the globe use.
Autodesk Revit:
Revit, a flagship application from Autodesk, is a robust 3D modeling software. Scanners scan the building from various angles and store the data in a point cloud format. Designers then import the point cloud data to BIM using Revit. The application creates the most accurate building model in reference to the existing building.
Revit is compatible with other Autodesk applications, making it ideal for designers to convert point clouds to BIM and make further design updates. In addition, Revit has an intuitive interface coupled with interoperability features and parametric modeling tools.
Autodesk Civil 3D
Although Civil 3D is a tool for civil engineers, designers use this application to design, analyze, and convert scans to BIM for 3D architectural rendering. Since Civil 3D supports point cloud data integration, it is ideal for infrastructure modeling or site development projects.
Similar to Revit, Civil 3D is also compatible with other Autodesk applications. Hence, designers gravitate toward Civil 3D for converting point cloud data to BIM for civil projects.
Autodesk ReCap Pro:
Scanners capture building information in point cloud data format. However, sometimes, architects use photogrammetry technology with scanners to capture the building from various angles. ReCap Pro can process the data it receives from scanners and photogrammetry, which makes it ideal for managing data received from different sources.
The application combines different tools with diverse capabilities, such as registering, cleaning up, and visualizing point cloud data. Hence, it is an essential application for scanning to BIM conversion. Architects can directly import data from Revit into ReCap Pro, as both are integrated.
Autodesk Navisworks:
Architectural model 3D design builders use Navisworks to review their projects. Navisworks not only combines but also analyzes the multidimensional BIM models for clash detection and better coordination.
Autodesk did not design Navisworks for converting point clouds to BIM. However, it supports point cloud data integration, which helps in clash detection. Using Navisworks, designers can overlay point cloud data on BIM models and compare it with the building’s as-built condition. Thus, it helps with better collaboration and coordination throughout the project cycle.
Autodesk InfraWorks:
When designing infrastructure projects, architects rely on Autodesk InfraWorks. The software allows from conceptual designs to visualization of utilities such as bridges, roads, etc. InfraWorks creates 3D architectural rendering using inputs from different sources.
The software can handle large datasets, including GIS data, point cloud data, and aerial imagery. Besides, InfraWorks operates in unison with other Autodesk applications, like Revit, Civil 3D, etc. As a result, it is an ideal application for designers working on an infrastructure project.
Perks of Integrating Point Cloud Data to BIM:
The AEC industry relies on point cloud data for BIM integration. This process offers several advantages to stakeholders. Scanners capture the exact measurements of an existing building with precision and store them in point cloud format. Hence, architects can significantly reduce errors while converting point cloud data into BIM.
On the other hand, point cloud to BIM services dramatically reduces time and cost by eliminating the need to measure and draw the sites manually. Scan to BIM offers a streamlined workflow, from reduced labor costs to accelerated project delivery.
Since the BIM application offers a collaborative platform, architects, designers, and other stakeholders can collaborate. This facilitates better communication, which improves the project completion rate.
Once designers convert point cloud data into BIM, they can detect clashes and coordinate with other disciplines more seamlessly. Whenever a related party makes a change in the BIM model, it alerts stakeholders about the change and identifies any clashes in the design. Architects and engineers can rework the design until they eliminate all clashes. Thus, they can save costly reworks and project delays even before the project hits the ground.
Architects rely on point cloud to BIM, especially for renovation and modernization projects. These projects require them to update the design of a historical building or existing infrastructure. The precision BIM process offers is ideal for planning and execution of building renovations.
In a Nutshell:
Point cloud to BIM services integrate point cloud data into a BIM model. Architects can plan and design, while engineers can construct and renovate an existing structure using the data they receive from the scanners and the photogrammetry.
Scanners produce the scan of an existing building from various angles in point cloud format, which architects and engineers convert into BIM for the next steps. They use Autodesk tools such as Revit, Navisworks, ReCap Pro, InfraWorks, and Civil 3D to transform data, devise a plan, and design the renovation.
The AEC industry relies on point cloud to BIM integration to stay competitive, complete a project within the timeframe, and reduce costly errors during the construction phase. BIM integration is necessary for a thriving AEC company.
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