Are we at a Tipping Point for the use of Laser Scanning within the Architectural & Engineering world?

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Mark King

Multivista Product Manager - 3D Laser Scanning
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With the increasing adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) over the past 10 years and the current focus of having readily accessible and up to date information for planning, is the use of 3D laser scanning at a key tipping point?

Young architects and modern architecture firms no longer see laser scanning as a nice-to-have, it’s a must have. But why is that? Let’s look at the top 5 reasons.

1. 3D DATA IS KEY

Top architects and engineers now default to 3D modelling as the chosen method for delivering projects, which is in sharp contrast to just 10 years ago when 2D deliverables were often the only requirement. Laser scanning captures the 3D reality of site conditions, delivering as-built point cloud data directly into most 3D modelling software. Working within the 3D environment now allows for a more immersive and in depth exploration of the space in question.

2. PUT DOWN THE TAPE MEASURE

Having to visit a jobsite and hand-measure a building to capture as-builts is a task most architects and engineers loathe. It is often time-consuming and notoriously error prone. 3D laser scanners capture a highly accurate 3D point cloud of a space in record time, with each individual scan taking less than one minute. Scanning delivers speed, accuracy, and improved quality at the push of a button. Also, with millions of data points in each point cloud, every angle of the space can be captured in multiple scans. Areas that are hard to get to can now be documented with laser scanners strategically placed within the area.

3. ALL WE NEED IS A MODEL

In many cases, the laser scan is a means to an end. The result being the development of a BIM. Laser scanning provides the ideal building block to capture real-world conditions and convert the point cloud into 3D digital geometry within software like Autodesk Revit. By building the model off of actual captured reality data, projects are less likely to run into errors caused by inaccurate record drawings or assumptions made due to a lack of information. Minimizing the risk of incorrect measurements provides the Architect and Engineering teams with even greater transparency on how best to approach building updates and retrofits.

4. BECOMING DIGITALLY PROFICIENT

It’s no longer only new architecture students learning the value of using BIM and other modern design technology but expect all facets of the construction industry to adopt digital technology. With 3D laser scanning architects can directly receive the digital data into their hands and in many cases is a on their projects as it delivers faster and more accurate digital data. Now firms and other participants in the industry are embracing this digital shift in processes, as they want to avoid being left behind once the entire industry establishes this as the new way forward.

In addition, if you’re an architect who needs to earn continuing education credits, Multivista is pleased to offer courses that will provide you with learning more about the power of laser scanning technology or photo documentation. Currently architects who are members of the following can earn credits for participation in our coursework.

– The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
– Architectural Institute Of British Columbia (AIBC)
– Alberta Association of Architects (AAA)
– Australian Institute of Architects (AIA)

To inquire about the Multivista courses and scheduling opportunities, contact us HERE.

5. FOCUS ON DESIGNING

It is common to hear that architects are frustrated and not being given enough time to create. This is why many actively seek out specialized companies that can provide Scan to BIM solutions. These companies, like Multivista, have built a reputation on being able to have boots on the ground in many parts of the world and rapidly capture and deliver point clouds and Revit models. Having a dedicated 3rd party resource available to step in to capture with laser scanning and provide not only the point cloud data but also BIM or even 2D plans, saves architecture and engineering teams on logistics and frees up valuable time that can be better spent planning and designing.

With so many in the industry already embracing 3D laser scanning, now’s the best time for you to see how it can help your next project achieve efficiency and productivity. Over the past decade, Multivista has documented +300 million square feet of 3D scanning projects for +2700 architects, general contractors, and developers worldwide. Our years of experience on site capture requirements, and with +500 Documentation Specialists in 70+ construction markets around the globe means you’ll receive the right point cloud data and scan to plans every time.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 3D LASER SCANNING SERVICES OR REQUEST A DEMO HERE.