3D Laser Scanning Best Practices

Voyansi has performed thousands of laser scanning projects across the globe. There are tons of uses for 3D laser scanning, and it can be used for anything from the preservation of historical buildings, digital mapping of a warehouse for an autonomous drone program to the development of a digital twin of a nuclear power plant.

3D laser scanning a.k.a. Reality Capture makes it possible to create a digital model of any space, property or place with a point cloud ( a collection of individual points plotted on an object that relays data that represents objects or space ) and photographic technologies. Transforming this data into a three-dimensional (3D) model identical to reality. This technology has very diverse uses, but in this article we are going to share what we consider to be a few best practices.

Reality capture for Architects

Reality capture for Architects?generates greater design accuracy by gaining a clear and accurate understanding of site constraints and challenges. This results in efficient workflows by saving site visits and, as a consequence, a better experience for the client. This technology makes a remarkable difference and has a positive impact at the start of the project, allowing you to work with accurate as-builts in a 3D model.

Architects and design team can now bring this accurate data into the process to produce a detailed digital design, easily identifying the possibilities and limitations of the design.

A 3D visualization or immersive model of the proposed design is then produced and shared with the client or stakeholders to experience the project before it is built.

Reality capture for construction projets?

Throughout all phases of a new building construction project,?the BIM model helps convey design intent from the office to the field,?reducing field coordination issues and changing orders. A digital twin provides intelligence to manage each phase of the work with full visibility and control. Once construction is complete, a record of works can be created to manage operations and maintenance.

As-Built Modeling (Scan-to-BIM)

In many projects plans are outdated or incorrect, the data obtained through?3D laser scanning?is used to create a new 3D design model. This provides a close-to-reality perception and reduces the potential risk of making mistakes at the time of renovation and repair.

Site awareness and visualization

The project can continue without having to constantly visit the site. The use of this visualization system allows users a full 3D image of the asset from the comfort of the office. Visual checks and measurements can be extracted and used to make decisions, while data can be shared and observed by the team.

Clash detection

In new construction or renovation projects it is quite common that components do not fit in the intended location. This can be the result of design errors or human oversight. The?actionable 3D data?can be used in a coordination software to ensure that the design models fit together and changes, if any, can be made in time.

Construction verification and deviation reporting

Compliance with design specifications is possible by validating and checking the proper positioning of the work as it is performed. Either to make corrections or to report that the location may need to be changed. With this approach, decisions can be made in advance, avoiding waste of materials and delays on the construction site.

With the use of reality capture, a capture of the current?site conditions?can be made digitally and continuously during the project that can compare and contrast the reality with the designed model. The laser scanning data can be reviewed in real time to identify any irregularities, or out of compliance issues compared to the BIM model, allowing you to take corrective action without the need for unforeseen costs.?

Better data?

The investment in Reality Capture software ensures the user can go from database to delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible. This involves preparing, modeling, visualizing and exchanging data to convert it into information based on real conditions.

Point clouds?can be joined and geo-referenced during post-processing at the preparation stage. From here, it is modeled and visualized to assess changes that can impact on the designed plans and activities without the need to visit the site.

Summary: Reality capture is a technology that facilitates the process of both construction and renovation. It saves time, effort and cost during the project, and provides a digital source of truth that can be leveraged to anticipate errors in both design and installation without the need to be continuously on site.

To learn more about our 3D Scanning & Modeling services contact :?

Mel Wallace /[email protected]

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