Orthophotos Archive - Pointcab

From First Scan to Real Insights

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

USER STORY

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.

3D rendering of a historic commercial hall

Freddie — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:08:58 +0000

Laserscanning Architecture uses PointCab Origins in AutoCAD Architecture

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

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

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Software Speed

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

Direct workflow to AutoCAD

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

Proximity to support

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

Fast point cloud evaluation with PointCab Origins and Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture.

Laser Scanning Architecture

Jun. 2013

About Laser Scanning Architecture

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

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

Der Beitrag 3D rendering of a historic commercial hall erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

Facade elevation of a listed industrial building

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

USER STORY

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.

As-built documentation of an old house

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

USER STORY

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.

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.