Unleashing Speed in Scan to BIM

Dive into the dynamic world of BIM as it undergoes a revolution in real-time! With global BIM services skyrocketing from 7.9 to a projected 8.72 billion USD in 2024, the industry is witnessing unprecedented growth and innovation. From advanced modeling to seamless documentation, technology is reshaping the AEC landscape like never before. 

As industry mavens foresee a staggering surge to 15-16.72 billion USD by 2028, the transformative power of BIM is undeniable.  

Discover how automation is streamlining workflows, ushering in a new era of efficiency and creativity from conception to execution.  

Join us as we unravel the future of construction, one digital blueprint at a time. 

Scan to BIM– Discovering the process 

 Autodesk 

Earlier, documentation of structures meant spending hours mapping every detail manually. Even after the time-consuming approach, the results were always prone to errors. As technology advanced, the AEC industry was introduced to the scan-to-BIM process. 

The BIM-integrated approach has revolutionized how we deal with existing buildings. The typical Scan to BIM workflow employs drones and LiDAR scanners to measure every corner of an existing structure. The recorded data is then processed for accurate 3D BIM modeling. 

This tech-driven approach allows precise digital representations to be the foundation for further processing. Let’s understand the process behind Scan to BIM services. 

  1. Getting the points– Scanning

The scan-to-BIM process begins by recording information using scanners. Different types of scanners serve a unique function. 

Type of Scanner 

Function  

Terrestrial Laser Scanner 

High accuracy suitable for comprehensive documentation.  

Metrology Scanner 

For precise measurements. 

Mobile Mapping System 

Efficient in large-scale surveys. 

Aerial Scanner 

Rapid data collection for a large area.  

  1. Generating point clouds– Data processing 

The raw data collected is converted into formats compatible with Revit for further modelling. Software like reCap aids in the post-scanning process by aligning and merging information. 

  1. Collaborating with the team– Data sharing 

One of the advantages of Scan to BIM is seamless collaboration. You can feed the information to cloud-based platforms for easy access. It also facilitates real-time collaboration with the team. 

  1. Loading in Revit 

To begin 3D modelling, you need to feed information into BIM platforms. This step involves leveraging tools like Point Cloud Importer to integrate point clouds in Revit. 

  1. Creating a digital twin– 3D Modelling 

Once you load point clouds into modelling software, filter the errors and noise for fast and convenient 3D modelling.  

  1. Ensuring not a point gets missed– Quality control 

As much as BIM is about speed, it’s also about quality. The next step is to ensure quality control by analysing the model for comprehensive details. 

  1. Deriving the Information– Quantity extraction 

Quantity extraction is the next step to derive data from the 3D model. This step enables scheduling elements like doors, windows, materials, areas, etc. 

  1. Detailing it out– 2D plans 

2D drawings foster effective communication with the on-site team. These detailed drawings and 3D views showcase dimensions, components, fabrication details, materials, etc. 

  1. Getting the work done– Submission  

Once shop drawings are ready, you can start building by submitting the details to the on-site team. 

Before and after automation in scan to BIM 

The AEC industry progressed from a manual to a BIM approach. Yet, the scan-to-BIM process imposed its challenges. With a massive amount of data to process, aligning point clouds proves challenging. 

The typical challenges with a non-automated scan to BIM involves: 

  1. The complexity of data integration 

Regardless of the scale, type of scanner, and information, you need the data on a single BIM platform. But, with each data source's format, seamless integration and interoperability become challenging. 

  1. The challenge of shifting the workflow 

The AEC industry is one of the slowest sectors to adapt to the latest technology. While the industry relied on manual documentation, scanning to BIM demands a complete shift towards a digital world. This is where the inertia to resist ignites. 

  1. The demand for computational resources 

Processing and analysis of large volumes of data demand robust computation resources. The system must offer storage, memory, and processing power. With a low support system, scanning to BIM can impact a project’s cost and timelines. 


How is automation refining the process? 

 

nCircle Tech 

 

Machine learning and automation are transformative in the scan to BIM process. Today, from converting point clouds to 3D modelling, automation makes the journey more efficient. 


Automation has become a game-changer for the scan-to-BIM process. AI drives faster turnarounds and enhanced competitiveness. Here are the numbers that talk: 


  • According to McKinsey and Company, BIM and automation reduce project schedules by 20-25%. 
  • A study by the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management concluded that BIM reports 40% waste reduction and 30% enhancement in cost estimation. 
  • Trimble’s case study demonstrates that automated clash detection tools reduce the time dedicated to clash resolution by 50%. 
  • According to an Autodesk survey, organisations using BIM report a 75% reduction in errors due to automation's enhanced quality control.  

 


Typical challenges and the differences automation brings 

  1. Challenge: Importing point clouds to BIM 

Importing point clouds to the BIM platform is a task in itself. The large volumes of information lead to performance issues and compatibility concerns. In this case, the Point cloud importer plugin proactively addresses the challenge. 

 

This tool helps streamline the process of loading point cloud files in the BIM platform. It supports a wide range of file formats, such as PTS, PLY, E57, LAS, TXT, LAZ, XYZ, etc., for versatility in functioning. Thus, automation enables seamless working with different file formats.  

  1. Challenge: Modelling complex geometries 

Working with complex geometries has never been easy. Drafting can be complex, from developing irregular geometries to keeping the dimensions precise. 

 

This is where the ML engine comes into the picture, paying attention to every detail for accurate modelling. The adaptive families and components generate irregular shapes, curate custom families, and offer flexibility in components. It automates the tedious task of assessing the model to ensure accuracy. 


  1. Challenge: Manual checks 

Working with advanced tools like BIM, we can't compromise on quality. While manual quality control keeps us from other critical tasks, automation does it quickly. 


Deviation nSpector helps streamline the quality control process. It identifies clashes and resolves them, ensuring that the final delivery is error-proof and unparalleled in precision. 


  1. Challenge: Slow process of quantity extraction 

Automation reduces the need for the labour-intensive process of quantity extraction. Instead, it offers information on accurate quantities for better project planning. 


BIM quantity extraction is accurate and faster, and thus, lets the team work on multiple projects simultaneously. 


Real-world applications of the scan to BIM 

  1. Historical building preservation 

 

AEC Magazine 

 

The preservation of historic structures needs attention to detail to retain authenticity. A BIM-driven approach offers precise documentation, planning, and analysis for informed decisions. 

 

One of the successful preservations fueled by scan-to-BIM is the Notre Dame Cathedral. Comprehensive 3D scans of the building offered the exact reference for the restoration, guaranteeing fidelity in design.  

  1. As-built documentation 

 

nCircle Tech 

 

nCircle Tech saved 50% of the time consumed by manual scanning to BIM with an ML-driven approach. Our team of experts employed machine learning to model scanned data in BIM and delivered it within a one-day timeline. 

 

Automation identified MEP segments and other building components from the scanned data. The information was converted into a 3D model. This comprehensive model further facilitated remodelling applications. 


Scan to BIM is an advanced approach to as-built documentation. It offers a simple and less laborious procedure. And the results? Always offering minimal errors. 

  1. Sustainability  

Scan to BIM offers sustainable development. The detailed information about the on-site structure helps optimise resources and retrofit designs efficiently. It enables designers to make sustainable decisions. 


  1. Facility management 

Accurate measurements, layouts, and representation of as-built records facilitate facility management. The holistic approach offers information on assets like machinery, structures, pipe works, etc. It facilitates clash-free planning of facility inventory, thus reducing costs and delays.  


Automation empowering AEC… 

 

nCircle Tech 

 

An automated approach lets stakeholders meet accuracy, efficiency, and project sustainability. These innovative solutions lead the way by accelerating the process and fueling competition. 


Harness the tangible benefits of these advanced tools throughout the lifecycle of a building– from concept building to retrofitting. To learn more, https://ncircletech.com/  


Unlock precision, speed, and sustainability with automated solutions, driving progress and fostering healthy competition. Experience the concrete advantages of these cutting-edge tools across the building lifecycle, from initial concept to retrofitting.  


Explore more at https://ncircletech.com/