The United States has one of the largest construction economies in the world. The U.S. construction market is expected to grow to $2.52 trillion by 2030. While the 3D laser scanning market is estimated to surpass $16 billion by 2030.
However, there is currently no government mandate for the adoption of BIM. Despite this, the AEC business is embracing digital transformation due to its benefits, which include increased accuracy, time savings, and cost reduction.
The confluence of Reality Capture and BIM has enabled the renovation, remodeling, and facility management industry in the construction sector to boom. This Scan to BIM methodology in the future will become not an option for the AEC professionals, but an essential workflow to get their as-built documentation process precise in a very small amount of time.
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Trends Shaping the Future of Reality Capture and Scan to BIM Services
AI and ML in Scan to BIM
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are shaping the Scan to BIM process in the following manner:
Automated Point Cloud Processing & Intelligent Object Recognition
Converting point cloud data (PCD) into a 3D BIM model manual, and time consuming work. Machine Learning algorithms can automatically detect, and classify point clouds into elements such as walls, doors, windows, columns, etc., by intelligent geometry recognition and element extraction.
Automated 3D Model Generation
AL algorithms help to convert the point cloud data into 3D BIM models in no time. ML-based pattern recognition helps to recognize various architectural, structural, and MEP elements in the building, and speed up the 3D BIM modeling process. The accuracy is enhanced by AI-based LOD (Level of Detail) optimization.
AI-Enhanced Structural Analysis & Predictive Maintenance
Early signs of structural problems like cracks, misalignments, corrosion, and moisture damage can be detected by ML models with the help of scan data. AI and ML enabled predictive maintenance and structural analysis ensure aging buildings and historical buildings receive timely restoration before degradation.
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Digital Twin Integration
Real-time data from IoT sensors, drones, and LiDAR scans are integrated into 3D BIM models to create Digital Twins. Predictive maintenance to detect structural defects, optimize energy efficiency in buildings, and for real time facility management, Digital Twins are used in high rise buildings and infrastructure facilities. Governments across the world are finding urban planning, disaster response, and infrastructure monitoring benefits of Digital Twins, and applying it in Smart City development. Scan to BIM along with AI and Digital Twins are going to revolutionize facility management and smart city development, making the buildings and infrastructure intelligent and efficient.
Cloud-Based Collaboration
With cloud based collaboration project stakeholders can access real time Scan to BIM models from anywhere. Instead of managing high data point cloud files in individual computers, teams can upload, process, and analyze scans in the cloud. This ensures hassle free file transfers without version conflicts, ensuring every stakeholder is working on the latest project data. To protect sensitive project data, Scan to BIM cloud solutions provide security protocols to ensure that cloud based Scan to BIM process remains safe.
Scan to BIM Automation
Scan to BIM automation is the future of the renovation and facility management industry. With AI, and machine learning advancing rapidly, we can boost the laser scan and BIM modeling speed with high accuracy and efficiency. In the coming years, we can expect the fully automated Scan to BIM solutions to be the norm. It will revolutionize the design, construction, and facility management process. Point cloud processing, feature extraction, and object classification will be automated by AI algorithms, making the conversion of laser scans to BIM faster and more accurate.
Advanced LIDAR & Reality Capture Services
Higher resolution, greater range, and real time point cloud processing capabilities will be offered by Next Generation LiDAR Sensors. Reality capture technologies like photogrammetry, SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), 360° imaging, and drone service for construction will enable, fast and cost effective highly detailed scan data. On site BIM model generation will be the with real-time LiDAR processing integrated with cloud computing and edge AI, improving decision-making in construction and facility management.
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Growing Adoption in Infrastructure
London’s Crossrail project is one of the major international infrastructure projects that has used 3D laser scanning to get the existing infrastructure data to create a detailed 3D model in a Building Information Modeling environment. This has enabled the precise design and construction of the 42 kilometers of tunnels for the new railway lines. Without accurate survey data, this complex design in the fabric of the dense city of London would not have been made possible.
Forward looking governments across the world and civil engineers and transport planners find this example as an awe inspiring future of large infrastructure projects across the world.
Growing Adoption in Heritage Conservation
Sydney Opera House in Australia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has undergone significant renovations to upgrade to modern MEP facilities. The challenge lies in preserving the iconic design while adding new facilities. Scan to BIM services has been used to create an accurate model of the architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical/HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing) services of the building. This enables the conservation of the historical building by integrating modern systems without altering the original designs.
Some of the other examples of heritage conservation projects are, the Palace of Westminster, Notre Dame de Paris, and The Statue of Liberty. These projects have shown the accuracy and time saving qualities of Scan to BIM for historical conservation.
Preserve history with precise 3D laser scanning! Contact us for heritage conservation scanning.
Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR) Integration
The owners and AEC professionals can overlay the new renovated design in actual site with the help of Augmented Reality. Virtual walkthroughs of as built conditions or renovation designs can be provided to stakeholders with VR based immersive experiences.
Multiple teams can review Scan to BIM models in real time with the help of cloud based VR collaboration platforms. As AR and VR equipment are becoming more advanced and cost effective, these technologies will make Scan to BIM more interactive, enhancing digital construction and infrastructure management.
Conclusion
The recent boom of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning has increased the optional of Scan to BIM services by automating the reality capture to BIM conversion process intelligent, and rapid. Advances in reality capture technology, such as photogrammetry, SLAM, and Next Generation LiDAR Sensors, are resulting in very accurate data acquisition. The AI and ML algorithms will enable on-site scanning services in conjunction with real time BIM model production, significantly lowering the cost, personnel, and time required for accurate as-built documentation. These futuristic trends will shape Scan to BIM as the most efficient, precise, and cost effective option for as built documentation, renovation, facility management, urban design, and city planning.
The future is real-time, cloud-based, and automated.
Are you ready to leverage these trends for your next project? Call us now at (866) 687-7784
Transform your renovation, facility management, and construction projects with Scan to BIM today!
