How do we use laser scanning equipment to create a 3d model of your building?
Read below for a detailed explanation of our process to perform onsite laser scanning. This will include data collection, remote data analysis and registration. The process allows us to quickly and efficiently construct a highly accurate 3d BIM digital modeling file. Other deliverables can be provided such as CAD drawings, survey records, and point cloud outputs for our customers.
Field Data Collection
LiDAR Equipment, In Operation
A Field technician will arrive to the site with 3 different types of lasers as well as computer equipment. The technician then decides which laser will work best for each scenario within the project, i.e. interior, exterior, low light, direct sunlight, long expansive open areas, small congested areas etc. The technician then uses the appropriate laser (terrestrial or non terrestrial) to scan each area. This can take hours or days depending on the laser scanning equipment best suited for the collection, the required deliverables, and the project size.
Data Analysis
Point Cloud Scan Data
The technician collects field LiDAR scans and uploads them to a computer, decompresses them, and checks for precision and clarity. This process can take anywhere from 6 hours to several days depending on the size of the project. Some project raw files can exceed 3 terabytes of information. It’s important to keep in mind lasers can take over of 750,000 point measurements per second! Each measurement appears as a single colorized dot within the point cloud scan. Each dot is a marker indicating x, y, and z coordinates for the corresponding measurement.
After reviewing the scans, the technician decides if additional field visits will be necessary to acquire more scan data or rescans if an area did not pass quality control accuracy metrics. The technician reviews the field data until satisfied the quality is sufficient. The technician transfers data to a program and combines scans one at a time. The combination is reviewed and registered.
Data Registration
Registration of Condo Lobby Data
The point cloud is completed when all scans are registered and combined. The point cloud is cleaned up for several hours in post processing before it is sent to the CAD modeling department. After post processing, the scan set is finalized. Several reports are generated to ensure the scan set is accurate and all the math is proven to be within tolerance.
3D BIM File (Building Information Modeling)
Retail Interior, Digital Model
If the reporting is satisfactory, the scan set is saved to a point cloud that can be used by a modeling technician using Autodesk Revit software. An “RCP” format Recap file is sent to the modeling department. The modeling department now has a point cloud they can use to create a 3D model line for line and item for item. Now the highest quality field data is possible. This process cannot be automated. This process also required a highly skilled technician with many years of Revit training using point cloud information to create your model. Now the modeling can begin.
Audit
Once the model is complete, the entire process is checked again to ensure the point cloud data is accurately represented in the model. After a complete audit of the entire process, the model is now ready for the customer. You will receive the link to the model and the RCP point cloud it was generated from.