Surveying Archive - Pointcab https://pointcab-software.com/en/tag/surveying/ ALL point clouds. ONE software. Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:05:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://pointcab-software.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-PointCab_Favicon-32x32.png Surveying Archive - Pointcab https://pointcab-software.com/en/tag/surveying/ 32 32 Conversion of a former mustard factory https://pointcab-software.com/en/conversion-of-a-former-mustard-factory/ Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:06:35 +0000 https://pointcab-software.com/?p=8001 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 ScanningFrom Point Cloud to CAD Plans: Efficient Evaluation with PointCab OriginsPlanning Benefits and Project Outcomes The Challenge: No Existing Floor Plans and Time-Sensitive Planning In […]

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

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USER STORY

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

Text: User Story. Bestandsdokumentation ehemalige Senffabrik

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

Senffabrik von außen

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

Laserscanner in room

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

Polygon editor for area-based tools

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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]]> 3D rendering of a historic commercial hall https://pointcab-software.com/en/3d-rendering-of-a-historic-commercial-hall/ Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:08:58 +0000 https://pointcab-software.com/?p=7971 Previous Next 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 […]

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

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Laserscanning Architecture uses PointCab Origins in AutoCAD Architecture

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

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

WHY POINTCAB ORIGINS?

Software Speed

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

Direct workflow to AutoCAD

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

Proximity to support

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

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

About Laser Scanning Architecture

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

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

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

]]> Acquisition of a limestone crushing plant https://pointcab-software.com/en/acquisition-of-a-limestone-crushing-plant/ Sun, 16 Dec 2018 15:16:25 +0000 http://2020.pointcab-software.com/?p=7294 USER STORY As-Built Documentation of a Limestone Crushing Plant Using 3D Laser Scanning Contents Project Overview: Accurate Data for Industrial Plant Expansion3D Laser Scanning for Efficient and Non-Disruptive Data CaptureProcessing the Point Cloud and CAD IntegrationBenefits of the Workflow for Industrial Facilities Project Overview: Accurate Data for Industrial Plant Expansion The As-Built Documentation of Industrial […]

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

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USER STORY

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

Text: user Story. 3D capture & evaluation of a limestone plant

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

layout of limestone crushing plant generated with PointCab Origins from point cloud

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

converyor belt transporting bricks and stone in an industrial setting. a laserscanner in the background surveying the plant.

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.

point cloud view of limestone crushing plant in PointCab Origins

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.

two engineers sitting in front of screens, inspecting plans extracted from a point cloud with PointCab Origins

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]]> Facade elevation of a listed industrial building https://pointcab-software.com/en/facade-elevation-of-a-listed-industrial-building/ Sun, 02 Dec 2018 14:54:57 +0000 http://2020.pointcab-software.com/?p=7282 USER STORY Facade Elevation of a Listed Industrial Building: Precise 3D Survey for Renovation Planning Contents Requirements: Documentation of facadeChallenges of Capturing a Listed FacadeSurvey Execution: 25 Scan Positions and Efficient Data CaptureFrom Point Cloud to Digital Plans Using PointCab Origins and GeografWhy Detailed Facade Documentation Matters for Preservation Projects Requirements: Facade Documentation of Listed […]

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

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USER STORY

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

Text: User Story. Facade Elevation of Listed Industrial Building

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

Facade of heritage building in Magdeburg

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

Fassade-Industriegebäude-Magdeburg

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

Faro-Laserscanner-vor-Fassade-Industriegebäude-Magdeburg

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

man sitting in ftonz of laptop. PointCab Origins is open.

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

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

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

Why Detailed Facade Documentation Matters for Preservation Projects

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

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

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

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]]> Surveying Dunelm House https://pointcab-software.com/en/surveying-dunelm-house/ Sat, 01 Dec 2018 13:43:31 +0000 http://2020.pointcab-software.com/?p=7170 USER STORY 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 + GPSFrom Point Cloud to Plans: Deliverables in Four DaysHow the Digital Survey Supports the Renovation Process​ Dunelm […]

Der Beitrag Surveying Dunelm House erschien zuerst auf Pointcab.

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USER STORY

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

User Story: Dunelm House

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

riverside building, dunelm house

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

dunelm house

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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]]> As-built documentation of an old house https://pointcab-software.com/en/as-built-documentation-of-an-old-house/ Sat, 01 Dec 2018 13:36:25 +0000 http://2020.pointcab-software.com/?p=7255 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 PrecisionSurvey: Faro Photon 120, Faro Scene, and Efficient On-Site WorkProcessing the Point Cloud: Fast Extraction of Plans and SectionsWhat This Case Study Demonstrates​ […]

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

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USER STORY

As-built documentation of an old house in Switzerland

Text: As-built documentation of an old house in Switzerland Picture: two point cloud views of building

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
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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

Interior of kitchen in Ticino. Slight deviations are visible.

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

Layout and facade view in PointCab Origins

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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]]> Renovation of an old farmhouse https://pointcab-software.com/en/renovation-of-an-old-farmhouse/ Thu, 16 Jan 2014 15:02:34 +0000 http://2020.pointcab-software.com/?p=7288 USER STORY As-Built Documentation for Renovation Projects – 3D Laser Scanning of an Old Farmhouse Contents Project Overview: Precise Survey for Full Renovation PlanningWhy 3D Laser Scanning Was the Optimal Survey MethodFrom Point Cloud to Planning Deliverables Using PointCab Origins and ArchiCADWhy As-Built Documentation Is Essential for Renovation Projects Project Overview: Precise Survey for Full […]

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

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USER STORY

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

Text: User Story As-Built Documentation Renovation 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

Orthophoto generated in PointCab Origins. Standard front view of old farmhouse surveyed with Faro laser scanner.

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

Interior image of an old farmhouse with irregular geometry. The room features uneven plaster walls, exposed wooden beams, and non-orthogonal corners typical of historic construction. A 3D laser scanning setup is present.

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:

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.

Orthophoto generated in PointCab Origins. Standard side view of old farmhouse surveyed with Faro laser scanner.
Architectual plan created in Archicad based on the orthophotos generated by PointCab Origins

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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]]> Surveying of 12.000sqm of inhabited floor space https://pointcab-software.com/en/surveying-of-12-000sqm-of-inhabited-floor-space/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:23:34 +0000 http://2020.pointcab-software.com/?p=7246 USER STORY 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 BuildingHow the Survey Was Completed: FAST Laser Scanning With Only Two PeoplePoint Cloud Evaluation in PointCab Origins: From […]

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

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USER STORY

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

User Story: Fire-protection documentation and as-built plans

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

Hotel Lobby

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

Screenshot PointCab Origins Software

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.

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