New software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology is available for your building project that creates a digital twin of the site without modeling by joining 3D scans to georeferenced photos in a browser-based immersive environment. This allows your team to tour the project from anywhere in the world, take post-scan measurements in 3D space, and communicate about the site. In this paper, we’ll break down the benefits of this kind of platform for architects, and how it uses point cloud data to create a 3D environment with zero modeling required.

BE IMMERSED IN THE SPACE

Indoor viewing software allows architects to take their projects anywhere and provide a detailed vision to their clients. Up-to-date models need up-to-date data, which can be tedious to both capture and model. This kind of platform can:

• Walk a viewer through the as-is conditions of a project using only a browser
• Overlay georeferenced 360° interactive images onto a 3D point cloud
• Communicate as-built conditions to clients and team members anywhere in the world
• Increase efficiency in collaboration between architects, project managers, and clients

This kind of service (including IndoorViewer) helps narrow the communication gap between people on the project to deliver an exact build on time. Using any web browser, anyone you designate can explore a scanned indoor space to view and interact with information about the building. This kind of cloud-based SaaS comes with secure user rights management systems that gives you complete control over who has access to sharing, viewing, and editing your data.

Here’s a deeper dive into the features and services of this service:

ENHANCED POINT CLOUD/DATA INTERACTION

To set a foundation for truly seamless design, you can access building information on any smart device. Tour the site, take highly accurate post-scan measurements in 3D space, inspect areas in detail, automatically calculate room areas, plan routes, or manipulate a design. Clearances on and measurements of unexpected beams, walls, and doors not on the original plans can be quickly obtained after the fact without needing another site visit. If you’ve hired 3D scanning service professionals with access to this kind of technology, they can help you import your point-cloud

data into the platform. It doesn’t matter what collection of hardware you used, this kind of software (including the IndoorViewer platform by NavVis) allows you to upload datasets and publish your scans as links. Some file types can take it a step further and automatically convert your point clouds into immersive 360° images.

Within the same viewing platform, project stakeholders can add and edit information by highlighting areas and taking notes. These geo-referenced POIs (points of interest) can contain anything from simple text details to PDF manuals or even videos. Need to know which rail can be cut, but the tenant painted over the markings for which one carries a thousand volts? The client’s electrical engineer tagged the hot one for you in the platform. If the team needs to turn off a piece of equipment and all the labels are Japanese, you’re okay because the client linked the English instruction manual. 

MAPS AND NAVIGATION

If you have 2D maps, you can import them to act as an overview of a building project, Although it isn’t necessary given the information gathered from a survey-grade 3D scan, you can import data from other sources to use on this platform to manage your data in one place. You are able to import DXF floor plans as well point clouds from other systems and view them. Third party point clouds and floor plans can also be accessed and shared online using a link. Furthermore, it’s best to execute a scan to relay precise as-is data to the platform. With 3D scan data in the platform, you can create newer, more-accurate maps. Then, you can get a first-person’s perspective by navigating your space step by step.

DIGITAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND UPDATING

Don’t model from scratch. When you choose the right professional scanning company, they can import the data gathered to create an accurate as-built digital model, and depending on your needs, may be able to skip the traditional (and often laborious) modeling process entirely. Once the online virtual twin of your building project is established, you and your client can go a step further and actually manage it digitally within the platform:

• Assess available equipment
• Tag points of interest and provide relevant information; upload/attach documentation or embed videos for guidance, e.g. reports or manuals
• Reduce reporting and on-site time by sending links and information out for preparation before technicians arrive
• Calculate escape routes, tag locations of safety equipment, link to safety guidelines, and document emergency plans
• Platforms with an open API allow you to connect and interface with the systems you may already use like CMMS, CAFM or IWMS

Work with your client to keep your model up-to-date by collaborating in real time using simple links and user rights management. Share and create basic floor plans, and even break down segments of a model to share specific pieces for specific purposes. You can create floor plans for specific purposes like renovation, commercial leasing, moving, and more.

EXCLUSIVE SERVICES

This kind of platform is offered by a select few advanced companies like PrecisionPoint. This solution is an addition to their rapid scanning services that can scan 5 to 10 times the number of square feet as traditional scanners in the same amount of time. As a SaaS, you don’t need to purchase the software, and you don’t have to store the data on you or your client’s servers. This kind of service is rare, and only the most advanced and solutions-oriented scanning service providers have made the investment to in this kind of technology. When evaluating scanning service providers, consider whether a browser-based immersive environment that allows for point cloud interaction should be on your criteria list.