3D Modelling for Construction

This article introduces topics on the state of the art comparing photogrammetry and Lidar for 3D modelling for construction. The advantages and disadvantages of both will be highlighted in terms of accuracy, complexity and cost. Breaking away from laser measurement in construction is a taboo subject perhaps hampering the use of photogrammetry. In construction aerial survey has enormous time saving benefits for measuring groundwork areas. Data can be used for asset classification, construction validation as well as health and safety. In particular regular scans provide a time series of work in progress to detect new issues, managing risk rather than... (read more)

2019-10-15 03:28:52

InfiPoints 6.0: Modelling Directly from Laser Scans to Autodesk Revit

Elysium has developed an advanced functionality to model piping and structures from 3D laser scanned point clouds into Autodesk Revit. This new capability is included in Elysium’s point cloud utilization software, InfiPoints 6.0, which has been release on 30 September. The new feature allows Revit users to reduce their modelling time significantly. There is no need any more to create models of existing facilities from scratch. Furthermore, the CAD data extracted from point cloud data in InfiPoints is automatically imported into Revit to add finishing touches. Lidar technology Industry pioneers and some service providers have recently begun employing 3D laser... (read more)

2019-10-08 04:17:38

ISG Transforms 3D Model Delivery to Boost BIM Capabilities

Global construction services company ISG is using the latest 3D modelling technology to stimulate its building information modelling (BIM) capabilities. By introducing Pointfuse laser scanning software, ISG has speeded up workflows with rapid scan-to-BIM modelling whilst maintaining high levels of accuracy. Traditionally this laser data processing could take up to three days to 3D model a single floor. However, using Pointfuse, ISG has reduced this to a matter of hours. The use of Pointfuse has also increased the range of the point cloud outputs with applications including clash detection and visualization. “Scan-to-BIM modelling was previously seen as undesirable by the... (read more)

2019-05-10 12:54:24

Applications of Laser Scanning, Augmented Reality and BIM in Existing Facilities

The benefits of BIM in facility management are well known, but many buildings don’t even have a basic set of 2D drawings available. This is especially common in facilities that were built long ago, when computer-aided design was emerging or non-existent. Creating a smart 3D model of an existing facility from zero is possible, but the number of man-hours required and their cost can be considerable. While BIM is often associated with design, it can also be a powerful tool in facility management. This is especially true in large commercial or industrial facilities, where complex building systems are constantly interacting.... (read more)

2019-11-11 09:08:12

Tackling Problems in Construction with Geospatial Analytics

The construction industry has always lagged behind in innovation compared to other industries, but geospatial data analytics is now set to transform construction, architectural design and civil engineering. Geospatial data analytics is location-based information generated by billions of devices around the world. The additional insights provided to engineers and architects can help the construction industry to cut costs and improve efficiency. Core problems with the construction industry To understand the gains made from data analytics, it’s important to explain the problems the construction industry faces. According to a report, construction projects take 20% longer to complete and go over budget by... (read more)

2019-11-04 11:49:21

NavVis IndoorViewer: Select and Download Sections of Large Point Clouds

NavVis, a global provider of indoor spatial intelligence technology and enterprise solutions, has announced the beta release of NavVis IndoorViewer 2.5. This major software release will significantly extend the point cloud functionality through a new download feature that lets users select and crop sections of large point cloud files in browser, and then download and use the file in third-party modelling software. NavVis IndoorViewer is a web-based 3D building visualization software that displays point clouds, 360° panoramic images and floorplans as realistic, fully immersive digital buildings. The intuitive interface and realistic 3D view have made NavVis IndoorViewer especially popular among... (read more)

2019-09-11 10:56:47

Pointfuse Laser Scanning Software Set to Transform Digital Construction Workflows

Pointfuse has released the latest version of its advanced point cloud processing software that converts the millions of individual measurements captured by laser scanning and photogrammetry. Featuring new streamlined classification to ensure maximum efficiency and multicore processing for unlimited conversion power, the new version of Pointfuse is set to transform workflows within digital construction, facilities management and virtual design applications. “Pointfuse is designed to make the use of point cloud data more accessible by removing many of the traditional barriers to use,” commented Mark Senior, regional sales director at Pointfuse. “Obstacles such as processing time and computer power, incompatibility within... (read more)

2019-08-20 10:40:47

Tell the World: We Are More than Scan-to-BIM

Building information modelling (BIM) will be a growing opportunity for the surveying and spatial industry, providing we focus more on adding value to BIM and concentrate on what we can offer to other industries thanks to BIM rather than merely preparing it. Opportunities in digital twins, smart buildings, smart infrastructures and smart cities require more than just BIM as data. The surveying and spatial industry will not benefit from this growing market without fully realizing the BIM market opportunity and providing advocacy, leadership and education in BIM. Scan-to-BIM is promising but even more lies beyond With the increasing availability of... (read more)

2019-08-22 10:03:30

The Rising Demand for Total Stations and Terrestrial Laser Scanners

How the Booming Construction Business Boosts the Geospatial Industry

Increasing investments in large infrastructure and construction projects, and the rising role of building information modelling (BIM), are expected to drive the market for geospatial equipment. BIM’s close connection with spatial information makes it a familiar landscape and offers rich possibilities for surveyors and other geospatial professionals. Geomares – publisher of 'GIM International' and 'Geo-matching' – has analysed the user data and behaviour of thousands of members of the global geospatial community. It is interesting to see how the market of ‘traditional survey equipment’ such as total stations and terrestrial laser scanners is responding to the growing construction market and... (read more)

2019-02-05 02:33:23

Dutch Partnership Designs "World's First" 3D Printed FPR Bridge

Royal HaskoningDHV, CEAD and DSM have announced that they have designed the first lightweight 3D printed FRP pedestrian bridge prototype using a composite material. It consists of a glass filled thermoplastic PET (Arnite®) and is combined with continuous glass fibres which are added in the 3D printing process. This unique combination offers high strength with extreme versatility and sustainability. Together, the three companies are leading a revolution in bridge construction and design. To build a 3D printed bridge Royal HaskoningDHV, an international engineering and project management consultancy, wanted and partnered with DSM, a global science-based company in nutrition, health and... (read more)

2019-09-11 09:03:25