3d Reality Modelling High Detail Rapid Measured Surveys

We like to work hard on our research and development, the last year being no exception. The goal being to find a way of delivering huge amounts of detail from our measured surveys to a client, who might not have access to the same high-quality equipment and software licenses that we do.

We believe we have cracked it.

By utilising the technology at our disposal, including our Drones and Laser Scanners. We can rapidly capture large site areas, specific buildings, or pretty much anything really, to an almost infinite level of detail.

The information is captured in a rapid time frame. And much more accurately than you could have ever dreamed of when using traditional methods of surveying. Despite the short time of data acquisition, it uniquely delivers a huge amount of detail

Here are 3 of our recent surveys, along with the benefits they can bring to your project:

Survey 1: 3D Conservation Survey

This first example utilises our Laser Scanner at ground level, our drone to capture the roof and hard to reach areas and also, a high end DSLR to capture the detail of the stonework. Firstly, to help the client understand the amount of reconditioning work to maintain the building. And Secondly, to create an accurate record of the building on the day.

In the editable version we deliver, you can even take accurate measurements within the model as well as, mark it up with its simple to use sketching tools.

The Benefits:

  • Rapid capture and delivery – Delivery of final 3D model and point cloud within 2 days of measured survey.
  • Output – Detailed 2D colour orthographic elevations, roof plan, site plan, as well as colour point cloud and 3D textured obj mesh.
  • Sub 1mm Accuracy – Accurate measurement analysis. Clearly seen elements are accurate to less than 1mm!
  • Ease of use: Viewable on low end laptops/desktops and even mobile phones and tablets.
  • Price Range – Cheaper than a measured building survey, or even 2D CAD drawings of Elevations.
  • Great for – Condition Surveys, dilapidation Reports, measured building surveys.

Survey 2: 3D Roof Survey

Our drone is the best tool for this, enabling us to survey the roof and hard to reach areas. Its main use is to help us complete our 3D Measured Building Survey using Revit. We can scan the entire building from the ground and internally but have no information on the roof. By exporting the 3D model to a point cloud format, we can analyse in Revit and reverse engineer the roof elements, completing our 3D BIM project.

The Benefits:

  • Rapid capture and delivery – Delivery of final 3D model and point cloud within 1 day of measured survey.
  • Output – Detailed 2D colour orthographic roof plan, site plan, together with colour point cloud and 3D textured obj mesh.
  • +/-10mm Accuracy – For clearly seen areas. Yes, we know the building elevations look rubbish, this is a roof survey ;).
  • Cost effective access -There was no easy and safe way to access this roof. Scaffolding would need erecting around the whole building, costing a fortune in comparison.
  • Ease of use: Viewable on low end laptops/desktops and even mobile phones and tablets.
  • Price – Cheaper than scaffolding or a measured building survey
  • Great for – Roof inspection, risk assessments and to help fill in the information you can’t see from the ground.

Survey 3: 3D Site Location Survey

We have here 6 Hectares worth of levels and building to survey so, our drone is the sensible option. This will help our client understand the overall site level changes. And secondly, to gain an understanding of the surrounding context. This will enable an in-keeping, complimentary design for their site. We export this survey to point cloud, to accompany the street level scanning. Helping us mass the surrounding buildings and land in Revit.

The Benefits:

  • Rapid capture and delivery – Delivery of final 3D model and point cloud within 1 day of measured survey.
  • Output – Detailed 2D colour orthographic site location plan, as well as colour point cloud and 3D textured obj mesh.
  • +/-100mm Accuracy – We can increase accuracy for specific focal areas or buildings by utilising the previous 2 survey types.
  • Go where no one else can – The drone gains information and levels which are not publicly accessible. Leaving this the best way to gain necessary information. Some sites do require further permissions to fly, read about them here.
  • Ease of use – Viewable on low end laptops/desktops and even mobile phones and tablets.
  • Price – Cheaper than a topographical survey of the same site area
  • Great for – Feasibility studies, flood risk assessments, rights to light analysis and master planning.

Conclusion

Any combination of the above 3 examples will deliver an extremely detailed record of your subject buildings. Along with an overview of its surrounding context. By combining our previous services of 3D Laser Scanning and Aerial Drone Surveying with photogrammetry, we can offer a whole new experience and level of survey data capture.

We believe this will leapfrog Surveying into a new age of rapid data capture. Firstly to gain accurate information from the very start of a project. And secondly, to massively reduce waste in design and construction time.

If you would like to give us any feedback on what you see here. Please get in touch. Likewise if you’d like to discuss one of your pipeline projects.

By James Pegg - Solidpoint