Architectural, engineering, and construction firms have many tools at their disposal nowadays for completing successful projects, and the advent of modern technology has made tools like LiDAR scanning a real asset.
For over 30 years, our team at Planit has assisted AEC firms in elevating their project outcomes using state-of-the-art technology like LiDAR-to-BIM or LiDAR-to-CAD. If your firm is seeking to improve the design, layout, and facility operation of an as-built or new build, we’ll discuss the relevant use of an architectural LiDAR scan across multiple building types below.
What Is LiDAR?
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method that uses laser pulses to scan land and structures to create detailed point clouds. These are then used to develop accurate 3D model replicas or digital twins. LiDAR was initially created to capture data about terrain and landscapes, but it can be applied to many different industries and measuring projects.
AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) firms can use LiDAR scanners to collect data on building projects to improve documentation, design plans, and future facility management techniques.
Whether you’re constructing a commercial building, remodeling a historic site, or retrofitting the HVAC of a retail space, LiDAR can help expedite the process by acting as a digital site surveyor, providing faster, more accurate results than traditional surveying methods.
Accurate data collection reduces the risks of mistakes during construction or renovation and requires fewer surveying labour hours. LiDAR’s noninvasive scanning method allows sites to operate as usual with little to no interruption.
The data collected from architectural LiDAR scanning can help create more comprehensive steps and solutions during building projects, reducing the possibility of human error and enhancing overall efficiency.
How LiDAR Scans Are Used in Building Design & Renovation
LiDAR scanners are used in tandem with BIM and CAD software to create digital twins of an as-built or projected construction site. This noninvasive scanning and surveying method results in more accurate data collection for designing or updating floor plans and architectural documentation.
When paired with digital twin technology, LiDAR scans can be used to develop resources like 3D site walkthroughs, 360° image capture, progress trackers, and more that help expedite your project timeline by requiring less footwork and direct-to-site visits.
When combined with advanced IoT sensors, these models can also create a living document for your building’s facility management team. You can gain real-time data on energy consumption rates, foot traffic, occupancy rates, and more throughout your building’s lifetime.
LiDAR scanners can be used for:
- Creating design and construction plans for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings (worksites, apartments, hotels, etc.)
- Redesigning floor plans for enhanced efficiency, longevity, and comfort
- Supporting infrastructure upgrades in as-built spaces (e.g. planning HVAC, electrical, and water heating upgrades using energy consumption data)
- Creating accurate scans of historic buildings that have little to no existing documentation
- And more!
How Planit Can Help Improve Your Architectural Design
If your AEC firm is looking for ways to cut costs while improving project timelines and results, architectural LiDAR scanning is an effective tool to accomplish this goal. Our expert team at Planit has worked with multiple companies in retail, hospitality, commercial, government, and other industries to capture accurate, real-time data and insights for new and as-built sites.
Through our Hyper-Intelligent Building Model™, we combine LiDAR scans with CAD, BIM, IoT, and digital twin technology so that you can:
- Gain accurate documentation for as-builts
- Enhance design and planning stages during construction
- Assess the condition of an existing structure for renovations and remodels
- Track progress during construction to maintain a cohesive design and completion date
- Capture detailed information about historic structures to ensure their key features are preserved and documented during renovations
- Gain a unified digital model that engineers, architects, contractors, and facility operators can work from collaboratively to maintain an aligned vision
- Design spaces that are more efficient, sustainable, and comfortable for long-term occupants
At Planit, we don’t believe that one size fits all when it comes to our measuring services. That’s why we offer flexible, scalable options tailored to your specific project and portfolio. Our internal team will consult our network of specialists to meet the demands of your project’s size and scope so that you can complete work on time and within your budget.
Optimize Your Building with Planit’s Architectural LiDAR Scanning Services
If you want reliable data capture and more intuitive architectural design, our team at Planit can help you achieve that and more with our architectural LiDAR-to-BIM AND LiDAR-to-CAD services.
Visit our Measuring page to learn more about our process, and check out our Blog to learn how our Hyper-Intelligent Building Model™ assists builders and facility managers across industries.
