Everything You Need to Know about Scan to BIM
What is BIM?
According to The National BIM Standard Project Committee in the United States of America, the definition of building information modeling is as follows: “Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.” In practice, BIM is a standardized planning method to create digital 3D models for use by AEC professionals. A single BIM model can encompass an entire site, complete with physical and functional characteristics, all held within a single dataset. For example, a designer can create intelligent 3D models where all the design elements are clearly defined – including how they behave and relate to each other. If they alter just one single element in a model, like a supporting pillar or doorway, every view of the model from section to elevation to sheet updates accordingly. But this power doesn't reside with just one isolated specialist. BIM is all about collaboration between multiple stakeholders at distinct phases of the building’s life cycle. Whether it's an architect, a surveyor, a building operator, or a general contractor, each stakeholder can insert, extract, update, or modify information in a BIM model as a natural extension of their role. The value of BIM, therefore, is that all stakeholders can work together using carefully coordinated models, and everyone has a greater awareness of their contribution to the overall project. BIM provides them with the necessary information and means to plan, design, construct, and manage the built environment more effectively.How does BIM relate to Scan-to-BIM?
As demand grows in the AEC industry for the implementation of BIM, so does the demand for the creation of BIM schematics for existing buildings. Scan-to-BIM is quickly becoming an integral part of the BIM process. Where a project involves a pre-existing structure or site (as it will in most cases), reality capture of as-built conditions can provide the model with the most critical information before a designer even gets to work. So here it is, the short and pithy summary: Scan-to-BIM is the process of digitally capturing a physical space or site as laser scan data, which feeds into the initial creation, development and maintenance of a BIM model.From 3D laser scanners to point clouds to BIM models
Laser-scan data almost always takes the form of a point cloud. A point cloud is a set of data points within a three-dimensional coordinate system, positioned on the classical X, Y, and Z axes, which can accurately represent the external surface of an object or interior environment. 3D laser scanning devices – for example, terrestrial laser scanners and mobile mapping systems – can take millions of measurements and collect information about the built environment. All this information is then processed and assembled into a virtual representation: a point cloud. There are many different types of laser scanning devices on the market, featuring technologies such as Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) or SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). These technologies provide the level of quality and accuracy to generate point clouds for seamless integration with standard BIM processes.Scan-to-BIM deploys 3D laser scanners on location to build a precise point cloud dataset and model, operating at speed and scale according to the needs of the job.
Problems that scan-to-BIM can solve
If scan-to-BIM is the answer, then what's the question? What are the problems that scan-to-BIM is especially good at resolving? Data collection requires careful planning and is time-consuming, even more so if the BIM model of an existing building needs updating regularly.-
- In the design phase, incomplete or unreliable information is used to create BIM models of existing buildings.As-built documentation is often outdated, fragmented, or both. An unlucky BIM modeler can waste much time meticulously piecing together data to create one cohesive BIM model which, even then, can't always be trusted. Errors introduced to the model can have consequences because they can quickly percolate down to every other user of the model.
- In the construction phrase, collecting data to update and verify models is a challenging process.It can involve laborious tasks like physically visiting a location to take measurements and photographs. That leads to further logistical hurdles like arranging access to the site, the amount of time you're allowed to spend there, and the number of personnel needed for the task. All this quickly becomes a sink for time, resources, and budget.