BENEFITS & PROCESSES

THE WHOLE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCURATE BASE DATA TO ACHIEVE A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT.

CONTACT
Lee McDougall

The adoption of the BIM process moves the survey data into Real World 3D. The 3D models bring numerous benefits to the various stages of the project, from the initial design to final construction.

Why?
Although by no means an exhaustive list, below are some of the key points:
- Improved spatial analysis
- Improved understanding through visualisation
- Improved cost analysis
- Production efficiencies
- Easier computation of materials
- Improved accuracy of estimating
- Reduced design risk
- Ability to create FM database directly from model
- Ability to update model as project progress in real time
- Improved Health and Safety
- And possibly the most important of all, better client engagement
How?
The Scan to BIM procedure builds upon all the traditional expertise that exists within the Geomatics arm of the practice. This inherent attention to accuracy and detail shines through in the quality and accuracy of the delivered survey models.
The process can be broken down into 5 definite steps:
- Survey Control
- Laser Scanning
- Process
- Model
- Information
There is a fuller explanation below of the steps.

Survey Control
Permanent and semi-permanent 3D survey control markers will be established and co-ordinated on site prior to any scanning been carried out. This control will set the tolerances of the scan and allow the survey team to constantly track the accuracies.

Laser Scanning
The actual process of collecting the spatial data on site. This is achieved through the use of laser scanners all of which will be related to the 3D survey control markers.

Process
At regular intervals the spatial data will be down loaded and processed. This data is co-ordinated and compared to the survey control to ensure accuracy is maintained and highlight any disparities.

Model
Once the site data has been checked and certified correct it is passed to the modelling team. This point data sets the parameters for the modellers giving them an accurate representation of the structure upon which to build the survey model.

Information
The final step is to populate the model with the information required by the client. This can range from simplistic dimensional information through to extensive FM data.