{"id":987,"date":"2020-11-23T17:14:33","date_gmt":"2020-11-23T11:44:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.axiumglobal.com\/dev\/?post_type=articles&p=987"},"modified":"2025-10-08T14:45:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T09:15:21","slug":"why-models-from-point-cloud-data-are-useful-for-architectural-and-mep-design","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/axiumglobal.com\/test\/dev\/articles\/why-models-from-point-cloud-data-are-useful-for-architectural-and-mep-design","title":{"rendered":"Why Models from Point Cloud Data are Useful for Architectural and MEP Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

Construction, much like other industries across the globe, must face a new world order – one that takes climate change, green building and the mantra of reduce, reuse, recycle into consideration. Renovation of existing buildings is one example of how a building can be reused for a different purpose. Refurbishment and renovation projects in the AEC industry typically involve old buildings, where modifications in the architecture, structure and MEP systems in the building are typically not recorded or updated for years. During a refurbishment project, the extent of the renovation depends on whether the building is completely stripped or if some of the existing MEP elements are used. A key requirement for such a project is an accurate as-built model with architectural, structural and MEP element detailing. Precise architectural 3D modelling and an accurate depiction of existing MEP services is essential. Using Building Information Modelling, or BIM, technology has made this task easier, especially with the contribution of experienced and reliable MEP BIM services.<\/p>\n

One way to capture the as-built conditions of a building is to re-create the model using point cloud data and then model it. Point cloud modelling involves 3D scanning with high-end laser scanners, which measure and map millions of points of building objects and surfaces. Compared to a manual survey, point cloud data models are more accurate and provide more certainty. So, this brings us to the concept of Scan to BIM<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The term Scan to BIM is essentially defined as the practice or process of creating a digital 3D model of an existing building\u2019s physical and functional features in a BIM environment. A laser scanner captures point-cloud data, which can be developed using 3D BIM software, such as Autodesk\u2019s Revit, Graphisoft\u2019s ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, etc. This results in the development of accurate as-built models with actual conditions. <\/p>\n

The process of Scan to BIM begins with the requirements of the models or drawings. The model\u2019s level of detail (LOD) must be identified, as higher modelling accuracy increases the as-built model\u2019s reliability. The catch is that for a higher level of detail, there is a higher cost. So, data density and affordability must be considered at this point. At this point, the following requirements are determined: <\/p>\n

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