Case Studies & Projects Archive - Pointcab

User Story: Innovative Road Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and 3D Printing

Freddie — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 11:44:37 +0000

USER STORY

Innovative Road Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and 3D Printing

Contents

What it’s about?
Project start: planning and preparation
Two methods, one goal: laser scanning meets drone
Data fusion and processing: from raw data chaos to point cloud
Analysis and profile creation with pointcab origins
From cross-section to physical model: further dtm processing
Additional evaluation: virtual tour and plan drawings
Conclusion: clear planning, efficient workflow
Project participants

WHAT IT'S ABOUT?

For his thesis in Civil Engineering (Infrastructure) at DHBW Mosbach, Maximus König relied on a modern, combined workflow for as-built documentation.

The project goal was clearly defined: to create an accurate, digitally viable documentation of an existing retaining wall along the L172 through-road in the Hammereisenbach district. In addition to digital plans, a physical 3D model was to be produced as a demonstration object.

The approach: combining modern technologies such as terrestrial laser scanning, drone photogrammetry, point cloud processing, and 3D printing.

PROJECT START: PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Before starting with the data collection, Maximus established a control point network. This served both for the positioning of the terrestrial laser scanner and the georeferenced evaluation of the drone imagery. With this setup, the foundation was laid to merge both measurement technologies and align their data with precise coordinates.

TWO METHODS, ONE GOAL: LASER SCANNING MEETS DRONE

The survey combined terrestrial laser scanning with photogrammetric drone flights:

The Trimble SX12, a highly precise terrestrial laser scanner, provided detailed point cloud data of the retaining wall area and the surrounding roadway.
In parallel, a drone survey was conducted with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise. Through photogrammetric processing, another point cloud was generated.

The drone flight took only about 20 minutes, while the terrestrial scanning – requiring multiple setups – lasted around three hours.

DATA FUSION AND PROCESSING: FROM RAW DATA CHAOS TO POINT CLOUD

After completing the fieldwork, the captured data was processed in PIX4Dmapper, which took about one hour. This included:

Georeferencing the drone images using the previously placed control points,
Generating a point cloud from the orthophotos, and
Merging the drone and laser scan data into one precise, unified point cloud.

This combined point cloud then served as the basis for all further steps.

ANALYSIS AND PROFILE CREATION WITH POINTCAB ORIGINS

The unified point cloud was imported into PointCab Origins, where Maximus first created an overhead view and then derived cross-sections and profiles.

The integrated vectorization tools were especially useful: they allowed for the fast creation of linework, which could be exported directly as DXF files. These DXFs were then used in other CAD programs – for plan generation or for building a digital terrain model (DTM).

Processing in PointCab Origins took about four hours in total. The efficiency and precision in creating profiles proved particularly valuable.

FROM CROSS-SECTION TO PHYSICAL MODEL: FURTHER DTM PROCESSING

Next, the exported DXF profiles were imported into RIB Civil, where Maximus created a digital terrain model (DTM) of the surveyed area. This model was then transferred into SketchUp and merged into a solid body with a closed surface.

The final preparation of the 3D model for printing was done in Bambu Studio, where it was converted into the required STL format. The 3D print itself marked the grand finale: a tangible model of the roadway section – ideal for presentations and discussions with project stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL EVALUATION: VIRTUAL TOUR AND PLAN DRAWINGS

Using Trimble Business Center, Maximus created a virtual walkthrough of the point cloud, which took about one hour. This type of visualization offers an intuitive look at the structure and can be used for public participation or planning workshops.

For those looking for a simpler, location-independent way to view point clouds, PointCab Nebula provides an alternative. While it cannot generate flythroughs, the cloud platform makes it easy to view and share large point cloud datasets directly in a web browser – perfect for project teams or clients.

Additionally, the cross-sections generated in PointCab were imported into AutoCAD to create traditional plan drawings for the project documentation. This step took about six hours but delivered professional results fully comparable to standard CAD plans.

CONCLUSION: CLEAR PLANNING, EFFICIENT WORKFLOW

With his project, Maximus König demonstrated impressively how modern surveying methods and software tools can be combined effectively, from data acquisition to analysis and visualization. The key to success lay in carefully planning the workflow and using specialized software for each step.

Maximus looks back and reflects:

“Creating a plan at the beginning and mapping out which software is needed for which task and goal saves an enormous amount of time.”

His project proves:
with a well-thought-out workflow and the right tools, even complex infrastructure projects can be digitally captured efficiently, precisely, and presented in a way that is both clear and engaging.

Project Participants

The project was carried out by Maximus König as part of his final thesis, “Innovative Road Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning.”

University: DHBW Mosbach
Degree Program: Civil Engineering (Infrastructure)

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Der Beitrag User Story: Innovative Road Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and 3D Printing erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 2)

Freddie — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:49:38 +0000

USER STORY

From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 2)

Contents:

From Point to Drawing
Accuracy in Focus
Plugins in Use
“Just Click, No Install”
Exploring Nebula
Conclusion

From Point to Drawing: How the Scan Comes to Life in the CAD Model

After the point cloud had been cleaned, aligned, and verified in PointCab Origins, Janka Engineering moved on to modeling the roof structure in Archicad and BricsCAD. Although the PointCab plugins weren’t yet used in this particular project, the team followed a well-structured workflow: they extracted precise sections and points from Origins, then manually modeled beams, trusses, and walls in CAD – always guided by panoramic views and the geometric accuracy of the point cloud.

Even twisted or non-orthogonal timber members were modeled with care, thanks to the exact coordinate picking tools in Origins.

“You can only draw what you can trust, so our models start with reliable sections from PointCab.”

Accuracy in Focus: From Standards to Sub-Centimeter Precision

Though the process was manual, the results were impressively precise. While Janka generally works to a ±2 cm tolerance common in historic documentation, this project often achieved sub-centimeter accuracy, especially in horizontal sections exported at a 5 mm resolution from Origins.

The final 3D model wasn’t just for documentation – it could be used directly by structural engineers. Thanks to its clean geometry, it was imported into statics software, where beams were recognized as real elements for snow load analysis and simulation. The ability to go from scan to simulation without relying on 2D interpretation made this workflow especially powerful.

Plugins in Use: A Smoother Workflow for Future Projects

Although the modeling for this particular project was completed without plugins, Janka Engineering has since integrated the PointCab plugins for Archicad and BricsCAD into their workflow – with great success.

“In the past, we created the model without a plugin. With the plugins, the modeling work is significantly easier. That’s great.”

Mr. Janka emphasizes that the plugins have made the workflow more efficient, especially when it comes to precisely transferring points for beams, rafters, and other components directly from the point cloud. What was once a manual process is now supported by smart automation, saving time and reducing the margin for error.

“Just Click, No Install”: Why Intuitive Viewers Are in High Demand

Despite all the enthusiasm, Mr. Janka expressed one specific criticism in the interview: the current viewer solution at that time, PointCab Share, was too technical for many clients. Especially in public or heritage projects, there’s often a multi-year gap between data capture and construction. What clients want is a tool they can use independently and long-term – without needing to log in, install anything, or worry about expiring cloud access.

Janka Engineering still uses Faro’s older Webshare-to-go solution for this reason: a browser-based viewer that runs locally.

Exploring Nebula: A Viewer That Closes the Gap?

While not a direct replacement for a fully offline viewer, PointCab Nebula addresses many modern sharing challenges. It enables project viewing directly in the browser—without needing to install software – and offers more hosting flexibility than typical cloud platforms. Data can be shared via local servers, private clouds (e.g., Nextcloud), or third-party services like Google Drive.

Nebula offers:

Simple, browser-based navigation through panoramic views
Sharing of sub-projects, sections, and views via link
Flexible hosting options (local or external)
Full compatibility with Origins projects

“I’d definitely take a look at it […] maybe it’s exactly the kind of development we’re looking for.”

Nebula is, therefore, definitely a step toward more client-friendly sharing and a signal that PointCab is listening and evolving in the right direction.

Conclusion: Best Practice with a Clear Perspective for Improvement

Just like in Part 1, this second part underscores how PointCab Origins supports both technical accuracy and practical usability, while also showing there’s still room to grow.

The user story of Engineering Office Janka clearly shows how PointCab Origins functions as a central hub in the scan-to-BIM workflow – from capture to structuring and validation to CAD evaluation. At the same time, it also reveals areas with potential for improvement. This blend of praise and constructive criticism is what makes the project so valuable, not only for other users but also for the ongoing development of the software itself.

“I think the first thing that gets opened in our office—right after the digital time clock—is Origins. It runs all day long.”

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Der Beitrag From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 2) erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 1)

Freddie — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 11:00:09 +0000

USER STORY

From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 1)

Contents

As-built Survey
293 Scans
Registration & Data Structuring
Control & Accuracy
Delta Modul
PointCab in daily Operations
Teaser Part 2

From Heritage Building to Digital Model – A Government Commission with High Standards

As part of a long-term digitization project, the state building authority commissioned the Janka engineering office to carry out a 3D survey of a historic courthouse. The project began with the documentation of the complex roof truss. The goal was to use the data for structural calculations as well as for the step-by-step creation of a BIM-ready building model.

Particular attention was paid to the precise capture of the existing building structure and a structured processing of the point cloud.

293 Scans, Three Floors, One Goal: Precision in a Heritage-Protected Roof Structure

The roof truss of the courthouse—comprising three full floors and an attic—was captured using a stationary Faro Focus X 130 laser scanner. A total of 293 stations were recorded across three levels, distributed among the west, central, and east wings. The special feature: The roof truss consists of several levels with walkways, making the scan complex and time-consuming.

“This is a rather special roof truss because it’s essentially three stories high. That makes it more complicated—you just need more stations.”

The scans were carried out without pre-registration; the processing was done entirely in the office.

From Raw Scan to Structured Model – How Origins & Scantra Can Tame the Data Chaos

After the scans were completed, the point clouds were first imported into PointCab Origins. There, the data was initially structured into clusters—an essential step in preparing for registration. The data was then exported to Scantra for scan registration. The clusters created in Origins were automatically transferred.

“The interface between Origins and Scantra works great. We process everything, reimport it into Origins, and do the final alignment there.”

Afterward, the registered scans were loaded back into Origins, where the final coordinate system was defined.

Control & Accuracy: Quality Over Speed

The verification of the processed point cloud is also done in Origins. Here, sections are created, and the point cloud is checked for duplicates, misalignments, or missing scans.

“Quality control is a fixed part of our workflow before the data goes into the drawings.”

Regarding accuracy, the Janka engineering office adheres to accuracy level 3 according to Eckstein—with a tolerance range of ±2 cm. Thanks to laser scanning and precise evaluation with Origins, this standard is not only met, but often exceeded.

“In 3D, we’re usually under 1 cm—which suits our requirements perfectly.”

Hidden Damage in Sight: Visible and Plannable with the Delta Module

A widely used feature in numerous other projects at Janka Engineering is the Delta Module. It allows for quick and visual deformation analysis not only of floors but also of facades and historic walls.

“For us, the Delta Module is extremely important. You can immediately see: Aha, the facade leans outward or inward. That’s invaluable, especially for heritage projects or cemetery walls.”

The module is used to identify critical components or deformations even before modeling. This allows early assessment of potential issues during future insulation or renovation efforts.

Essential for Daily Operations: Origins at Engineering OFFICE Janka

Since 2014, the Janka engineering office has been working with PointCab Origins. Over the years, the software has evolved into the central platform for all scan-to-BIM processes within the company. While one or two licenses used to suffice, today every draftsman works with their own license. The workflows have been optimized over time—thanks in large part to the continuous development of the software.

“We’re now at seven licenses—and every single one is in constant use because there’s always something to extract.”

Origins is used not only for visualization but also for sharing plans, coordinates, and as an interface to programs like Archicad and BricsCAD.

COMING UP NEXT:

In Part 2 of the user story with the Janka engineering office, the focus shifts to the following topics:

CAD Integration
3D Viewer
New Perspectives with Nebula
Outlook: New Features & Upcoming Projects

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Der Beitrag From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 1) erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Chapel Ensmad– Efficient Surveying of a Historic Building

Nicole — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:54:22 +0000

USER STORY

CHAPEL ENSMAD – Efficient Surveying of a Historic Building

Contents

What’s It About??
The Subject – Ensmad Chapel
Data Collection & Hardware
Data Processing & Plan Creation
Data Export & Further Processing
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Project Participants

What’s It About?

Daniel Bayha, a master’s student in Structural Engineering at the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences, developed a digital workflow for his thesis to precisely document the historic Ensmad Chapel. His approach covered everything from the wooden barrel vault construction to the entire building condition – inside, outside, and within the roof space.

A key focus was not just the structural assessment of the timber construction, but also the creation of highly accurate deformation-based plans—a task that would have been nearly impossible with conventional manual measurement methods. To achieve this, modern laser scanning technologies were combined with specialized software solutions like PointCab Origins.

The Subject – Ensmad Chapel

Ensmad Chapel is a true cultural landmark and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Originally built in the Gothic style, it underwent a significant Baroque transformation around 1660 and has been lovingly maintained over the centuries, with the most recent renovation in the 1970s.

Today, the chapel shows visible structural damage that needed to be analyzed. Daniel’s goal was to document the current state of the building and create accurate plans to serve as a basis for future restoration efforts.

Data Collection & Hardware

Daniel opted for the FlexScan 22 platform from Z+F as the hardware for data acquisition. The platform is equipped with the IMAGER 5016 terrestrial laser scanner, which can be used both as a SLAM and as a static scanner. In addition, some details were measured manually to complement the data.

Scanning Duration: Approximately half a day on-site.

Challenges: Limited space, especially in the roof area. The FlexScan 22 had to be manually moved in this section, as it was not possible to walk through with a backpack scanner.

The combination of SLAM and terrestrial laser scanners brings together the best of both worlds:

SLAM scanners allow for quick and mobile real-time data capture – ideal for large or hard-to-reach areas.

Terrestrial laser scanners provide precise measurements and detailed imaging of key areas.

This approach enables the creation of an initial rough map using SLAM, which is then refined with the precise terrestrial scan data. The result? Time savings, increased efficiency, and a comprehensive and reliable data foundation tailored to the specific application.

However, in this case, certain details were additionally measured by hand.

Data Processing & Plan Creation

After data collection, erroneous points – such as those caused by passing individuals – were removed. This process took about a day and was conducted externally. The cleaned point cloud (in .E57 format) was then imported into PointCab Origins for further processing.
Using PointCab Origins, 2D sections (cross-sections, longitudinal sections, and top views) were generated from the 3D data. Daniel needed about a day to familiarize himself with the software, followed by approximately two days to create the sections.

With our YouTube tutorials and PDF guides on our website, Daniel was able to get started with Origins quickly and independently.

For those looking to become an Origins expert right away, we also offer a free demo session with our support specialists.

Data Export & Further Processing

The plans were exported as PDFs, which were then imported into Nemetschek Allplan. There, Daniel manually redrew the plans, achieving an accuracy of ±3 cm.

Alongside Allplan, Bluebeam Revu Extreme was also used for further PDF data processing.

Total Time Required: The final plan creation took about a week in total.

A faster workflow:
If Daniel had exported the plans directly as planar .dwg files – automatically aligned and scaled for Allplan – he could have skipped the PDF export step, saving significant time.

Good to know:
PointCab Origins is compatible with all major CAD programs and enables exports into their native formats. If you’re unsure about the best export option, our support team is always happy to help.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

The Ensmad project impressively demonstrates how modern surveying technologies and specialized software solutions work together to digitally capture and prepare historic structures for restoration planning. Here are the key takeaways from the project:

1. Precision in Plan Creation:
By combining modern laser scanning technology with PointCab Origins, it was possible to generate an unlimited number of highly accurate plans that faithfully reflect the chapel’s deformations and details.

2. Time and Work Efficiency:
Despite some detours in the workflow, the project showed that complex surveying tasks can be completed efficiently with the right digital tools.

3. Optimization through Support:
If users encounter workflow obstacles, they should reach out to PointCab Support. Often, alternative export methods or workflow optimizations can be quickly implemented together.

Project Participants

This project was conducted by Daniel Bayha as part of his master’s thesis, “Surveying and Restoration of the Wooden Barrel Vault in Ensmad Chapel”.
University: Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences
Program: Structural Engineering
Academic Supervisor (HFT): Prof. Dr.-Ing. Roland Fink
Project Supervisor (LAD): Sabine Kuban

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Photogrammetric measurement and 3D model creation

Freddie — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 09:23:08 +0000

USER STORY

MOSBURG IN WIESBACH – PHOTOGRAMMETRIC MEASUREMENT AND 3D MODEL CREATION

Contents

What it’s about?
The property – the Mosburg in Wiesbaden
Preparation, hardware and measurement
Data processing – creating meshes and point clouds in Metashape
Data processing and evaluation – Fast results with PointCab Origins
Conclusion

What it's about?

As part of a seminar paper at the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Frank Schirmer and Mobahil Ahmad Qamar investigated the extent to which photogrammetry can be used as a transformative tool in the preservation of existing structures.

To this end, a survey of the Mosburg in Wiesbaden was created, evaluated and processed using PointCab Origins, among other tools, to create a 3D model. We present their workflow and results here.

The property – the Mosburg in Wiesbaden

The Mosburg is a so-called artificial ruin and is located in the Biebricher Schlosspark in Wiesbaden. It can look back on a long history and was built from 1805 to 1806 on the foundations of a moated castle, which probably dates back to the 14th or 15th century. Among other things, it served as a residence, artist’s studio and local history museum.

After the Second World War, the artificial castle unfortunately became an actual ruin. The castle is currently not open to the public. Frank and Mobahil were also unable to enter the castle. However, restoration work has partially begun and is being coordinated by the Hessian Real Estate Management.

Preparation, hardware and measurement

In order to survey the Mosburg as quickly and accurately as possible, Frank and Mobahil began by making relatively simple sketches to determine the optimum viewpoints and heights for the images. The sketches were then expanded in an iterative process until a detailed survey plan was available.

This was followed by the selection of surveying equipment. Among other things, the team decided to use simple smartphone cameras to speed up the survey. In order to achieve the best possible result, care was also taken to carry out the survey on a cloudless day with low humidity. The following hardware was used:

DJI Mavic Mini UAV
Thanks to the DJI drone, the Mosburg could be photographed from different heights and perspectives. Even areas that were difficult to access, as well as the interior, could be captured better.
Sony A6000:
This camera was mainly used to capture the details of the rear supporting wall, which is particularly badly damaged. This enabled cracks, protrusions and fractures to be precisely documented.
Sony Xperia XQ-BT-52 & Xiaomi Redmi 12
With the two smartphone cameras, the remaining, better-preserved parts of the Mosburg could be captured quickly and efficiently.

The entire survey of the Mosburg took about 4 hours and was completed in 3 phases. In the first phase, the drone and the Sony camera were used to capture the rear supporting wall. In the second phase, the rest of the castle was photographed with the smartphones. Finally, the drone was sent back inside to take the remaining pictures. A total of over 600 images were taken.

To get the best possible results from a photogrammetric survey, you should pay particular attention to the following settings in advance:
– Shutter speed
– ISO (light sensitivity)
– Sufficient lighting or natural light

Data processing –
creating meshes and point clouds in MEtAshape

The images, which were taken with 4 different devices and 6 different cameras, have to be merged in the next step and converted into a mesh or point cloud. To achieve this, Frank and Mobahil decided to use Agisoft’s Metashape software. The process was completed in 6 steps:

Data import
When importing, the team creates a separate calibration group for each physical camera, as the smartphone cameras use different resolutions and focal lengths.
Alignment (registration) of the photos
Tie points, which represent overlaps in the individual photos, are used to “unite” all the photos into an overall image. The team identifies 4000 tie points using the highest possible resolution. The alignment is then further improved in an interactive process until an initial point cloud of tie points is created at the end.

Mesh creation
A mesh is now created in a further iterative process. Here too, the highest possible resolution is used first and scaled down step by step.
Create texture
Metashape creates the texture based on the meshes. The higher the selected resolution, the more accurate the geometry.
Create point cloud
Based on the results created in the previous steps and various other parameters, Metashape creates a complete point cloud in this final step.
Export
When exporting, it is important to choose the right format for further processing. Not all formats contain all the important information and not all software can read all formats. In this case, the team decided to export the point cloud in .obj/.pts format.

In a personal conversation, Frank tells us that he initially tried out various formats when exporting until he found a format that he could continue working with cleanly in Origins. This is a difficulty that we often hear about. There are simply so many formats that fulfill different purposes, and users are often unaware of the advantages and disadvantages.

If possible, we recommend exporting the point cloud as a .las file. The .las format has sufficient information content for most applications and is highly interchangeable. This means that the information can usually be transferred cleanly when exporting and switching from one software to another.

If you would like to find out more about point cloud formats, you are welcome to watch our webinar on the subject.

Data processing and evaluation –
Fast results with PointCab Origins

Once a point cloud has been generated from the photogrammetric images, results can now be produced that can be used as a planning basis for future restoration work.

To do so, the team imports the point cloud into PointCab Origins. The 3 standard views are created automatically, providing a quick overview and orientation.

Using the layout & section tool, they can create the layouts and sections they need for further processing with just a few clicks. Important information such as distances, area calculations or level deviations can already be extracted from these in Origins. This means that the floor plans already form a solid planning basis for a renovation.

The layouts are automatically exported by Origins as .dwg files and can thus be imported directly into CAD software, in this case BricsCAD, for 3D modeling.

The team also creates the vector lines from the floor plans using the semi-automatic vectorizer in Origins. These can be imported into BricsCAD in the same way as the floor plans, making it much easier to create a 3D model.

In addition to the quick creation of results from the point cloud, PointCab Origins offers another major advantage: simple visual inspection of the data quality.

The team simply created and compared a floor plan of the smartphone point cloud with that of the drone point cloud and was thus able to quickly recognize whether the most important structures could also be captured cleanly via the smartphone.

Although the team used PointCab Origins for the first time for this project and did not receive any training, the evaluation and creation of results with Origins only took about 2 hours.

In a personal conversation, Frank tells us that he was able to quickly find his way around the software, especially thanks to the intuitive display with the standard views.

Conclusion

The project work has shown that even simple smartphones have a place in the photogrammetric recording of buildings. Of course, high-resolution cameras also had to be used in this case in order to capture important details such as the rear supporting wall if it was to be accurately modeled afterwards. In addition, the interior of the castle could only be captured by drone flight, as the site was simply not accessible. Nevertheless, the parts of the building that did not require special attention could be captured with satisfactory data quality via smartphone. The comparison between the floor plans created in Origins shows this very well.

Accordingly, the project work shows that for certain use cases, such as the creation of a simple site plan, the use of smartphones is not only possible, but also makes a lot of sense due to the time saved during recording.

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Laser scanning technology helps preserve and repurpose a historic masonry building in Crete

Nicole — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 10:33:04 +0000

Laser scanning technology helps preserve and repurpose a historic masonry building in Crete

Postgraduate students at the Technical University of Crete used a combination of a Trimble Laser Scanner, PointCab Origins Pro, and Autocad to obtain and document the exact geometry of a historic masonry structure with the purpose of its structural rehabilitation.

The island of Crete, Greece is known for its beautiful landscape and rich history. It’s the birthplace of the first European advanced civilization, the Minoans, and was shaped by the Mycenaeans, Romans, Osmans, and many more. The traces of these cultures can still be found all across the island in different archeological remains.

One of them is a two-century-old residential masonry, built during the Osman rule. It has been abandoned for the last 70 years and is the former residence of the wealthy Seimeni family. As one of the few remaining buildings of that type of local architecture in the region, it bears great historic value. In order to preserve and repurpose the building, exact documentation of its geometry was required, among other factors, in order to assess its structural integrity and the degree of necessary strengthening interventions. The building is planned to be restored in the next years and to be used as a local folk art museum.

Postgraduate student Eirini Chorianopoulou, supervised by Professors Maria Stavroulaki and Nikos Skoutelis decided to exploit the benefits of the latest laser scanning technology available. Since there were parts of the building that could not be approached and a distant measurement technique was needed, using simpler tools and techniques would not suffice. Therefore, an accurate digital representation of the building in its condition before the restoration could be captured.

This will give future visitors the chance to understand and compare the prior and current state and appreciate the work that will be done in order to preserve the authenticity of the structure after its restoration. With the purpose to obtain the geometric properties of the structure, the Trimble X7 3D laser scanner was employed. A number of 25 scans were used to generate the point cloud. All the data was imported as e57 format files and edited in PointCab Origins Pro. Accurate plans, sections, and elevations of the structure were created at all necessary levels and were exported as .dwg files for further editing in Autocad. Postgraduate researcher Evangelos Nitadorakis, responsible for handling the point cloud evaluation, found himself satisfied with the results that the use of PointCab’s Origins software provided:

“The accuracy of the generated sections allowed the identification and quantification of pathology indicators such as wall inclinations not visible with the human eye and remote measurements in parts of the structure that are not easily accessible. In addition, the delta analysis tool helped to distinguish even the slightest deviations in vertical levels. Furthermore, with a proper combination of all the data from Origins, an exact 3D model of the structure was created in a FEM analysis software and structural and dynamic analysis were conducted in order to assess the fragility of the structure under various loading cases. Employing PointCab Origins, we appreciated the easy handling, the speed of data processing, and the quality of the outcomes.”

Der Beitrag Laser scanning technology helps preserve and repurpose a historic masonry building in Crete erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

As-built documentation of a planetarium

Nicole — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 08:59:30 +0000

Using LIDAR technology for as-built documentation of a planetarium

Thanks to the use of laser scanning and PointCab Origins Pro, placing new projectors is no longer a problem

The precise placement of projectors in specially designed theatre rooms within planetariums is no easy task. Just measuring these rooms, which have sloping floors and domes, is a challenge. In addition, the measurement results and the design proposals derived from them must be communicated clearly and concisely to all project participants.

In the USA, the professionals from Seiler Instrument, more precisely Seiler’s Planetarium Division, are often called in for such jobs. Seiler employee Howard George used to use a combination of manual measurements and a total station for this task- a very time-consuming process. To speed up and simplify the process, laser scanning and PointCab’s point cloud software were therefore used for the first time.

The first step was to employ a handheld GeoSLAM ZEB Revo RT LiDAR scanner that creates 3D point clouds literally in minutes. Then the challenge was to efficiently extract the geometry and features to create BIM models of the spaces and better communicate the design intent to project stakeholders. To achieve this, Howard was provided with a trial version of PointCab 3D Pro (now Origins Pro). This is an easy-to-use point cloud editing and sharing software that was recommended by the Design Solutions team at Seiler. Howard comments, “In non-orthogonal areas like planetariums, PointCab allows me to freely tilt, rotate and magnify data points and orient perspectives. ” Thanks to the PointCab and Revit support, as well as online resources, Howard was able to start modelling from the point cloud within a few days, even as a novice, thanks to PointCab`s 4Revit plugin. This allowed him to simulate the placement of the projectors as-is and quickly create vectorised CAD schematics of the space and installation details. He was thrilled: “PointCab’s software exports 2D images of 3D spaces, but screen sharing the software via Zoom or simply forwarding my results with PointCab Share allows me to walk anyone through my process and show them whatever they want to see.”

Verschiedene Evaluationen in Origins Pro

The powerful combination of LiDAR scanning technology and PointCab Origins Pro has had a profound impact on the schedule and customer experience for these complex projector installations. Howard says: “I’m given metric spherical coordinates from ZEISS to place projectors in relation to the dome. In PointCab, I export Cartesian imperial coordinates to place the projector stands on the floor. Then the PointCab software exports 2D images of 3D spaces to me. Sharing data via PointCab Share (freeware) or screen sharing via Zoom allows me to share each step of the process with everyone and show in detail what is of interest.” In just one week, essential but very time-consuming tasks were thus radically reduced and changed for the better for everyone involved in the project. Once tested, the Seiler Planetarium Division would like to continue to rely on the combination of laser scanning and the PointCab software in the future.

Der Beitrag As-built documentation of a planetarium erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Conversion of a former mustard factory

Freddie — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:06:35 +0000

USER STORY

As-Built Documentation for Conversion of Existing Buildings: Former Mustard Factory

Contents

The Challenge: No Existing Floor Plans and Time-Sensitive Planning
Capturing the Existing Building: Fast and Complete 3D Laser Scanning
From Point Cloud to CAD Plans: Efficient Evaluation with PointCab Origins
Planning Benefits and Project Outcomes

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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Der Beitrag Conversion of a former mustard factory erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Acquisition of a high school

Freddie — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:58:49 +0000

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

Der Beitrag Acquisition of a high school erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

BIM model of a hotel in St. Moritz

Freddie — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:48:04 +0000

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/

Der Beitrag BIM model of a hotel in St. Moritz erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Case Studies & Projects Archive - Pointcab

User Story: Innovative Road Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and 3D Printing

USER STORY

Innovative Road Surveying with 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and 3D Printing

WHAT IT'S ABOUT?

PROJECT START: PLANNING AND PREPARATION

TWO METHODS, ONE GOAL: LASER SCANNING MEETS DRONE

DATA FUSION AND PROCESSING: FROM RAW DATA CHAOS TO POINT CLOUD

ANALYSIS AND PROFILE CREATION WITH POINTCAB ORIGINS

FROM CROSS-SECTION TO PHYSICAL MODEL: FURTHER DTM PROCESSING

ADDITIONAL EVALUATION: VIRTUAL TOUR AND PLAN DRAWINGS

CONCLUSION: CLEAR PLANNING, EFFICIENT WORKFLOW

Maximus looks back and reflects:

Project Participants

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From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 2)

USER STORY

From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 2)

From Point to Drawing: How the Scan Comes to Life in the CAD Model

Accuracy in Focus: From Standards to Sub-Centimeter Precision

Plugins in Use: A Smoother Workflow for Future Projects

“Just Click, No Install”: Why Intuitive Viewers Are in High Demand

Exploring Nebula: A Viewer That Closes the Gap?

Conclusion: Best Practice with a Clear Perspective for Improvement

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From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 1)

USER STORY

From Monument to Point Cloud: How a Historic Building Becomes a 3D Model (Part 1)

From Heritage Building to Digital Model – A Government Commission with High Standards

293 Scans, Three Floors, One Goal: Precision in a Heritage-Protected Roof Structure

From Raw Scan to Structured Model – How Origins & Scantra Can Tame the Data Chaos

Control & Accuracy: Quality Over Speed

Hidden Damage in Sight: Visible and Plannable with the Delta Module

Essential for Daily Operations: Origins at Engineering OFFICE Janka

COMING UP NEXT:

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Chapel Ensmad– Efficient Surveying of a Historic Building

USER STORY

CHAPEL ENSMAD – Efficient Surveying of a Historic Building

What’s It About?

The Subject – Ensmad Chapel

Data Collection & Hardware

Data Processing & Plan Creation

Data Export & Further Processing

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Project Participants

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Photogrammetric measurement and 3D model creation

USER STORY

MOSBURG IN WIESBACH – PHOTOGRAMMETRIC MEASUREMENT AND 3D MODEL CREATION

What it's about?

The property – the Mosburg in Wiesbaden

Preparation, hardware and measurement

Data processing – creating meshes and point clouds in MEtAshape

Data processing and evaluation – Fast results with PointCab Origins

Conclusion

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Laser scanning technology helps preserve and repurpose a historic masonry building in Crete

Laser scanning technology helps preserve and repurpose a historic masonry building in Crete

As-built documentation of a planetarium

Using LIDAR technology for as-built documentation of a planetarium

Thanks to the use of laser scanning and PointCab Origins Pro, placing new projectors is no longer a problem

Conversion of a former mustard factory

USER STORY

As-Built Documentation for Conversion of Existing Buildings: Former Mustard Factory

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

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

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

Planning Benefits and Project Outcomes

Want to keep up with the latest pointCab news?

Acquisition of a high school

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

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Software Speed

Direct workflow to Revit

Proximity to support

About Laserscanning Europe GmbH

BIM model of a hotel in St. Moritz

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

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Data processing –
creating meshes and point clouds in MEtAshape

Data processing and evaluation –
Fast results with PointCab Origins