Video: Robotic Imaging: The Complete Scan-to-BIM Process | Video courtesy of www.WGAN-TV.com | 19 September 2022

WGAN Forum Podcast | #137

The following Robotic Imaging blog post by Robotic Imaging Chief Marketing Officer Natalie Perri is reprinted with the permission of Robotic Imaging. www.RoboticImaging.com

Robotic Imaging: How 3D Laser Scanning Can Help You

Looking to save time, energy, and money? Here’s the ultimate scanning guide of everything you need to know about 3D laser scanning in construction. Every Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) professional would significantly benefit from 3D laser scanning services. The use of laser scanning has slowly taken over the AEC industry. With the integration of BIM software and 3D scanning services, it seems like the perfect solution for many problems encountered in the profession.

As every AEC professional knows, accurate as-built building information is critical to any project’s success. This information extracted from a 3D laser scanning service helps all parties involved significantly expedite the design processes, as it uses highly accurate, baseline information. It’s even able to reduce rework/change orders, as it’s able to detect clashes. It keeps projects on schedule and saves significant time and money.

3D Scanning in Construction

Real estate 3D scanning services capture a three-dimensional image of an object in the form of a point cloud. Shape components are recorded, as millions of digital points are virtually plotted, generating a point cloud. After the scan on site is complete, the point cloud data extracted is translated into a 2D or 3D format, depending on the clients’ needs.

BIM, an acronym for Building Information Modeling, is a modern approach to architectural design where a 3D model facilitates the construction process for design efficiency. Architectural BIM Modeling makes it possible to visualize a building and foresee its appearance before the construction, thus, allowing for improved decision-making on the project.

Majority of firms in the AEC industry opt to use BIM programs, like AutoDesk Revit, for their projects. After the site is scanned, the data is registered and then detailed. The point cloud generated serves as an underlay for an as-built BIM.

The latest advancement in 3D scanning technology is becoming more accessible everywhere. They’re already becoming critical tools for construction companies. Integrating a scan-to-BIM service provider, like Robotic Imaging, guarantees more efficiency and faster decision making. AEC professionals are better equipped to handle whatever conflict arises in these projects.

Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning

There are several benefits to using 3D laser scanning services. Hand measuring is the traditional methodology that dominated the field, just due to lack of technology. The process can be very laborious and calculation errors are common. Also, multiple site visits are required to get dimensions, extending the process. But, let’s just list a few benefits of 3D laser scanning:

1. Extremely Accurate Data Collection - The Scan-to-BIM service will be extremely precise and will provide you with the correct measurements the first time. Laser scanning is highly accurate as it makes the built environment using laser beams to capture measurements and even color.

2. Save Significant Cost / Expenses - Because laser scanning is incredibly accurate, you are able to detect clashes and other significant building problems upon receiving the BIM file. Because every component is modeled to your preferred level of accuracy, you are able to find discrepancies quickly and early on.

3, Eliminate Costly Site Visits - Because you are receiving an accurate model from a service provider, like Robotic Imaging, you can eliminate the need to visit the site entirely - which can be extremely tedious and expensive. We enable designers and professionals to spend their precious time in their respective offices doing less of this busy work.

4. Save Time - Robotic Imaging’s quick turnaround time enables you to save time as well! What might take one person 4 site visits, 20 pages of measurements, and 2 weeks of modeling, Robotic Imaging’s professional team can do within a week’s time (depending on the project's scale and location). Let us handle the workload for you.

5. Improved Coordination - Because everyone on the project team is able to use a singular model from the beginning, this enables all involved parties to use the same information.

Return On Investment

First, the ROI on your 3D laser scanning investment depends on the company you’re approaching. For instance, if you are using Robotic Imaging laser scanning services, it can turn out great! Several other factors decide the ROI of 3D laser scanning, like the complexity and size of your construction project.

However, LiDAR can help you save costs through offsite monitoring and inspection, project planning, better administrative strategies, and tracking different project stages. All such processes otherwise require unnecessary trips to the project site, enhancing costs.

Poor management and inaccuracy in the construction world can cause potential bankruptcy no one wants. Fortunately, Robotic Imaging laser point clouds and scan-to-BIM services can help improve project accuracy and save thousands of dollars. Robotic Imaging is an experienced laser scan service provider that will guide you throughout the construction projects and help digitize them in the best possible way.

Laser Scanning in a Nutshell

Laser scanning is the latest, most accurate way of capturing the 3D image of your property. Laser scanning has quickly become the first step when looking at adaptive reuse and existing build-out projects. This high-tech method is transforming how people work, replacing traditional tedious methods. It has revolutionized the construction workflows. At Robotic Imaging, we are not limited to one building typology either. We have extensive experience with working in healthcare, hospitality, retail, office, multi-family, single-family, historic, industrial, and high rise structures.

If you are considering laser scanning, please don’t hesitate to give Robotic Imaging a call! Our team can assess your urgent project needs and will craft a course of action to take.

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Source: This Robotic Imaging blog post by Robotic Imaging Chief Marketing Officer Natalie Perri is reprinted with the permission of Robotic Imaging. www.RoboticImaging.com