Can Point Cloud Technology Really Be Useful to Your Renovation Project?
Are you wondering how point cloud technology could be of tremendous help to your renovation project? Well, the point cloud is useful in renovation projects, especially where the original records of both the architectural drawings and measurements are not available. So, to understand this premise, we need a clear picture of what point cloud is all about and how it works.
Introduction
It is of utmost importance to take some time out to understand what point cloud really does as well as its benefits. This is necessary because the use of point cloud is still not clearly understood.
You may ask, why is it necessary to use Lidar point cloud for a renovation? Or, are you thinking in the line of other people who are wondering why we cannot just carry out the renovation without incurring extra cost and difficulty of a point cloud?
We need to understand point cloud first before delving into its uses and benefits.
Point Cloud
Literally speaking, the point cloud is a collection of dots that can be used to construct a 3 dimensional (3D) object.
How does this definition fit into the renovation of a building? For any construction or renovation to take place, the construction documents and CAD drawings with measurements and details must be available. However, a problem occurs when these original documents are not there.
But what can you actually do in such a situation? Would you have to recreate them? If your answer is yes, then how do you go about it?
Be that as it may, it is quite challenging to have an exact drawing of an existing building with measurements and details from the beginning. This is where point cloud technology becomes helpful.
Lidar Point Cloud
Lidar point cloud helps to ensure a very accurate measurement is achieved – owing to the fact that a lot of points are produced by the scanner. These numerous points produce measurements and dimensions that are of a high level of accuracy.
What is Point Cloud?
We need to understand clearly what point cloud is before going deeper into the uses of the point cloud. Generally speaking, Wikipedia defines Point Cloud as:
“A set of data points in space”. But is this the actual meaning in the world of architecture?
This set of data points is designed using a 3 dimensional (3D) scanner. Now, numerous points are sent onto the surface of an object and these points are called data points as they contain some information such as the points of their location. The information from these points can be used to create a 3 dimensional (3D) object when combined together.
Uses of Data Points
Ideally, these data points can be projected to 3D without needing a third party. What does this mean? It means that you can use the point cloud in Revit and AutoCAD respectively without any problems in conversion. Thus, both Revit and AutoCAD work successfully with the point cloud.
For this reason, the point cloud data which are the points of structures can be connected to either Revit or AutoCAD. This is a plus to the renovation project because they can obtain the documents in the needed format.
Advantages of Point Cloud for Renovation
Point cloud has numerous advantages and some of these advantages might not be clearly seen but they serve their aim. So, what are the advantages of using point cloud over the traditional methods? Here are the advantages of the point cloud.
The scans have higher accuracy
The Lidar point cloud scans have higher accuracy as such you do not need to check the data again if you have the correct points. You can create an exact 2D or 3D structure with point cloud technology.
It is the fastest way to survey a structure
Point cloud has proven to be the fastest way of surveying an already constructed building at a site. It only requires the point cloud data that have been gathered by the scan. This removes the option of visiting the site often for more data unnecessary. Point data can help you access any data you need once instead of going over it many times.
Point cloud reduces the amount of time to be spent on the site
This is one of the foremost advantages one can get from the point cloud. It optimizes the time that you will spend on the sites. More so, it reduces the number of times you visit the site as every data you need is available from the point cloud scan. So, why would you waste time going back to the site?
You will have information at hand
You can have complete information about the existing building with the point cloud. This helps to prevent work delays and reduces RFI.
There is a reduction in costs
Other benefits of point cloud help to reduce costs. They are visible during the time of optimization and accuracy of data.
You will be able to make wise decisions
Based on the accurate information provided, the group of guys involved can make decisions with the help of the point cloud data.
It is an effective tool for taking measurements
Point cloud scans are powerful tools for making measurements – you can use them to measure dimensions. Also, the point cloud can help you know the spatial connection between the various parts of the building.
Now, a lot of issues arise as regards the renovation of a structure that does not have the original construction drawings. This is a big problem as the architect is in a crossed road when it comes to the actual measurements. Fortunately, point cloud technology has provided the most suitable remedy to this problem. With point cloud technology, accurate measurements of a structure can be obtained with ease.
Point Cloud in AutoCAD and Revit
Having your point cloud-connected in Revit makes you get new information immediately on the construction work going on at the site without you being there. You can add new information on your version of Revit based on the latest changes as well as keep your version of BIM up-to-date.
In the same vein, we can connect point cloud to AutoCAD as point cloud technology offers great support to the AutoCAD format.
Bottom Line
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