Mid-South360 Point Cloud Services
Point cloud data is transforming the way architecture, engineering, and construction projects are planned and managed, by providing accurate as-built information to all team members, including contractors, engineers, architects, and project managers.
A point cloud is the starting point of reality capture, as-builts, and scan-to-BIM — it is a virtual 3D dataset of existing site conditions, which can then be process into 3D BIM models, 3D meshes, and 2D CAD drawings of any building or site.
Our team can deliver point cloud data to you in the .E57 file format, or we can further process your data into BIM, CAD, 3D photogrammetric models, or virtual tours.
What is a point cloud?
A point cloud is a set of data points captured by a laser scanner in a 3D coordinate system — commonly known as the X, Y, and Z axes. Each point represents a single spatial measurement on an object’s surface. Taken together, a point cloud captures every visible detail of a space. This includes objects such as doors, windows, walls, MEP equipment, ductwork, and structural steel to name a few.
Clients can import point clouds into CAD or BIM software to visualize a space. Once imported, the data can be viewed, parsed, manipulated, and modified to aid in visualization, preservation, design, engineering, and construction projects. Clients can utilize the raw point cloud data, or convert it into 3D models, 3D meshes, and 2D drawings.
What format are point clouds delivered in?
Mid-South360 will deliver point cloud files in the .E57 or .RCS formats. Our team can transform point clouds into 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D meshes, or virtual tours at any level of detail.
How do you create a point cloud?
Point clouds are created either by 3D laser (LiDAR) scanning or photogrammetry. Millions of data points are captured and processed into a point cloud, creating an accurate data set of a structure or space.
Why is a point cloud important?
Point clouds deliver highly accurate digital measurements of assets for use in construction and engineering projects. By representing spatial data as a collection of coordinates, point clouds deliver large datasets that can be mined for information. The visualization and analysis provided by point cloud data is invaluable for decision making.
What is a point cloud used for?
Point clouds provide powerful and dynamic as-built information for projects. Point clouds are used in architecture, engineering, and construction to create accurate 3D BIM models of buildings and other structures. Mid-South360 can create a Building Information Model (BIM) of an existing structure or update original design models with real-world conditions.
How long does it take to create a point cloud?
Most spaces can be scanned within a few hours. After the scan is complete, Mid-South360 will process the data and deliver to the client within 2-3 days.
What are the applications of point cloud data?
Point cloud data has become the new standard in design planning for architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Having a virtual model of the project gives companies the ability to effectively plan, design, construct, and manage projects. Point cloud data aids in analysis, design, construction, renovation, prefabrication, asset management, and facility modifications, to name a few. Precise point clouds expedite design planning and reduce project costs and change orders.