Point Cloud to BIM: All You Need to Know

The AEC industry is constantly evolving, bursting with cutting-edge technologies that streamline and enhance workflows. Among these innovations, Point Cloud to BIM or Scan to BIM stands out, reshaping the landscape of reconstruction and renovation projects. Delivering precise details on existing conditions, it eradicates guesswork and minimizes design discrepancies. Let's learn about Point Cloud to BIM and its real-life application in depth in this article.

What is Point Cloud to BIM?

So, what does Point Cloud to BIM mean? To understand this correctly, let’s quickly revisit the concept of Point Cloud.

To capture the details of an existing building or structure, it needs to be scanned using a 3D laser device. The data is collected and aggregated in millions of points through this process called Point Cloud Scan.

The process of converting the data obtained from Point Cloud scans into a detailed digital model of the building is known as Point Cloud to BIM or Point Cloud Scan to BIM. This process involves importing Point Cloud data into BIM software and using it as a reference to create 3D BIM models. It provides information about a building's geometry, structures, elements layout, material, MEP equipment, and more.

Leveraging Point Cloud to BIM services in AEC

Point Cloud to BIM services is immensely applauded across various industries for offering countless benefits in numerous projects. The construction of the grand Lusail Stadium in Qatar is a testament to the advancement of Point Cloud to BIM modeling.

Accurate Virtual Representation:

Transforming Point Cloud Scans into a BIM model unveils a treasure trove of building details: floor plans, elevations, walls, pipes, conduits, and more, creating a comprehensive digital replica. This facilitates a highly accurate virtual representation of the project's physical environment, laying a foundation for renovation projects.

Efficient Surveying:

Unlike the old days, the Point Cloud Scan to BIM process has almost eliminated the traditional methods of site surveys, consequently saving significant time by reducing errors and design risks. Point Cloud scans can help surveying companies with detailed spatial analysis, precise cost estimation, etc.

Improved Collaboration:

Point Cloud to BIM modeling offers a dynamic panorama, fostering seamless collaboration among architects, engineers, and construction pros, ensuring a unified vision for projects.

Precise As-built Documentation:

During the scanning, Point Cloud captures each of the current states of a structure with the highest level of detail, enabling the accurate creation of as-built documents.

Conflict detection & enhanced collaboration:

Point Cloud to BIM software unlocks smooth workflows and live collaboration, empowering seamless clash detection and coordination. With this conflict-detected feature, Point Cloud scanning helps optimize BIM designs and foster teamwork for efficient project outcomes.

Application of Point Cloud Scan to BIM

Point Cloud Scan to BIM modeling applies across various project phases. From building phases to construction processes and even in facilitating efficient facility management and renovation, Point Cloud modeling has left its touch at every stage.

Design Phase:

During the design phase of BIM modeling, a few parameters are essential for retrofit, renovation, and restoration projects. These parameters are,

• Necessary building elements
• Necessary non-geometric attributes
• Necessary Level of Detail (LOD)

During the design phase, Point Cloud Scan to BIM maintains the architectural significance of a structure accurately with detailed coverage, angular resolution, etc.

Construction Phase:

Through the As-built and As-Designed 3D models, Point Cloud Scan to BIM helps identify opacity with standard regulation during the construction phase for precise data accuracy and improved construction. Point Cloud to BIM software helps in various aspects of a construction phase as follows but not limited to,

• During simulating installation in virtual space, Point Cloud modeling helps identify clashes at the pre-construction stage, elevating MEP coordination.
• The 3D models converted using Scan to BIM workflow mention safety regulations and codes, ensuring compliance and significantly reducing site hazards.

Facilities Management and Renovation:

Point Cloud to BIM services are not just for design and construction. They play a significant role in the post-construction phases as well. From performance analysis to comprehensive documentation, Point Cloud scan also revolutionizes facilities management and renovation processes.

Most Used Software for Point Cloud Modeling

Point Cloud Scan to BIM leverages software, including Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and AutoCAD, for their practical perks and razor-sharp precision.

Autodesk Revit:

While each BIM software has benefits, Revit has reached the “favorite” level among VDC professionals. It’s the most used software for Point Cloud to BIM services, with its robust modeling capabilities and compatibility with various Point Cloud formats.

Navisworks:

Navisworks is widely used as a project reviewing software for coordinating and collaborating on BIM projects. While it is not explicitly designed for Point Cloud Scan to BIM, it can import and visualize Point Cloud data alongside BIM models, which makes it useful for clash detection and coordination.

Autodesk AutoCAD:

AutoCAD is a well-known Computer-aided Design software for design drafting. While not as feature-packed as specialized Point Cloud software, it still is a progressive choice for importing, visualizing, and conducting basic edits on Point Cloud data. It can be your go-to tool for straightforward Point Cloud to BIM tasks.

Quick Tips and Tricks

Point Cloud is a powerful technique to implement workflow models. It will further help you to leverage it exponentially if you consider these tips to use Point Cloud Scan to BIM services efficiently:

• Point Cloud file format must be specified with the correct set of coordinates.
• The Point Cloud must be aligned accurately to achieve enhanced mapping and consistency.
• Any unwanted data from the scans must be removed for improved Scan to BIM services.
• To achieve enhanced consistency, reduce RFIs, and lower rework, scanned datasets should be compared with 2D plans and photos.
• For a sped-up model processing, the best trick is to reduce the large Point Cloud size.
• Building orientation must be resolved for improved model accuracy and shorter project duration.
• Use automation plugins like PiVDC to manage the visibility of the Point Cloud model efficiently while modeling.

To conclude

Point Cloud to BIM services have become crucial to the AEC industry by offering accurate documentation, improved collaboration, and precise clash detection. By leveraging software like Revit and Navisworks alongside thorough steps, Point Cloud modeling has transformed the design, construction, and renovation. Its efficiency, potentiality, and cost-saving outcomes create immersive 3D models, making it the go-to workflow in BIM, especially for reconstruction and renovation projects.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between a Point Cloud to BIM model and a regular BIM model?

A. Point Cloud models deliver precise and detailed as-built data of existing buildings and are primarily helpful in renovation projects, whereas BIM models provide a comprehensive digital portrayal of construction projects.

Q2. Can I import Point Cloud scan data into Revit?

A. Yes. Point Cloud to BIM modeling workflow allows the scanned data to be imported to various compatible BIM software, including Revit. In fact, Revit is the most commonly used software for Point Cloud to BIM modeling.

Q3. What is BIM scanning?

A. Also known as Scan to BIM or Point Cloud to BIM, BIM scanning is the process in which an existing building or structure is scanned through a 3D laser scanning device, and the scanned data is then converted into a 3D BIM model to get a detailed virtual representation and as-built information of the building.

Q4. How to convert Point Cloud data into a BIM model?

A. Converting Point Cloud data to a BIM model can be done on software like Revit or AutoCAD. It starts with importing the Point Cloud data, followed by aligning it with the project's coordinate system and then modeling the building elements based on the scanned data.

Q5. Where to use the Point Cloud Scan to BIM services?

A. Point Cloud modeling is applied during design phases, construction processes, and in facilities management and renovation, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with safety regulations.