1. Things to know for better
Point Cloud Scanning and the
realities of Point Cloud
Modeling in the AEC industry
The demand for 3D laser scanning continues
to grow in the AEC industry.

2. The adoption of Point Cloud Scanning by
engineering firms for various new and existing
projects has shown significant time savings and
profits for owners and stakeholders. Designers
and contractors continue to see the value for
its ability to deliver exceptional accuracy and
a data-driven approach towards “proactive
project management”. The construction sector
has witnessed heavy pitfalls through the entire
lifecycle of the project and greater ones upon
completion as well.
With Scan to BIM services, owners and
stakeholders can leverage clear communication
and visualization on what was required and what
has been built on-site. BIM has proved to be a
principal driver for the demand of Point Cloud
Modeling. Most of the states in the US have
seen a very high rate of adoption for Building
Information Modeling.

3. Thanks to modern BIM software like Revit,
designers and general contractors can evaluate
clashes through virtual coordination. It’s
always client perception on how much the entire
process will cost. It’s better not to tell them
the cost, but educate them about the entire
process and the kind of profits Point Cloud
Scanning would yield in the long run.
The steps would include – the explanation of
field work, brief introduction on Point Clouds,
analyzing the data, using point cloud data in
BIM software, building a 3D model and the final
process of 3D coordination.
Huge point clouds require BIM authoring
software like Autodesk Revit and Navisworks to
use Point Cloud data.

4. The Point Cloud
Point
Cloud
3D Laser
Scanning
Point
Cloud
Modeling
Scan to
BIM
Services
Point
Cloud
Scanning

5. Point Cloud
Point clouds generated by the
scanners create high-visualization
for the purpose of reference for
onsite workers and professionals.
3D Laser
Scanning
creates a raw
data output in
a point cloud
format.
These point clouds are a set of points in
the 3D coordinate system. The point cloud
data needs to be converted into software
adaptable data through direct, parametric
modeling and mesh-based modeling.
How do you bring about Point Cloud data to
Point Cloud Modeling in BIM?
Scanning is just one part of the process;
it must be integrated into the BIM workflow
as well to support the entire construction
process. These 3D scans can be used for
Quality Assurance in partially built
infrastructure. Engineers and designers
need software like Revit and Navisworks to
manage point cloud data and provide Scan to
BIM services for clients and owners. In
terms of Proactive Project Management or
QA, these point cloud scans help general
contractors and QA engineers to actually go

6. Point Cloud
Point clouds generated by the
scanners create high-visualization
for the purpose of reference for
onsite workers and professionals.
3D Laser
Scanning
creates a raw
data output in
a point cloud
format.
Point Cloud Modeling comprises of three
crucial components viz. Scanning and
surveying, registration, and the conversion
of models to 3D systems. This raw format is
then converted to various file formats
viz.. pts, .rcs, etc. This raw data can be
accessed by BIM authoring software like
ArchiCAD, Revit, Navisworks, etc.

7. What’s the reason behind companies
opting for Point Cloud Scanning?
Scan to BIM services can
save on time and cost for
surveying new and existing
buildings. A single Point
Cloud technician can handle
complex projects with the
help of good laser
equipment, and this can
reduce surveying cost and
efforts by at least 35% in
totality.
Bigger time savings on
surveying

8. What’s the reason behind companies
opting for Point Cloud Scanning?
It is highly imperative for
owners and stakeholders to
know what has been built and
what are the actual
requirements of the end-
product or deliverables. The
accuracy of a Point Cloud
Scanning provides users with
the power to analyze models
and a partially existing
structure to make sure all
the elements are kept in
place.
Precision results

9. What’s the reason behind companies
opting for Point Cloud Scanning?
Design assessment for
building renovations has
become extremely effective
whilst using Scan to BIM
Services. For existing
structures that need
renovation, but are
occupied, 3D laser scanning
provides an easy solution to
scan the entire building
without disrupting the
lifestyle of occupants
inside the building or
infrastructure. New models
can be designed as an
extension of the old design
wherein old reference data
Easy Renovation

10. What’s the reason behind companies
opting for Point Cloud Scanning?
Scan to BIM services are
extremely useful in close
team collaboration wherein
people from various trades
can assess the 3D model and
understand design flaws
based on old designs and the
proposed design. BIM
engineers can integrate
models from all the trades
viz. Architecture,
Structure, MEP and FP and
put it into a federated
model to identify clashes,
threats, and design faults
in the building.
Team Collaboration

11. What’s the reason behind companies
opting for Point Cloud Scanning?
Point Cloud Modeling reduces
overall construction and
surveying costs as legacy
surveying methods and
technology had proved to be
extremely expensive
elevating costs beyond
normal margins for owners
and stakeholders. The most
crucial part of Scan to BIM
services is its ability to
detect errors early on in
the project lifecycle that
creates heavy project
profits.
Reduced Costs

12. Final Words
Building Information Modeling has pushed
the limits of Point Cloud Scanning to
another level wherein it has become
extremely simple for designers,
architects, general contractors, owners
and stakeholders to visualize every
piece of the puzzle with superior
clarity to make informed-decisions based
on 3D models.