In this article we’ll take a detailed look at construction site surveys from a Scan to BIM<\/strong> perspective based on laser scanner and point cloud workflows also covering some of the main advantages that can derive from integrating these new technologies into building redevelopment projects.<\/p>\n In particular, to fully understand the “Scan to BIM” process, we will analyse a practical example starting from the survey of a historical building.<\/p>\n Scan to BIM is the process of creating the BIM model of a building or an existing space, starting from the data acquired from the survey carried out with advanced technologies, such as 3D laser scanning, Structure for Motion and high-definition photogrammetry.<\/p>\n The digital survey outcome processed through specific software is a point cloud or 3D mesh, i.e. a set of points distributed in a three-dimensional space. The point cloud can be imported into a BIM modelling software and used to obtain digital models of the existing building.<\/p>\n The “Scan to BIM” process can be subdivided into 3 basic phases:<\/p>\n The 3D survey of the building subject to a “Scan to BIM” process is an operation that must be carried out in the field by professionals equipped with 3D scanners capable of capturing the entire building. 3D scanners are advanced technologies that facilitate, improve and speed up the survey phase in the field.<\/p>\n The 3D scanner collects data with high speed and precision through a laser beam projected in all directions. When the laser beam hits a solid surface, its position is recorded through a large number of points that are located relative to the scanner in the X, Y and Z axes.<\/p>\n The set of all these points that gives rise to the 3D visualization of the building is called the “point cloud”.<\/p>\n Once the data has been acquired in the field with 3D scanners, it needs to be processed and combined in point cloud editing software. These software extract the physical and functional information of the building from the point cloud scan. The multiple observation points in the scan provide complete visibility of the structure, ensuring an absolutely accurate representation.<\/p>\n At this stage it is advisable to keep in mind the final use to which the point cloud will be destined, because remember that this type of file can be very large. For this reason, the point clouds are generally cleaned and modified, the density of the points is reduced depending on the use or the cloud is divided into sectors or levels in order to be able to work without loading the entire project into the BIM authoring software. and start BIM modeling.<\/p>\n BIM modeling from the point cloud is not an automatic process. The point cloud is loaded into building design software for BIM modeling and the creation of a 3D BIM model.<\/p>\n The BIM model is created starting from the geometric and spatial information contained in the cloud but is also enriched with all the other complementary information such as brands and models of the equipment, photos and videos that give us visual information about the project.<\/p>\n All this information must be duly incorporated into the model and correctly structured so that the final result of this BIM modeling phase is useful for the different fields of application of the “Scan to BIM” process (requalification, restoration, facility management through a digital twin etc).<\/p>\n The reason behind the application of Scan to BIM is to acquire the real conditions of the building, but at this point you are wondering what is the \u201cScan to BIM\u201d actually used for? At which stage of the project can it be applied?<\/p>\n So let’s examine in which phases it is possible to apply the “Scan to BIM” and how it can be advantageous:<\/p>\n We therefore clarified how the “Scan to BIM” process allows you to create a highly accurate three-dimensional digital representation of the building in a very short time. But this is only one of the most obvious advantages that the adoption of a scan-to-BIM workflow can give.<\/p>\n Among the main advantages we can mention:<\/p>\n At this point you may be wondering how do I carry out a “Scan to BIM” process? What tools do i need?<\/p>\n Now that we understand how a Scan to BIM process is structured and what are the numerous advantages offered by this survey method, we can go into a practical case. Specifically we will describe the 3 phases of the “Scan to BIM” process to arrive at the realization of the BIM model of a historic building.<\/p>\n To put into practice the “Scan to BIM” process yourself, I recommend that you immediately download the trial version of the point cloud to BIM software. You can import your point cloud or a point cloud example file present on usBIM in the “exemples” folder, and experience the strength of this new technology in the redevelopment of buildings.<\/p>\n In this case study, we conducted a survey of a historical building using the GeoSLAM Horizon<\/em>. There was no need to bring additional devices or tools to the site and the entire campaign was carried out with a single operator.<\/p>\n This instrument uses SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) technology, which enables it to orientate itself in the absence of a GPS signal, based on what is detected during the scanning period. In practice, all the operator has to do is walk with the instrument in a given space (either indoors or outdoors) to automatically generate the point cloud.<\/p>\n Laser scanning with SLAM technology is extremely efficient and fast, requires no additional tools and requires only one operator.<\/p>\n We started off with surveying the building interiors. Once the Scanning equipment was ready and set up, we simply took a walk around the spaces at normal pace avoiding sudden movements, inside each room to be surveyed.<\/p>\n In a just under 10 minutes we completed the scanning campaign and acquired the whole building with its interior environments.<\/p>\n Applying the same technique as for the survey of the interior of the building, we can complete the scanning phase by walking around the perimeter walls.<\/p>\n Laser scanner survey for BIM modelling<\/p><\/div>\n After that, we could download the scan results into the geoSLAM software comfortably from our office and view the detected point cloud and the route we followed during the survey.<\/p>\n Viewing a laser scanner point cloud with SLAM technology<\/p><\/div>\n In just a matter of minutes and with very little effort we obtained a very detailed and complete point cloud. In addition, having surveyed both the interior and exterior of the building, we also obtained the walls thicknesses and all information needed to prepare project drawings and documents. This obviously means that further inspections aren’t necessary as we already have all the information that we need.<\/p>\n At this point, with the point cloud file already available, we were able to export it in the different file formats (.LAS, .LAZ, .E57, etc.) and then import it into our point cloud BIM software<\/a>.<\/p>\n The final step to the true digitisation of the model is the reconstruction of the BIM model of the survey. This is the most delicate and complex phase. In fact, from the three-dimensional surface depicting the surveyed work, it is necessary to pass to a parametric 3D model composed of objects such as walls, windows, doors, etc..<\/p>\n For the 3D modelling we used the BIM software Edificius. One of the great advantages of this software is its integration with the usBIM<\/a> cloud platform. This integration allows us to:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Point cloud viewed on usBIM<\/p><\/div>\n So, we first uploaded the point cloud to usBIM.pointcloud and then imported into Edificius only the portion of the cloud on which we wanted to work.<\/p>\n Point cloud import into Edificius<\/p><\/div>\n In the point cloud to BIM software we first defined the levels and elevations of the different floors of the building. In this way we were able to easily position the point cloud to align it with our reference system.<\/p>\n Management of the point cloud levels in Edificius<\/p><\/div>\n Using the automatic object recognition functions, we have identified the various architectural elements directly within the point cloud:<\/p>\n Modelling vertical envelopes from point cloud<\/p><\/div>\n Windows modelling from point cloud with Edificius<\/p><\/div>\n In the same way, we can model the interior doors and other objects of the building, obtaining in a few steps a 3D model that is extremely faithful to the actual state of the building surveyed.<\/p>\n Scan to BIM: from point cloud to 3D model with Edificius<\/p><\/div>\n At this point, the model becomes very easy to obtain all the executive graphic tables complete with plans, elevations, sections and 3D views and to generate static renders, real-time renders and video presentations.<\/p>\n Once the BIM modelling phase is complete, we are ready to export the model in IFC format.<\/p>\n If you want to obtain an IFC model from a point cloud directly online and without using BIM authoring software, you can try a Scan to BIM software<\/a> instead. This way you create BIM models in openBIM IFC format and create 100% openBIM workflows.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nBut what is a Scan to BIM process?<\/h2>\n
The phases of the “Scan to BIM” process<\/h2>\n
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3D survey of the building with laser scanner<\/h3>\n
Data processing and treatment<\/h3>\n
BIM modeling<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n“Scan to BIM” fields of application<\/h2>\n
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The advantages of the “Scan to BIM” process<\/h2>\n
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How to put a \u201cScan to BIM\u201d process into practice: the GEOSLAM case study<\/h2>\n
Phase 1: Building survey with geoSLAM<\/h3>\n
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Phase 2: Data processing<\/h3>\n
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Phase 3: 3D modelling from point clouds with Edificius<\/h3>\n
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