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How is ‘Scan to BIM’ reshaping the AEC Industry

When BIM was first introduced in the market, it was majorly used for creating virtual tours for the clients. But it is no longer limited to 3D virtual representations. A lot of data and construction information is now being integrated into these virtual renderings to obtain VDC (Virtual Design and Construction).

BIM for retrofits can be complex, especially, if the 2D drawings and other documentations are unavailable or not accurate. This is where ‘Scan to BIM’ comes to the rescue.

Scan to BIM is also called ‘Point Cloud to BIM’. Construction buildings are scanned using a 3D laser scanner which collects the data in the form of millions of points in a given 3D space. Point cloud modeling provides a collection of about 1,000,000 data points that represent the 3D coordinates of the exterior of the building. This creation is known as a point cloud. These point clouds can be extracted into software like Revit and reconstructed to form 3D ‘Scan to BIM’ models ready for representation. These 3D models may be used for retrofits, refurbishment and other renovation projects. The models derived from this technology improve presentation; assure quality as well as consistency.

Earlier, 3D laser scanning was not used as much as it is being used today because it used to incur huge additional costs. These laser scanners are no longer a commodity that only the big shots can afford; they are cheaper and a lot more advanced.

Let’s enlist a few advantages of using 3D ‘Scan to BIM’ models:

  1. This technology uses create-as built BIM models for MEP services that help in the detection of clashes, earlier on.
  2. Finding true dimensions is a lot easier using ‘Scan to BIM’.
  3. Project managers do not need to invest in a laser scanner. A lot of companies provide outsourcing services for the same.
  4. Photogrammetry
  5. Quick surveying and justification in the number of site revisions.
  6. Cheaper turn-around of the entire project
  7. Clash-detection
  8. Predictive Modelling
  9. More efficient decision making
  10. Accurate data collection and integration

Hence, Laser Scanning to BIM contributes to photography, communication, and collaboration. Models created using 3D ‘Scan to BIM’ are more efficient and after the data is fed into the system, missing or inaccurate data can also be reconstructed by BIM modelers. Point cloud processing is not a hard thing to process but a 3D ‘Scan to BIM’ professional’s expertise in this niche should not be undermined. They can rectify the errors, reconstruct data and render 3D models with higher efficiency. So, an easier option for most of the companies is to opt for the outsourcing of these activities because it cuts down additional investments and renders high precision, virtual 3D ‘Scan to BIM’ models.

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Source: Virtual Solutions

Photo by bruce mars from Pexels

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