How to Create a 3D Model from a Point Cloud

Imagine if you could automatically create the BIM model of the existing building you need to work on, from the point cloud obtained from laser scanning or drone photogrammetry.

You would certainly save time and resources, and the final result would undoubtedly be more accurate, complete, and detailed.

Currently, it is possible to do all this using the specific features of a Point Cloud to BIM software.

It is also possible to use online applications to create a 3D IFC model from the point cloud to share and process freely in any BIM authoring, using a completely openBIM process.

Point cloud management with Edificius

Contents

Point Cloud to 3D Model Conversion Process
Applications of Point Clouds in 3D Modeling
FAQ

Point Cloud to 3D Model Conversion Process

Thanks to advanced technologies such as 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry, it is possible to capture millions of spatial points that accurately represent surfaces, volumes, and architectural details of a building or urban area. Once processed, this information is converted into highly detailed three-dimensional models, essential for creating a digital twin or updating existing BIM models.

Applications of Point Cloud in BIM

As-built modeling and survey of the existing state – the point cloud allows for an accurate representation of existing buildings, eliminating the inaccuracies typical of manual surveys. This is particularly useful for renovation, restoration, and energy requalification projects, where having precise data is essential to avoid design errors and improve the efficiency of interventions.

Detection of discrepancies between design and built – by comparing the BIM model and the point cloud, it is possible to detect structural deviations and anomalies compared to the initial project. This function is crucial for monitoring construction phases, ensuring that the work is carried out in accordance with the specified technical requirements.

Predictive maintenance and building lifecycle management – the use of the point cloud in BIM facilitates the creation of digital twins, dynamic virtual models that allow for real-time monitoring of the structural and system conditions of a building. These models can be used to schedule preventive and predictive maintenance interventions, improving resource management and extending the useful life of building assets.

Urban planning and infrastructure design – in the context of urban planning, point clouds allow for modeling the territory with high precision, providing essential data for the design of infrastructure networks, sustainable mobility, and environmental management. Integration with BIM allows for optimizing projects by reducing environmental impact and improving the quality of interventions.

With specific architectural design software, such as Edificius, it is possible to build the digital twin of an existing work starting from survey data alone (photogrammetric or from laser scanner).

You can upload your point cloud to the cloud of usBIM and then select the portion of the cloud to import into Edificius, significantly reducing processing times.

Specifically, with the functionalities of Edificius you can:

vary the way of visualizing the points of the cloud;
create infinite vertical sections thanks to the advanced Manager ARS (Altimetric Reference System);
create infinite horizontal sections;
transform the point cloud into a BIM model;
use snap and automatic recognition systems of the point cloud to insert parametric objects (walls, windows, floors, etc.).

These operations allow you to create BIM models starting from the point cloud, without having to rebuild the 3D model of the work from scratch.

In the same environment of Edificius, you can define project interventions and process documentation starting from the created BIM model:

graphics (floor plans, cross-sections, elevations, etc.);
axonometric views;
working drawings;
cost estimation;
photorealistic renders.

Moreover, you can compare the architectural BIM model to the surveyed point cloud to check for any inconsistencies or perform other types of model control. You can apply textures and shading, activate and deactivate sections, and navigate in first person through spaces with Real-Time Rendering and Virtual Reality.

The advantages are numerous:

detailed models even in areas not directly accessible;
obtain the 3D model in a short time and with few steps;
create a very precise model rich in details;
avoid returning to the construction site and making continuous inspections because you always have the point cloud model available;
use innovative technology that makes your work competitive;
perform detailed analyses even on the model of the existing state (degradation analysis, material analysis, study of cracking patterns, etc.);
take advantage of all the benefits of the integration between Edificius and the integrated system usBIM.

The integration between Edificius and usBIM.pointcloud

Edificius leverages the integration with usBIM.pointcloud to open and manage point clouds of any size, without any limitations related to your hardware system.

Integration between Edificius and usBIM.pointcloud

In practice:

upload the point clouds you need to work on to the usBIM cloud;
view the point cloud in .PTS, .XYZ, .PLY, .E57, .LAS, .LAZ, .XYZCIRN, and .ASC formats, without using a software that requires specific hardware requirements and space on your PC;
access your files anytime, anywhere, and from any device, making them available to your collaborators as well;
federate multiple models in different formats and manage viewing, rotation, translation, and scaling options;
locate the point cloud in its real context thanks to point cloud-GIS;
share point clouds and textured meshes via the integrated chat system of usBIM (usBIM.chat);
select the portion of the cloud you want to work on and import it into Edificius, speeding up processing times.

Applications of Point Clouds in 3D Modeling

Another way to create your BIM model starting from a point cloud is to leverage the usBIM.scan2IFC application.

With this application, you can work following a 100% openBIM workflow, eliminating the limitations arising from the use of proprietary files. In this way:

your collaborators are free to use any software to produce and manage all data;
information can be used at any time without time limits due to software license expirations;
what is contained in the models can be read and analyzed by everyone with maximum freedom.

Specifically, you can build a 3D BIM model using classic elements from BIM authoring software such as:

the altimetric reference system (ARS);
envelopes;
doors;
windows;
openings;
roofs.

To these elements, you can associate and customize all the IFC properties useful for enriching the model with all the necessary information during the export phase.

Additionally, you can automatically obtain:

graphic documents (plans, sections, elevations, etc.);
axonometric views;
working drawings;
photorealistic renders.

So, if you need to create a 3D IFC model from the point cloud without having to use proprietary BIM software and fully exploit the potential of openBIM, I recommend trying usBIM.scan2IFC.

Finally, I also recommend reading the following in-depth articles to gain a better understanding of point clouds in BIM:

FAQ

What is Point Cloud to BIM software?

A Point Cloud to BIM software allows you to automatically convert the point cloud obtained from laser scanning or photogrammetry into a detailed BIM model.

What are the advantages of using point clouds in BIM?

Using point clouds in BIM allows for precise models, reduces survey times, avoids design errors, improves maintenance management, and optimizes construction and renovation processes.

How do you transform a point cloud into a BIM model with Edificius?

With Edificius, you can import the point cloud, create sections, use automatic snaps, and recognition tools to generate a BIM model without having to rebuild it from scratch.

What file formats are supported for point cloud management?

Supported formats include .PTS, .XYZ, .PLY, .E57, .LAS, .LAZ, .XYZCIRN, and .ASC, which can be managed directly on usBIM without hardware limits.

What are the advantages of the integration between Edificius and usBIM.pointcloud?

The integration allows managing point clouds of any size, collaborating in the cloud, comparing the BIM model with acquired data, and optimizing processing times.

How can you create a 3D IFC model from the point cloud without proprietary software?

Using usBIM.scan2IFC, it is possible to generate a 3D BIM model in IFC format without relying on proprietary software, ensuring an openBIM and interoperable workflow.

How do you convert a point cloud into a 3D model?

The conversion occurs through specific software that processes data acquired from laser scanners or photogrammetry, transforming them into three-dimensional meshes or detailed BIM models.

What software is used to convert point clouds into 3D models?

There are various software options for this operation that allow generating BIM models from point clouds.

What are the main applications of converting a point cloud into a 3D model?

The main applications include surveying the existing state, as-built modeling, restoration of historical buildings, predictive maintenance, and urban planning.

How long does it take to convert a point cloud into a 3D model?

It is not easy to answer this question as the time required varies greatly based on:

the size of the point cloud;
the complexity of the model;
the level of detail desired.