DRAFTING (Obtaining Digital Measures)
OPTION 1: LIDAR SYSTEMS BKL360
(LIDAR): Light Detection and Ranging Systems to capture data. Performs an overall 360° spherical capture in less than 4 minutes. Provides a 60 meters distance range and a scanning accuracy of +/4mm.
Strengths
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Capture reality around an area and produce 3D virtual models that can provide accurate measures of existing sites.
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Compatible with Autodesk Recap.
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Compact in size and simple to use.
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Repeatability, accuracy, efficiency and fast data creation.
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Rotates 360 in horizontal and has a vertical axis for different heights.
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CAD Software can import the cloud points and use them to assist in design and review.
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With Cloud resources available, large models won’t be constrained by the capacity of the local network.
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Data stored in the Cloud can be accessed directly from anywhere
Weaknesses
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Requires a high capital investment.
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Only highly qualified personnel can use the scanner.
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The process of importing and registering images in Recap 360 is relatively easy. However, producing the point cloud files may take a long time.
OPTION 2: MATTERPORT
This technology works similarly to LiDAR Scanner BLK360. However, Matterport matches and stitches set of data points while it is still capturing data.
Strengths
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Uses smart algorithms that allow completing the virtual model area by area in real time.
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Can move the laser from room to room to create a complete model.​
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The model is presented as a 3D point cloud or in Virtual Reality mode.
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An area of 10mx10m can be scanned in 30 seconds.
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User-friendly.​
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Option to hire as oppose investing in the equipment.
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+/- 4mm scanning accuracy.
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Compatibility with CAD software.​​
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Weaknesses
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Matterport is not part of the Autodesk Manufacturing Collection (AMC). It is a third party application.
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Only highly qualified personnel can use the scanner.
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More suitable for indoor scanning.​
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Min 5:51
OPTION 3: iSTAGING
The smartphone replaces the laser scanner. A 720 ° lens is clipped to the camera to expand its field of view. The phone is mounted on a rotator and placed on a tripod.
Strengths
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It is a more affordable option than BKL360 and Matterport.
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No need for additional equipment or software, except for the 720 lenses and rotator.
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Convenient for smartphone users
Weaknesses
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This option is more prompt to human errors. The quality and quantity of photos define the virtual model accuracy.
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The correctness of capture is difficult to control before the cloud file is generated.
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Requires significant processing time to build the point cloud files.
OPTION 4: UAV SYSTEMS
Also known as drones. They capture 3D aerial data. High-resolution photos that can be processed in Autodesk Recap to produce 3D models.
Strengths
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Drone Deploy Basic application is free.
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Compatibility with CAD software
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Drones can access areas where terrestrial LIDAR can’t.
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Suitable for outdoors.
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Automatic function to simplify photo capture.
Weaknesses
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Privacy
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Process times can change depending on the size of the scanned area, selected speed, wind patterns,
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Short battery life
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The process of stitching photos 2-3hrs depending on the resolution, the number of pictures and complexity
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Not suitable for indoors.
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Low-height flight paths require proper radial clearances around the selected area.
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The accuracy of this method is slightly lower than its terrestrial counterpart. A realistic expectation will be between 5-6mm accuracy.
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Requires process time to build point cloud files.
Min 2:22
OPTION 5: ON-SITE PHOTO
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Allplan AEC CAD solutions - Nemetschek Group.
This application uses a single photo to collect 2D measures of existing structures
Strengths
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Automatic functions to generate measurements reports in Excel.
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The photo adjustment tool facilitates exporting the photo to CAD
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Compatibility with CAD software
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Can do indoors or outdoors
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No need to wait for processing times
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Can be more quick and specific for smaller jobs than scanning.
Weaknesses
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Only provides length and width data.
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This method doesn’t deliver a 3D model
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Accuracy depends on the user
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Compared to 3D Scanning, this alternative needs more work to become a BIM model.
Min 0:40
OPTION 6: ON-SITE SURVEY
This application replaces the process of taking and recording dimensions manually on a paper. On-Site survey can help to produce a digital plan with all the measurements to avoid repetitive site visits when missing dimensions.
Strengths
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More user-friendly than other options.
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Processing times are not required.
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No need to invest in expensive equipment
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Doesn’t need base support for measuring tools
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Can insert multimedia data
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Can be more suitable for smaller jobs than scanning.
Weaknesses
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Only provides length and width data.
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Does not deliver a 3D model
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Accuracy depends on the user
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Needs more work to become a BIM model.
Recap brings laser scanning and photogrammetry together as one stream process. This technology is available as a Cloud or Desktop tool. Recap allows creating 3D virtual models from photos.