Point cloud modeling is an important aspect of BIM services

A few decades back design and construction professionals had no choice but to execute all types of construction projects only with the assistance of their own skills and efforts, as the use of technology was absolutely impractical at that time. Forget about having the accessibility of high end software at that point of time, the truth is that such things were out of their understanding and imagination. But as change is constant, construction scenarios started to change fast,  as in the case of other industries, AEC industry also started to adopt technology which resulted into the acceptance of ‘Computer aided design technology’ and Building Information Modeling.

Once CAD and BIM is optimized by design and construction professionals a phenomenon called seamless construction started to become prevalent in Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry. Building Information Modeling broke all the barriers when it comes to developing flawless design as high end building design software Revit became a part of design development process. In its earlier stages uses of BIM were only applicable on fresh building projects but slowly and gradually its area of application widened and it started to be utilized in renovation and retrofit projects. This is how scan to BIM process came into picture, wherein point cloud modeling remains at the heart of this process.

That means BIM modelers started to utilize point cloud data which is achieved after scanning the as-built building by using laser scanners for developing 3D models. Now these 3D models can be gradually updated and elevated by adding new dimensions to them such as 4D, 5D and 6D etc which can provide huge information about renovation projects.  

Point cloud modeling is a highly successful method of developing accurate BIM models for renovation and refurbishment projects etc. as scanned data comprises of correct information. The output of point cloud modeling results into saving huge money and time, as AEC professionals can extract information on construction, design and materials etc from BIM models. In short point cloud modeling makes the entire renovation process effective and efficient and largely saves project cost.