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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

 

  • Capture reality around an area and produce 3D virtual models that can provide accurate measures of existing sites.

  • Compatible with Autodesk Recap.

  • Compact in size and simple to use.

  • Repeatability, accuracy, efficiency and fast data creation.

  • Rotates 360 in horizontal and has a vertical axis for different heights.

  • CAD Software can import the cloud points and use them to assist in design and review.

  • With Cloud resources available, large models won’t be constrained by the capacity of the local network. 

  • Data stored in the Cloud can be accessed directly from anywhere

 
Weaknesses
​

  • Requires a high capital investment.

  • Only highly qualified personnel can use the scanner.

  • 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

  • Uses smart algorithms that allow completing the virtual model area by area in real time.

  • Can move the laser from room to room to create a complete model.​

  • The model is presented as a 3D point cloud or in Virtual Reality mode.

  • An area of 10mx10m can be scanned in 30 seconds.

  • User-friendly.​

  • Option to hire as oppose investing in the equipment.

  • +/- 4mm scanning accuracy.

  • Compatibility with CAD software.​​

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Weaknesses

  • Matterport is not part of the Autodesk Manufacturing Collection (AMC). It is a third party application.

  • Only highly qualified personnel can use the scanner.

  • 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

  • It is a more affordable option than BKL360 and Matterport.

  • No need for additional equipment or software, except for the 720 lenses and rotator.

  • Convenient for smartphone users

 

Weaknesses

  • This option is more prompt to human errors. The quality and quantity of photos define the virtual model accuracy.

  • The correctness of capture is difficult to control before the cloud file is generated.

  •  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

 

  • Drone Deploy Basic application is free.

  • Compatibility with CAD software

  • Drones can access areas where terrestrial LIDAR can’t.

  • Suitable for outdoors.

  • Automatic function to simplify photo capture.

 

Weaknesses
 

  • Privacy 

  • Process times can change depending on the size of the scanned area, selected speed, wind patterns, 

  • Short battery life 

  • The process of stitching photos 2-3hrs depending on the resolution, the number of pictures and complexity 

  • Not suitable for indoors.

  • Low-height flight paths require proper radial clearances around the selected area.

  • The accuracy of this method is slightly lower than its terrestrial counterpart. A realistic expectation will be between 5-6mm accuracy.

  • 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

 

  • Automatic functions to generate measurements reports in Excel.

  • The photo adjustment tool facilitates exporting the photo to CAD 

  • Compatibility with CAD software

  • Can do indoors or outdoors

  • No need to wait for processing times 

  • Can be more quick and specific for smaller jobs than scanning.

 

Weaknesses
 

  • Only provides length and width data.

  • This method doesn’t deliver a 3D model   

  • Accuracy depends on the user

  • 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

  • More user-friendly than other options.

  • Processing times are not required.

  • No need to invest in expensive equipment

  • Doesn’t need base support for measuring tools

  • Can insert multimedia data 

  • Can be more suitable for smaller jobs than scanning.

 

Weaknesses
 

  • Only provides length and width data.

  • Does not deliver a 3D model   

  • Accuracy depends on the user

  • 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.

AUTODESK RECAP

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