Conversion of a former mustard factory

Senffabrik von außen

The Challenge: No Existing Floor Plans and Time-Sensitive Planning

In this project, an old mustard factory was being converted into a residential building. The two-story, U-shaped structure contained former production rooms, storage areas and garages – but no current, reliable as-built plans were available for this complex task. 3D laser scanning provided the precise documentation needed for planning and design.

Converting an industrial building into residential space requires accurate knowledge of existing conditions. Without updated plans, planners and engineers risk costly errors during design and construction. In this case, the goal was to produce detailed floor plans and sections as CAD deliverables for the planning office – efficiently and within a short timeframe.

Capturing the Existing Building: Fast and Complete 3D Laser Scanning

The entire building was documented using 3D laser scanning within half a day. A total of 30 individual scans were carried out, capturing all relevant rooms, walls, openings and structural elements.
This approach delivered a complete and detailed point cloud representing the actual condition of the building – an essential foundation when converting industrial structures into residential use.

Die Datenauswertung hat nur 2 Stunden geadauert, was mich wirklich überrascht hat!
Mitarbeiter Bouwsupport
Jun. 2013

From Point Cloud to CAD Plans: Efficient Evaluation with PointCab Origins

After data acquisition, the point cloud was evaluated using PointCab Origins. From the scan data, the required deliverables were derived efficiently:

  • floor plans,
  • cross sections,
  • and scaled, CAD-ready drawings.

The generated data could be imported directly into the customer’s CAD system and used for further planning steps without additional re-measurement or manual reconstruction.

Planning Benefits and Project Outcomes

The complete evaluation process – from raw scan data to exportable plans took approximately two hours.
Based on the generated plans, the investment volume for the conversion could be assessed quickly and reliably. The resulting CAD data supported:

  • preliminary and design planning,
  • detailed execution planning,
  • and visualizations for residential marketing and exposés.

This workflow provided a solid digital foundation for all subsequent project phases.

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Acquisition of a high school

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New construction and modernization of a high school on the west coast of England

For the new construction and modernization of Skegness Academy, a high school in Lincolnshire on the west coast of England, an accurate as-built model was required.

In order to obtain the exact dimensions of the high school, the FARO Photon 120 laser scanner was used, which can capture up to 990,000 points per second. With the help of reference points in the individual scans, they could later be merged. The scans were then used to generate a dimensionally accurate point cloud that provided an accurate 3D model of the building.

For the project, PointCab Origins was used to create elevations and sections, as well as detailed, dimensionally accurate images. This allowed various views of the high school to be generated and read into Autodesk Revit. A complete 3D model was then created with just the click of a button.

The FARO Photon 120 delivered 230 scans here. Images of the entire site and the building from the inside were taken. The views were imported into Autodesk Revit. From this data, a highly accurate 3D model of the building was created.
What advantage did PointCab Origins bring here? The fully automatic generation of views and sections. Likewise, accurate and true-to-scale images were used here. The further processing of the scan data in the CAD system was also possible without plug-ins thanks to PointCab Origins. This provided the optimal basis for modeling, visualization, processing and simulation.

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Software Speed

Even the most extensive point cloud data can be evaluated easily and quickly with PointCab Origins.

Direct workflow to Revit

The information of the evaluated point cloud data can be easily and quickly transferred to Revit.

Proximity to support

PointCab’s support is characterized by comprehensive expertise and individual attention.

We think PointCab Origins is the fastest way to extract plans and sections from point clouds.
Eric Bergholz
CEO Laserscanning Europe
Jun. 2013

About Laserscanning Europe GmbH

Laserscanning Europe is the leading system company for 3D laser scanning. As an independent and experienced partner, we can offer our customers the best project solution for their application.

By renting and selling laser scanning hardware, software and accessories, we provide our customers with the required tools for their projects. In our training courses, we share our know-how and many years of experience from various projects. On demand, we support our customers with data collection by means of 3D scanners, analysis of scan data and modeling.

https://www.laserscanning-europe.com

BIM model of a hotel in St. Moritz

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From scan to BIM on the fly – HMQ scans luxury hotel in St. Moritz

The Hotel Sonne in St. Moritz is a popular destination for skiing and Welness vacationers. To prepare the hotel for the future, HMQ AG was commissioned to generate a comprehensive 3D building model of all interior spaces and the exterior facade. The 3D point cloud data was required for further processing in Graphisoft Archicad to create a complete BIM model.

Right from the start, the project included a major challenge: the acquisition of the hotel with laser scanners from FARO had to take place during the peak winter season and also during ongoing guest operations. The entire building therefore had to be captured as quickly as possible and without major disruption to guests. In the interior, a floor area of 1,100 m² had to be surveyed, distributed over three floors and a building height of approx. 10 meters. Outside, the work was no easier. The snow lying at the time of the project, which is why vacationers primarily traveled to St. Moritz, made the scans of the facade difficult.

HMQ, however, managed all challenges and had a huge amount of point cloud data from around 500 scans after only 72 hours. HMQ has been using Archicad 21 software to create BIM models for some time. To be able to use the point cloud data for processing in Archicad, HMQ uses PointCab Origins. More specifically, use the 4BIMm plugin, which allows the point clouds to be analyzed and the information seamlessly transferred into ArchiCAD. This reduced time for HMQ and, consequently, project costs. Putting all this together, the result was a relaxed project process for everyone involved. This can only be beneficial for a vacation hotel.

The basis for this is the uniquely fast processing of the most extensive point clouds in PointCab Origins. Ease of use was the main focus when Christian Vetsch, Managing Director at HMQ together with his team decided to use PointCab Origins three years ago. The great compatibility with all scanner types and makes made the decision even easier for HMQ.

“We chose PointCab Origins because the software is easy and intuitive to use and is constantly being developed,” says Christian Vetsch. If you ask HMQ employees, they also appreciate the uncomplicated proximity to PointCab support.

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Software Speed

Even the most extensive point cloud data can be evaluated easily and quickly with PointCab Origins.

Direct workflow to ArchiCAD

The information of the evaluated point cloud data can be easily and quickly transferred to Graphisoft ArchiCAD.

Proximity to support

PointCab’s support is characterized by comprehensive expertise and individual attention.

We chose PointCab Origins because the software is easy and intuitive to use and is constantly being developed
Christian Vetsch
Managing Director HMQ AG
Dez. 2018

About HMQ AG

HMQ AG, based in the cantons of Graubünden, Zurich and Aargau, is one of the leading Swiss engineering and planning companies.
The core competencies of the engineers, planners and consultants of the HMQ Group lie in the specialist areas of surveying, construction and planning. To ensure customer satisfaction as well as to offer employees an exciting work environment, HMQ AG builds on innovation, quality and technology.
To the HMQ AG website: http://hmq.ch/

Measurement of a packing plant

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Engineering company Kvejborg – Food industry

In a pilot project, the task was to measure two robot workstations in a large bakery during ongoing production. The existing robot tools were to be submerged in order to optimize the overall process. The bakery’s production runs in three shifts. A very fast recording method was needed to measure the packaging workstations, since stopping production involves high costs. The solution was to stop the robot cells individually for a short time. Some employees of the large bakery then manually stacked the fresh baked goods. The time required for the detailed measurement of the interior using a laser scanner was only 10 minutes per cell.  This meant that there were no disruptive influences on the production process.

The subsequent data processing with PointCab Origins then generated the layouts, which were available to the plant planners the very next day. This is where the compatibility of PointCab Origins paid off. In contrast to a point cloud, the plans could be easily transferred to the CAD systems Solidworks and Inventor for further processing. Complex plants very often involve several different technical planners. PointCab Origins enables the planning office Kvejborg to make the generated planning basis available to all partners involved in the planning process simultaneously – without additional costs.

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Software Speed

Even the most extensive point cloud data can be evaluated easily and quickly with PointCab Origins.

Direct workflow to CAD software

The information of the evaluated point cloud data can be easily and quickly transferred to the CAD software.

Proximity to support

PointCab’s support is characterized by comprehensive expertise and individual attention.

With PointCab Origins, our customers can use the laser scanning results directly in Inventor.
Engineerringunternehmen Kvejorg
Jun. 2013

About Kvejborg

The Danish company Kvejborg is a Scandinavian design office in the plant engineering sector that is involved in the design of machines, tools and robot applications. Laser scanning technology is an integral part of the company and is used, among other things, as a design basis in special machine construction. https://kvejborg.dk/

3D rendering of a historic commercial hall

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Laserscanning Architecture uses PointCab Origins in AutoCAD Architecture

The company Laser Scanning Architecture used the FARO 3D laser scanner for the three-dimensional acquisition of a historic commercial hall. The 3D data created was evaluated using AutoCAD Architecture and PointCab Origins. The scan data was analyzed in both photo mode and pixel mode using FARO Scene software. In the model, analyses and geometric allowances were performed in colored panoramic views. Perspectives could be freely selected and partial areas of the model could be hidden as desired.

Using PointCab Origins, a 2D analysis was realized in AutoCAD Architecture. For this purpose, orthographic 2D views of the existing structure were created from any position in the model using PointCab Origins. This laid the foundation for efficient replanning. The advantages were: orthographic 2D images of the inventory, as well as freely selectable positions in the scan. The inventory could be quickly captured in detail (cornices, stone formats, etc.). The resulting highly accurate dimensioning, formed the basis for efficient redesign, including overdrawing of component edges. PointCab Origins results were used to create plans, elevations, sections and 3D BIM models. Images could be extracted from the point cloud. The client was able to quickly view and use the information thanks to the web export.

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Software Speed

Even the most extensive point cloud data can be evaluated easily and quickly with PointCab Origins.

Direct workflow to AutoCAD

The information of the evaluated point cloud data could be easily and quickly transferred to AutoCAD.

Proximity to support

PointCab’s support is characterized by comprehensive expertise and individual attention.

Fast point cloud evaluation with PointCab Origins and Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture.
Laser Scanning Architecture
Jun. 2013

About Laser Scanning Architecture

As a formerly classic architectural office, we specialized in 3D laser scanning in 2010. Since then, the demand has increased so much that we are now only active in 3D surveying. Managing director Johannes Rechenbach has a working experience of more than 30 years as a freelance architect and has been running his own architectural office in Hannover for 20 years.

During this time, we have learned many times that a thorough survey of the existing building is always the basis for a successful remodeling project. The precise laser scanning therefore offers the perfect basis for all projects of building in existing contexts. https://www.laser-scanning-architecture.com

Thyssenkrupp

ThyssenKrupp

Measurement of an automotive production plant - ThyssenKrupp

The company ThyssenKrupp was faced with the task of creating an efficient and complete measurement of an existing automotive production plant in a short time. The priority was to quickly transfer the scan results to existing CAD systems such as AutoCad, FactoryCad or RobCad for further processing. By surveying with 3D laser scanning technology, a real image of the entirety of all installations was created in a single measurement, giving the project the necessary planning reliability.

In the next step, a floor plan was calculated from the scan data using PointCab Origins. This was available to the engineers as a basis for planning on the very next day of the measurement and could be further processed in existing CAD systems without additional training on the topics of laser scanning and handling point clouds. An additional added value results from the fact that the independent file format of PointCab Origins enables the data to be made available to other partners.

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Software Speed

Even the most extensive point cloud data can be evaluated easily and quickly with PointCab Origins.

Direct workflow to CAD software

The information of the evaluated point cloud data can be easily and quickly transferred to CAD programs.

Proximity to support

PointCab’s support is characterized by comprehensive expertise and individual attention.

Thanks to PointCab Origins, we were able to perform layout matching completely without modeling.
ThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer GmbH
Dez. 2018

About ThyssenKrupp System Engineering

Thyssenkrupp System Engineering GmbH is an internationally active manufacturer of various components for the automotive industry’s body and powertrain process chains. https://www.thyssenkrupp-system-engineering.com/

Plant documentation in gas supply

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Acquisition of complex piping systems – Export of precise dimensions

Niederreihnische Gas-Technik GmbH (NieGaTec) is a partner of the energy industry. Managing Director Klaus Jäger invested in the acquisition of a laser scanner in 2010 in order to improve his measurements. The complex pipeline structures in particular can be optimally recorded with the laser scanner. After purchasing the hardware, the question arose as to the optimal software for the rapid evaluation of the measurements. In the utility industry, 2D plans still dominate as a basis for work. Pipe runs are represented by line connections and gate valves, valves and other installations are indicated by symbols. Therefore, it was important for NieGaTec to quickly convert the 3D measurements back into layouts and sections.

After researching the market, the professionals chose PointCab Origins software because its ease of use and layout representation best met the needs of the gas industry. The layouts are read into AutoCAD through the PointCab Origins CAD export and drawn up by the staff. In this process, the symbol libraries developed by NieGatec can be used in their entirety. The interaction of laser scanning technology and PointCab Origins now enables NieGatec GmbH to guarantee its customers fast and precise measurements.

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Software speed

Even the most extensive point cloud data can be evaluated easily and quickly with PointCab Origins.

Direct workflow to AutoCAD

The information of the evaluated point cloud data can be easily and quickly transferred to AutoCAD.

Proximity to support

PointCab’s support is characterized by comprehensive expertise and individual attention.

Simply ingenious software for creating piping plans from our laser scanning projects.
Niederrheinische Gas-Technik GmbH
Jun. 2013

About Niederrheinische Gas-Technik GmbH

Niederreihnische Gas-Technik GmbH (NieGaTec) is a partner of the energy industry. The company provides versatile engineering services for utilities in the energy industry. These include many municipal utilities and gas suppliers. For the documentation and planning of plants, an as-built survey is indispensable. This often involves gas distribution systems, gas pressure regulating stations (GDR) and gas pressure regulating metering stations (GDRM). www.niegatec.de

Acquisition of a limestone crushing plant

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Project Overview: Accurate Data for Industrial Plant Expansion

The As-Built Documentation of Industrial Facilities is an increasingly important application in surveying. In this project, the planning of a plant expansion was commissioned. Specifically, it involved a limestone crushing plant at a cement factory in the Middle East. ThyssenKrupp Fördertechnik GmbH used 3D laser scanning with PointCab Origins to capture the existing facility in detail. The goal was to compare the laser scan data with an existing 3D CAD model and create a reliable basis for planning the upcoming plant extension—something that would not have been feasible without precise as-built documentation.

3D Laser Scanning for Efficient and Non-Disruptive Data Capture

A FARO laser scanner was used to capture a conveyor belt system approximately 160 m in length, starting underground and ending at a discharge point about six metres above ground level. The conveyor passes through several silos and multiple height levels, making conventional measurement methods inefficient and time-consuming.

Using 3D laser scanning allowed the system to be documented with minimal disruption to ongoing operations:

  • Data acquisition was carried out over three days.
  • The conveyor belt needed to be stopped for only two hours in total.
  • 40 individual scans were captured and registered and evaluated directly on site using PointCab Origins.

This ensured complete coverage of the facility and eliminated the need for repeat site visits or additional shutdowns.

Evaluate laser scanner results quickly and easily directly on site. Awesome!
ThyssenKrupp
Dez. 2018

Processing the Point Cloud and AutoCAD

The sections and evaluations generated in PointCab Origins formed the basis for further planning and design.
After on-site registration, the processed point cloud data was transferred into AutoCAD for continued CAD work. This enabled planners and engineers to work directly with accurate, real-world geometry and align the planned plant expansion with the existing structure.

Benefits of the Workflow As-Built Documentation of Industrial Facilities

This project highlights the advantages of combining 3D laser scanning with point cloud processing for industrial plants:

  • Efficiency: Large and complex plant components can be captured quickly with minimal downtime.
  • Data accuracy: The point cloud reflects the actual condition of the facility with high precision.
  • Planning reliability: Accurate measurements help prevent clashes and design errors during plant expansion.
  • Seamless CAD workflow: Results integrate smoothly into standard CAD environments such as AutoCAD.

For industrial facilities operating under tight production schedules, this approach provides a reliable and practical foundation for modification and expansion projects.

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Facade elevation of a listed industrial building

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Requirements: Facade Documentation of Listed Building

In Magdeburg, a historic industrial building subject to preservation orders was undergoing conversion into residential loft apartments. To comply with heritage requirements and support renovation planning, highly accurate, true-to-scale documentation of the building’s facades was essential. Traditional measurement approaches were not feasible due to the narrow working space and the structure’s height, so a 3D laser scanning survey was commissioned. The 3D laser scanning survey, as well as the processing and modeling of the point cloud data was carried out by Laserscanning Europe.

Challenges of Capturing a Listed Facade

The building’s complex geometry presented multiple challenges:

  • The facades reach up to 17 m in height, making direct manual measurement risky and limited by space.
  • The east facade features multiple offsets and sloping sections, requiring detailed mapping to capture elements such as window surrounds and wall protrusions.
  • As a listed structure, all renovations must align with heritage preservation requirements, which demand accurate documentation of existing conditions before design can proceed.

These conditions made non-contact 3D laser scanning the only practical method to achieve comprehensive and precise data.

Survey Execution: 25 Scan Positions and Efficient Data Capture

The team performed a total of 25 laser scanner setups across the three principal facades, covering a facade area of 1,720 m². Only one surveyor was needed on site, and the total scanning time was approximately 5 hours.

The result was a dense and complete point cloud representing all facade details – including irregularities and features that are critical for both preservation and renovation planning.

The rapid creation of scaled orthophotos allowed for quick analysis in Geograf.
Eric Bergholz
CEO, Laserscanning Europe GmbH
Dez. 2018

From Point Cloud to Digital Plans Using PointCab Origins and Geograf

Once the laser scanning was completed, the raw point cloud data was processed with PointCab Origins:

  • True-to-scale orthophotos were generated automatically.
  • The orthophotos and extracted measurements were imported into the CAD system Geograf within one hour.
  • Detailed 2D plans, including facade drawings and crack documentation, were created at a 1:50 scale.

This workflow enabled architects and engineers to immediately begin modeling and detailed planning for renovation and conversion. The CAD deliverables supported both the artistic design and the technical compliance needed for a listed building.

Why Detailed Facade Documentation Matters for Preservation Projects

For any structure under heritage protection, understanding the existing condition – especially at high resolution – is vital:

  • Preservation orders require that original characteristics be respected in renovation.
  • Irregularities (cracks, offsets, sloping segments) must be precisely recorded before any intervention.
  • A digital record supports historical documentation and prevents speculative or inaccurate reconstruction.

By using 3D laser scanning and rapid orthophoto generation, the project team not only met the strict accuracy requirements but also sped up the planning process, saving time and reducing risk during subsequent project phases.

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Surveying Dunelm House

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Dunelm House: Why a Precise 3D Survey Was Needed

Dunelm House (1966) is Durham University’s well-known students’ union building. Designed in the post-war modernist style, it sits directly on the steep banks of the River Wear. Furthermore, it is connected to the equally iconic Kingsgate Bridge.

The structure is characterized by exposed concrete and terraced floor levels. A multi-angled, irregular roofscape follows the natural slope of the riverbank. This bold design makes Dunelm House architecturally significant  – and challenging to measure.
When leaks appeared across several roof areas, a detailed digital survey was needed. The aim was to document the current condition and guide the renovation.

The Challenge: Complex Roof and Difficult Site Conditions

The student building’s roof consists of intersecting levels, changing slopes, and unconventional angles. Combined with its sloping riverside location, this makes traditional measurement methods unreliable and slow.

To capture the structure accurately and efficiently, the project required a modern surveying approach capable of documenting every plane and surface with precision.

How the Survey Was Completed: Laser Scanning + GPS

The survey was carried out by Bury Associates Ltd using two FARO Focus3D laser scanners. To record the terrain and ensure accurate referencing across the entire site, the team also used total stations and GPS equipment.

This hybrid surveying method made it possible to capture:

  • the full exterior geometry of Dunelm House,
  • its complex multi-level roof structures,
  • and high-precision topographic context along the River Wear.

The result was a detailed point cloud covering the entire building and its surroundings.

We think PointCab Origins is the fastest way to extract plans and sections from point clouds.
Bury Associates Limited
Dez. 2018

From Point Cloud to 3D Model: Deliverables in Four Days

After the scanning process, the data was processed using PointCab Origins, which enabled the team to deliver complete documentation in just four days.
The deliverables included:

  • orthophotos,
  • 2D floor plans,
  • sections and elevations,
  • and a full 3D Revit model created from the processed Origins data.

By exporting PointCab’s results into Autodesk Revit, the project team gained a BIM-ready model with the accuracy needed to analyse the leaking roof and plan the renovation.

How the Digital Survey Supports the Renovation Process

The Dunelm House project shows how 3D laser scanning, precise site measurement, and point cloud processing can deliver fast, reliable results — even for buildings with complex shapes and challenging site conditions.

With the combination of FARO scanners, survey instruments, and PointCab Origins for evaluation, Bury Associates delivered a complete set of renovation-ready outputs, including a detailed Revit model.
This provided architects and engineers with a solid digital foundation for repairing and preserving one of Durham’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.

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