Point Cloud to BIM Conversion Services Australia
Industry: 3D laser scanning & BIM Location: Australia
Technology & software used
- Revit, Recap
Outcome & benefits
- 3D Scanned images of International Broadcast centre were resurfaced and converted into BIM, replete with all the architectural and structural details.
- 10 mm accuracy helped create error free and intelligent Building information models and LOD -30 was maintained.
- Project delivery done well within the deadline resulting in decreased overall project time.
- BIM is gaining wide acceptance across the AEC industry. When loaded with information this information rich 3D model, i.e. BIM becomes a great source to refer for project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, achieving sustainability solutions, facility management, repair and renovation work and more. Client Company, one of the leading players in 3D laser scanning & BIM headquartered in Australia approached Australian Design and Drafting Services for surface reconstruction and conversion of scanned data of an International broadcast centre into an intelligent BIM. Client conducted a survey of the ‘As built structure’ and derived point cloud data via laser scanning. 185 GB of scanned data was provided, and a BIM with level of detail – 300 was requested.
Related services
This case study draws on ASTCAD’s BIM services. We also deliver:
- 3d scanning services — for related project requirements
- Bim architectural services — for complementary deliverables
Need a similar project delivered?
ASTCAD is Australia’s trusted CAD design and drafting partner since 2010. We deliver to AS 1100, AS 4100, AS 3600 and AS/NZS 3000 across mechanical, structural, civil, architectural and electrical disciplines.
How our point cloud to BIM conversion process works
Point cloud to BIM conversion starts with the registered scan data and a clear scope agreement on level of development, because “model everything” is how scan-to-BIM projects blow their budgets. We model the agreed elements — structure, architecture, services — directly against the cloud in Revit, record deviations where the as-built geometry defies ideal families, and tag assumptions explicitly where occlusions leave gaps in the data. Accuracy tolerances are stated per element category, so the downstream design team knows exactly how much to trust each modelled surface.
Point cloud to BIM deliverables
You receive the Revit model at the agreed LOD, a modelling report documenting tolerances, assumptions and data gaps, and optionally the cleaned, decimated point cloud aligned to the model for verification. For heritage, refurbishment and services-coordination work we can section the model to produce traditional 2D drawings as well, giving teams that still work in plans and sections the benefit of the scan accuracy.
If you have scan data — or a building that needs scanning — we can advise on the right capture and modelling scope for the project’s purpose, from a quick massing model for feasibility through to fully coordinated services modelling for retrofit design.
Scan-to-BIM scope conversations are where we add the most value before any modelling starts: a facilities team wanting space management needs a very different model from a services engineer planning a retrofit, and pricing both the same way wastes someone’s money. We scope by asking what decisions the model will support, then match LOD, disciplines and tolerance to those decisions. Clients who have been burned by a previous “model everything” engagement find this conversation alone worth the call.
Turnaround for typical commercial buildings runs one to three weeks from receiving registered scan data, depending on disciplines and LOD. If scanning has not happened yet, we can recommend capture specifications to the scanning contractor so the point cloud arrives fit for the modelling purpose — the cheapest quality control in the whole workflow.