Building documentation Archive - Pointcab

From First Scan to Real Insights

Nicole — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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From First Scan to Real Insights: Learning Digital Building Surveys with Laser Scanning

Contens

An entire building ensemble as a testing ground
A watchtower as a learning object
The first step matters: planning the scan on site
When theory meets reality
Working with the point cloud: from export to drawing
Data management and sharing
Between expectations and reality: a steep learning curve
Conclusion: technology meets learning
Our recommendation for getting started
Project participants

What happens when architecture students work with terrestrial laser scanning for the first time? That was exactly the focus of the Building Surveying course at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences: moving away from traditional tape-measure methods and toward a digital understanding of existing buildings.

The result is not a polished showcase, but an honest look at a learning process – one that highlights both the potential and the complexity of scan-to-CAD workflows.

An entire building ensemble as a testing ground

At the center of the project was a diverse building ensemble in the municipality of Bogel in Rhineland-Palatinate. Alongside the former “Alte Post,” the students also surveyed barns, a restaurant, and several additional existing structures.

The brief was deliberately open-ended. The goal was not just to capture the buildings, but to understand them spatially and translate that understanding into reliable as-built documentation – forming the basis for future design work.

One of the first challenges was access: not all interiors were accessible. As a result, many conclusions had to be derived indirectly from exterior scans, such as roof geometries, façade openings, and building heights.

A watchtower as a learning object

In parallel, the students scanned a reconstructed Roman watchtower along the Limes in Bendorf-Sayn – an intentionally chosen structure with very different constraints.

Tight interior spaces, complex lines of sight, and an active environment made it an ideal training scenario. Here, the focus was less on producing plans and more on understanding the scanning process itself:

Where should the scanner be positioned?
When are a few targets enough, and when are they not?
How do terrain and perspective affect registration?

These variations quickly made one thing clear: there is no single “standard” workflow.

The first step matters: planning the scan on site

Even before the scanner was set up, it became clear how critical preparation is.

Scan positions had to be chosen carefully to minimize occlusions. At the same time, practical constraints – accessibility, time pressure, and environmental factors – played a much larger role than expected.

The placement of reference targets proved particularly critical. They need to be clearly visible for registration, but not obstructive – something that sounds simple in theory, yet turned out to be surprisingly error-prone in practice.

When theory meets reality

The scanning process itself worked reliably. The real challenges came from external factors and the subsequent data processing.

Rain and wind affected scan quality, while passersby or animals occasionally moved reference targets. In some cases, scans had to be repeated because they could no longer be properly registered.

These issues became even more apparent during the alignment of individual scans. Missing links, shifted targets, or incomplete scan paths made registration far more time-consuming than expected. In addition, typical artifacts – such as people captured during scanning or incorrectly assigned reference points – had to be manually cleaned up before a consistent point cloud could be achieved.

Working with the point cloud: from export to drawing

Once the point cloud was complete, the actual analysis began in PointCab Origins. For the first time, the students could work directly within a digital representation of the building – taking measurements and deriving floor plans. The ability to access the full geometry at any time proved to be a major advantage over traditional methods.

However, it only became clear later on that the full potential of PointCab Origins had not been fully utilized. A significant amount of time was spent manually redrawing exported PDFs in CAD software. Although vector-based workflows in Origins were tested, they were not pursued further due to time constraints. As the students later learned from tutorials, tools like the Vectorizer or even a properly aligned orthophoto import could have significantly streamlined the process.

Instead, the exported data had to be processed, scaled, and adjusted within the CAD environment. In some cases, scale issues occurred and were initially misinterpreted. Only later did it become clear that these could have been avoided entirely by adjusting the sheet format directly in PointCab Origins, which allows for accurate, scaled PDF outputs.

This highlights a typical beginner effect: without a full understanding of the software’s capabilities, users tend to build unnecessarily complex workflows.

The underestimated challenge: data management and sharing

Another major issue was the size of the datasets.

The generated point clouds were large and difficult to share. Standard methods such as email or common file-sharing services quickly reached their limits (for example, 2 GB file size restrictions), which meant that external hard drives were sometimes used instead.

This exposes a key challenge in collaborative workflows:
The value of the data can only be realized if it is easily accessible – and if the necessary hardware is available.

This is where cloud-based solutions like PointCab Nebula offer a much more efficient approach. Projects can be hosted, visualized, and shared directly within the user’s own cloud environment, therefore eliminating the need for complex file transfers.

Between expectations and reality: a steep learning curve

The initial expectation of producing complete as-built drawings within a short timeframe proved to be unrealistic.

Instead, the project evolved into an iterative process: scanning, correcting, reprocessing, and redrawing. Yet this is precisely where its real value lies.

The students not only learned the workflow itself, but also gained a clear understanding of where typical issues arise, and how to avoid them in future projects.

Key takeaways included:

improved scan planning
better handling and securing of reference targets
more efficient use of software tools
a more realistic assessment of data sizes and hardware requirements

Conclusion: technology meets learning

This project clearly demonstrates the potential of digital building surveying.

As Nicolas Wild puts it:

“Although terrestrial laser scanning originated in landscape surveying, the method can be effectively applied to construction measurement: It provides a complete geometric capture of the existing structure and, compared to manual measurement, opens up additional analysis options in the planning process. The initial investment in scanners and software may seem like a hurdle, but it will pay off as experience grows and more projects are completed.”

At the same time, it becomes evident that success depends not only on the technology but on understanding the workflow behind it.

With the experience gained from this project, the students are far better prepared for future work. Once this initial learning phase is complete, workflows become significantly more efficient, and the true strengths of laser scanning can fully unfold.

Our recommendation for getting started

Many of the challenges encountered in this project can be significantly reduced by understanding the software from the outset.

That’s why we recommend:

free demos to explore the full capabilities of PointCab Origins
contact our dedicated support to avoid common pitfalls early on
and cloud-based solutions like PointCab Nebula to simplify data sharing and project collaboration

This turns a complex entry into a much more structured workflow–and allows the full potential of laser scanning to be realized.

project participants

Students:
Celina Harzer, David Knopp, Maximilian Krahn, Edgar Landl, Witta Majorov, Nicolas Wild

Professor:
Prof. Stephan Jost

Advisor:
Mika Kramer

Other publications:
Nicolas Wild – Büro Stefan Wild Architekt Montabaur

Sources & further information:
– Koblenz University of Applied Sciences
– Welterbe Limes Bendorf-Sayn

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Der Beitrag From First Scan to Real Insights erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Conversion of a former mustard factory

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

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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.

The data processing was completed in just two hours, which really exceeded my expectations.

Employee at Bouwsupport

Jan. 2021

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 limestone crushing plant

Freddie — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 15:16:25 +0000

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As-Built Documentation of a Limestone Crushing Plant Using 3D Laser Scanning

Contents

Project Overview: Accurate Data for Industrial Plant Expansion
3D Laser Scanning for Efficient and Non-Disruptive Data Capture
Processing the Point Cloud and CAD Integration
Benefits of the Workflow for Industrial Facilities

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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Der Beitrag Acquisition of a limestone crushing plant erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Facade elevation of a listed industrial building

Freddie — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 14:54:57 +0000

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Facade Elevation of a Listed Industrial Building: Precise 3D Survey for Renovation Planning

Contents

Requirements: Documentation of facade
Challenges of Capturing a Listed Facade
Survey Execution: 25 Scan Positions and Efficient Data Capture
From Point Cloud to Digital Plans Using PointCab Origins and Geograf
Why Detailed Facade Documentation Matters for Preservation Projects

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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Der Beitrag Facade elevation of a listed industrial building erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Surveying Dunelm House

Freddie — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 13:43:31 +0000

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Surveying Dunelm House – home of the Durham Univerity Students' Union (DSU)

Contents

Dunelm House: Why a Precise 3D Survey Was Needed
The Challenge: Complex Roof and Difficult Site Conditions
How the Survey Was Completed: Laser Scanning + GPS
From Point Cloud to Plans: Deliverables in Four Days
How the Digital Survey Supports the Renovation Process

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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Der Beitrag Surveying Dunelm House erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

As-built documentation of an old house

Freddie — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 13:36:25 +0000

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As-built documentation of an old house in Switzerland

Contents

As-Built Documentation of an Old House: Why a Complete 3D Laser Scan Was Essential
Missing Plans, Irregular Geometry, and the Need for Precision
Survey: Faro Photon 120, Faro Scene, and Efficient On-Site Work
Processing the Point Cloud: Fast Extraction of Plans and Sections
What This Case Study Demonstrates

As-Built Documentation of an Old House: Why a Complete 3D Laser Scan Was Essential

An old residential building in a village in the Swiss canton of Ticino lacked reliable, up-to-date building plans. To prepare renovation and restoration work, the engineering firm Geomatica Righitto (Lugano, Switzerland) was commissioned to do a full 3D as-built documentation.

Traditional plans were missing or outdated, and the building required precise measurements to support planning in CAD and BIM software.

Missing Plans, Irregular Geometry, and the Need for Precision

Older buildings rarely follow perfectly straight lines or standardized geometries. Over decades – or even centuries – walls may shift, floors may sag, and angles deviate from 90 degrees.

This means: assumptions based on symmetry or “standard” geometry can be highly misleading.

For renovation work, especially structural or restorative interventions, accurate data is crucial. Because no reliable plans existed for this house and its geometry was visibly irregular, a precise and complete measurement was essential, making 3D laser scanning the ideal method.

Survey: Faro Photon 120, Faro Scene, and Efficient On-Site Work

Geomatica Righitto used a FARO Photon 120 laser scanner to capture the entire building, including:

three façades,
the basement,
the roof,
and all four floors.

In total:

29 scans,
6 hours on site,
3 survey specialists.

All scans were registered and merged in FARO Scene, ensuring correct alignment and a unified, consistent point cloud.

This point cloud became the complete digital representation of the building, including all the irregularities typical of older structures.

Point clouds are for engineers, plans for architects. PointCab Origins is the fastest connection between them.

Marzio Righitto

Engineer - Pastorelli SA

Dez. 2018

Processing the Point Cloud: Fast Extraction of Plans and Sections

Once the unified point cloud was ready, Geomatica Righitto used PointCab Origins to extract essential architectural outputs:

4 floor plans
3 façade plans
20 building sections
Orthophotos for façades and interior walls

These automated extractions significantly reduced manual drafting work.
The final drawings — both as-built documentation and renovation plans — were delivered in a CAD/BIM-ready format for use in Archicad.

The entire processing workflow, including preparation for delivery, took about 8 hours.

What This Case Study Demonstrates

This project shows how even older buildings with irregular geometry and missing documentation can be comprehensively captured. Old buildings are rarely dimensionally perfect, but laser scanning captures reality exactly as it is, and the resulting point cloud becomes a trusted digital baseline.

The combination of FARO Photon 120, FARO Scene, and PointCab Origins enabled Geomatica Righitto to create reliable plans quickly – giving architects and engineers the confidence they need to design renovations and restoration work effectively.

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Der Beitrag As-built documentation of an old house erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Renovation of an old farmhouse

Freddie — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 15:02:34 +0000

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As-Built Documentation for Renovation Projects – 3D Laser Scanning of an Old Farmhouse

Contents

Project Overview: Precise Survey for Full Renovation Planning
Why 3D Laser Scanning Was the Optimal Survey Method
From Point Cloud to Planning Deliverables Using PointCab Origins and ArchiCAD
Why As-Built Documentation Is Essential for Renovation Projects

Project Overview: Precise Survey for Full Renovation Planning

In Wattenwil near Bern (Switzerland), a historic farmhouse that had fallen out of regular use due to high maintenance costs was scheduled for full renovation and reuse as a residential building. For this project, precise as-built documentation for renovation projects was required to support planning, design decisions and cost estimation.

Since no reliable plans existed, the architectural office AAP Atelier für Architektur und Planung AG was commissioned to carry out the 3D laser scanning survey and evaluation.

Why 3D Laser Scanning Was the Optimal Survey Method

Old farmhouses often have irregular geometry owing to historical construction techniques and settling over time. Traditional measurement methods can struggle to capture such complexity efficiently, and missing or inconsistent documentation increases planning risk. In this project, 3D laser scanning provided a precise and complete dataset suitable for detailed planning in CAD.

For this reason, a FARO Photon 120/20 laser scanner was used. Over two full days of on-site work, the team captured around 30 individual scans covering all important surfaces, including:

facades,
internal floor plans,
load-bearing structure,
and architectural details necessary for renovation planning.

The point cloud data was registered using reference targets to ensure spatial accuracy and full coverage of the building geometry.

We were able to easily use our FARO laser scanner data in ArchiCAD thanks to PointCab Origins.

AAP Atelier für Architektur und Planung AG

Dez. 2013

From Point Cloud to Planning Deliverables Using PointCab Origins and ArchiCAD

Once the raw scan data was collected, the exported point cloud was processed with PointCab Origins, enabling fast extraction of key deliverables:

accurate floor plans,
sections, and
facade drawings.

Thanks to PointCab Origins’ workflow, these outputs were quickly read into the customer’s CAD system, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, where they served as the basis for further planning and material estimation. The clarity and accuracy of the extracted plans helped determine rehabilitation needs, material quantities, and cost implications early in the project.

The combination of scan capture and software evaluation significantly reduced manual drawing work and enabled planners to focus on design and implementation rather than re-measurements.

Why As-Built Documentation Is Essential for Renovation Projects

This farmhouse case demonstrates several clear advantages of using 3D laser scanning and point cloud processing for renovation:

Precise real-world geometry: captures every irregularity and construction detail that would otherwise be missed on paper plans.
Efficient workflow: rapid on-site scanning and fast post-processing deliver usable CAD data in a short timeframe.
Planning confidence: reliable digital data reduces risk when estimating effort and materials for big renovation decisions.
Seamless integration: outputs easily transfer to common CAD systems for further design and documentation.

For renovation projects of older buildings, especially those without current documentation, this approach is a strong foundation for both the design process and accurate cost planning.

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Der Beitrag Renovation of an old farmhouse erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Acquisition of factory halls

Freddie — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 13:39:43 +0000

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Acquisition of Factory Halls:
3D Laser Scanning for Complete Documentation

Contents

Why Detailed Factory Acquisition Matters
How the Factory Halls Were Surveyed: FARO Photon 80 and Point Cloud Capture
Point Cloud Registration in FARO Scene
Deriving Accurate Plans and Sections from the Point Cloud
Why 3D Acquisition Is Valuable for Industrial Facilities

As part of a major industrial documentation project, the Interdisciplinary Competence Center for Old Buildings (InKA) of the University of Siegen carried out a full 3D laser scanning of factory halls covering approximately 10,000 m². The goal was to create reliable documentation for subsequent CAD modeling and planning in Graphisoft ArchiCAD.

Why Detailed Factory Acquisition Matters

Large factory halls and industrial plants contain extensive structural geometry as well as supply and disposal lines, machinery, and installations. Without precise as-built data, even well-intended renovation, retrofitting, or layout planning can suffer from:

geometry mismatches between the physical structure and the existing drawings
misaligned equipment due to outdated plans
planning delays due to manual re-measuring on-site

A modern 3D laser scan provides an accurate, coherent representation of the facility that eliminates guesswork and supports efficient engineering and design.

How the Factory Halls Were Surveyed: FARO Photon 80 and Point Cloud Capture

The survey covered approximately 10,000 m², using a FARO Photon 80 laser scanner.

Total scans: 80
Total data volume: approx. 70 GB
Geometry captured: complete interior of the factory halls and all supply/disposal lines

This dense set of scans ensured full coverage and detailed capture of the existing infrastructure — even in areas with complex pipework or machinery.

Point Cloud Registration in FARO Scene

All individual scans were registered and merged using FARO Scene to produce a unified point cloud. This step ensures:

correct alignment across all scans
a single 3D dataset covering the entire facility
consistent coordinate referencing for export and further processing

A unified point cloud is the foundation for accurate plan extraction, CAD modeling and coordination between engineering teams.

The PointCab Origins plans can be easily processed in ArchiCAD without additional software.

University of Siegen

Jun. 2013

Deriving Accurate Plans and Sections from the Point Cloud

Once registered, the point cloud was evaluated in PointCab Origins. The software enabled rapid extraction of 2D plans and sections at any desired position through the point cloud. These derived outputs consisted of:

orthographic images scaled to real dimensions
tiling across multiple files to adapt the export size for different CAD systems
export formats readable by all major CAD/BIM platforms

PointCab Origins reduced the raw data to manageable file sizes without sacrificing accuracy, which made it possible to transfer directly into Graphisoft ArchiCAD for further modeling.

Why 3D Acquisition Is Valuable for Industrial Facilities

This case highlights the core strengths of laser scanning in industrial environments:

Complete coverage: Includes structural elements, machinery, and services in a single dataset.
High accuracy: Up to 2 mm per pixel in scaled outputs allows precise modeling.
Flexible export: Tiling and export options make datasets usable in virtually all CAD systems.
Faster workflows: Engineers and planners can start modeling directly from evaluated scans, saving time and reducing rework.

For production halls, large plants, or technical facilities, 3D laser scanning is now considered a standard method for creating trustworthy as-built documentation that supports engineering, renovation, and expansion projects.

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Der Beitrag Acquisition of factory halls erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Conversion of production facilities

Freddie — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:19:22 +0000

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Conversion of Production Facilities: Safe Retrofit, Installation and As-built Documentation with Laser Scanning

Contents

From Physical Reality to Actionable Insights: Capturing the Existing State
The Challenge: Adapting Production Infrastructure Within an Existing Concrete Shell
How the Survey Was Performed: FARO Laser Scanner + Point Cloud Registration in FARO Scene
Processing the Point Cloud: From Scan to CAD-ready Data
Why 3D Scanning Is Essential for Industrial Retrofit Projects

From Physical Reality to Actionable Insights: Capturing the Existing State

In a major project by Intercem Engineering GmbH, a leading supplier of turnkey solutions for cement plants, 3D laser scanning technology was deployed to support the conversion and upgrade of existing production infrastructure. The project involved the retrofit of an existing filter system on a concrete building and the installation of a new cyclone with a filter system within the concrete framework of a heat exchanger.

Because precise as-built documentation was essential to plan prefabrication and avoid costly rework, the team chose to use 3D laser scanning. The method proved to be fast, efficient and safe — even in hard-to-access areas, providing a robust digital foundation for retrofit planning.

The Challenge: Adapting Production Infrastructure Within an Existing Concrete Shell

Retrofitting a filter system and installing a new cyclone in an existing concrete structure poses multiple challenges:

Exact compatibility required between new equipment and existing geometry – tolerances had to be respected to avoid alignment issues.
Some areas of the building were difficult to access, making manual measurement hazardous or unreliable.
Any misfit would lead to costly rework, shutdowns or delays in installation.

In this context, traditional measurement methods bear high risk. 3D laser scanning offered a precise, comprehensive and reliable alternative.

How the Survey Was Performed: FARO Laser Scanner + Point Cloud Registration in FARO Scene

For this project, a laser scanner by FARO was used. For the retrofit of the filter system, 7 scans were made; for the heat exchanger area, 10 additional scans covered the relevant geometry.

After data capture, all scans were registered and merged in FARO Scene, producing a unified point cloud of the building’s interior geometry. This ensured high accuracy and comprehensive coverage – even in difficult-to-reach zones.

We were able to use FARO laser scanner data as floor plans in Inventor thanks to PointCab Origins.

Intercem Engineering GmbH

Jun. 2013

Processing the Point Cloud: From Scan to CAD-ready Data

Once the point cloud data was ready, PointCab Origins was used to define floor plans and sections from the scan data easily and quickly. Then, the resulting CAD-ready data was imported into the mechanical CAD software Autodesk Inventor, where final modeling took place.

This Scan-to-CAD workflow provided:

Accurate floor plans and sectional data based on real-world conditions
A reliable basis for the prefabrication of new components (filter system, cyclone)
Minimized risk of misalignment, rework or installation errors

Why 3D Scanning Is Essential for Industrial Retrofit Projects

This case highlights several key strengths of 3D laser scanning in industrial environments – especially when modifying existing facilities:

Precision: Point clouds capture true as-built geometry, including irregularities or deformations in old concrete structures.
Coverage: Even hard-to-access areas are recorded — no need for manual measuring in confined or hazardous zones.
Planning reliability: CAD/CAD-BIM models generated from scan data allow for prefabrication and exact fit of new installations.
Time and cost savings: Avoiding on-site rework, installation delays or retrofit errors reduces overall project risk and expense.

In short: for industrial retrofit and conversion projects, 3D laser scanning is often not just useful — it is indispensable.

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Der Beitrag Conversion of production facilities erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Surveying of 12.000sqm of inhabited floor space

Freddie — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:23:34 +0000

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Fire-protection documentation and as-built plans – for 12,000 m² of inhabited floor space

Contents

Surveying 12,000 m² of Inhabited Floor Space: Why a Complete 3D As-Built Survey Was Needed?
The Challenge: Surveying a Large, Inhabited Mixed-Use Building
How the Survey Was Completed: FAST Laser Scanning With Only Two People
Point Cloud Evaluation in PointCab Origins: From Scan to Plans
Digital Data for Future Use: One Scan, Many Applications

Surveying 12,000 m² of Inhabited Floor Space:
Why a Complete 3D As-Built Survey Was Needed

The project involved surveying more than 12,000 m² of inhabited floor space, including a hotel, a municipal theatre, offices and residential units.

For such mixed-use buildings, reliable and up-to-date as-built plans are essential — especially when fire-protection documentation is required.
Because existing plans were incomplete and the building was in active daily use, a full digital survey became the most efficient and accurate solution.

The Challenge: Surveying a Large, Inhabited Mixed-Use Building

Inhabited buildings present extra challenges compared to empty or unused structures:

Continuous operation: Hotel guests, office staff and residents could not be disturbed.
Mixed layouts: Hotels, theatres, offices and residential spaces each have different room structures, escape routes and technical areas.
Complex circulation: Theatre back-of-house zones, technical rooms and varying ceiling heights complicate manual measurement.
Large total area: Over 12,000 m² had to be captured consistently across several building sections and levels.

To meet these challenges, the team selected a high-precision, fast and non-intrusive method: 3D laser scanning.

How the Survey Was Completed: FAST Laser Scanning With Only Two People

The surveying was executed by Faschang Service & Management GmbH, who used a FARO Focus3D laser scanner to capture every part of the building.
Despite the size and complexity, the entire scanning process was completed:

in 45 hours,
using just two employees.

This shows the efficiency of laser scanning in inhabited environments: the scanner captures geometry quickly, quietly and with minimal disruption to regular building operations.

Point Cloud Evaluation in PointCab Origins: From Scan to Plans

Once the point cloud was created, it was processed in PointCab Origins, where essential deliverables were generated automatically:

floor plans,
site plans
sections
orthophotos.

Using these true-to-scale orthophotos, the team produced the required as-built drawings and fire-protection plans in AutoCAD.

Because all data originated from the point cloud, the resulting plans were consistent, accurate and based on the current state of the entire 12,000 m² complex.

The perfect software solution for efficient creation of orthophotos and as-built plans.

Faschang Service & Management GmbH

Jun. 2013

Digital Data for Future Use: One Scan, Many Applications

A major advantage of the workflow is that the complete point cloud was stored as a digital record.
This proved useful later: when façade drawings were needed for extension planning, the team was able to generate them directly from the existing scan — without additional site visits.
One scan created a long-term data resource that can support fire protection, renovation, design updates or further documentation tasks.

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Der Beitrag Surveying of 12.000sqm of inhabited floor space erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Building documentation Archive - Pointcab

From First Scan to Real Insights

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From First Scan to Real Insights: Learning Digital Building Surveys with Laser Scanning

An entire building ensemble as a testing ground

A watchtower as a learning object

The first step matters: planning the scan on site

When theory meets reality

Working with the point cloud: from export to drawing

The underestimated challenge: data management and sharing

Between expectations and reality: a steep learning curve

Conclusion: technology meets learning

Our recommendation for getting started

project participants

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Conversion of a former mustard factory

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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

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Acquisition of a limestone crushing plant

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As-Built Documentation of a Limestone Crushing Plant Using 3D Laser Scanning

Project Overview: Accurate Data for Industrial Plant Expansion

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

Processing the Point Cloud and AutoCAD

Benefits of the Workflow As-Built Documentation of Industrial Facilities

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Facade elevation of a listed industrial building

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Facade Elevation of a Listed Industrial Building: Precise 3D Survey for Renovation Planning

Requirements: Facade Documentation of Listed Building

Challenges of Capturing a Listed Facade

Survey Execution: 25 Scan Positions and Efficient Data Capture

From Point Cloud to Digital Plans Using PointCab Origins and Geograf

Why Detailed Facade Documentation Matters for Preservation Projects

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Surveying Dunelm House

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Surveying Dunelm House – home of the Durham Univerity Students' Union (DSU)​

Dunelm House: Why a Precise 3D Survey Was Needed

The Challenge: Complex Roof and Difficult Site Conditions

How the Survey Was Completed: Laser Scanning + GPS

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

How the Digital Survey Supports the Renovation Process

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As-built documentation of an old house

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As-built documentation of an old house in Switzerland

As-Built Documentation of an Old House: Why a Complete 3D Laser Scan Was Essential

Missing Plans, Irregular Geometry, and the Need for Precision

Survey: Faro Photon 120, Faro Scene, and Efficient On-Site Work

Processing the Point Cloud: Fast Extraction of Plans and Sections

What This Case Study Demonstrates

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Renovation of an old farmhouse

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As-Built Documentation for Renovation Projects – 3D Laser Scanning of an Old Farmhouse

Project Overview: Precise Survey for Full Renovation Planning

Why 3D Laser Scanning Was the Optimal Survey Method

From Point Cloud to Planning Deliverables Using PointCab Origins and ArchiCAD

Why As-Built Documentation Is Essential for Renovation Projects

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Acquisition of factory halls

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Acquisition of Factory Halls: 3D Laser Scanning for Complete Documentation

Why Detailed Factory Acquisition Matters

How the Factory Halls Were Surveyed: FARO Photon 80 and Point Cloud Capture

Point Cloud Registration in FARO Scene

Deriving Accurate Plans and Sections from the Point Cloud

Why 3D Acquisition Is Valuable for Industrial Facilities

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Conversion of production facilities

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Conversion of Production Facilities: Safe Retrofit, Installation and As-built Documentation with Laser Scanning

From Physical Reality to Actionable Insights: Capturing the Existing State

The Challenge: Adapting Production Infrastructure Within an Existing Concrete Shell

Surveying Dunelm House – home of the Durham Univerity Students' Union (DSU)

Acquisition of Factory Halls:
3D Laser Scanning for Complete Documentation

Surveying 12,000 m² of Inhabited Floor Space:
Why a Complete 3D As-Built Survey Was Needed