Architectural / Historical Preservation Imaging and Survey

Architectural 3D Laser Scanning

As-Built vs. “As-Is”

Capturing accurate as-built documentation of existing buildings, structures, and sites in an accurate and cost-effective manner been a challenge for centuries. Construction drawings, when available, do not always reflect true “as-is” conditions and traditional as-built methods lack the accuracy and detail needed by today’s architects and planners. Utilizing the latest ultra-fast laser-scanning technologies, SmartGeoMetrics is capable of collecting very dense three-dimensional (3D) data in considerably less time resulting in significant cost savings. On every project SGM focuses on providing the “right information” for each project and scope through the utilization of this efficient methodology. Proven CAD extraction procedures are implemented in order to provide records of existing conditions with concise details determined by architectural plan standards.

Typical Laser Scanning Documentation Deliverables

  • Floor Plans
  • Interior/Exterior Elevations
  • Sections
  • Site Plans
  • Roof Plans
  • Reflected Ceiling Plans
  • MEP Plans
  • Structural Plans
  • Door/Window Schedules
  • Building Information Models (BIM)
  • HABS/HAER Drawings
  • 3D Models
  • Space & Asset Inventories
  • SDSFIE-Compliant GIS Data

3D Imaging and Measurements of the Historic St. Anthony Hotel (1906) San Antonio, Texas

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Black and white point cloud with X,Y,Z values. After imaging, the viewer’s position on the environment is no longer restricted to any given point. Examinations from any angle or view are now possible. Scaled images can be exported as well as snapshots, animations and raw data. However, the point cloud remains at a 1:1 scale allowing for accurate measurements and virtual site walks.

Colored point cloud with RGB values to give the point cloud a more realistic look and for cases in which the color information is important for the project execution.

The physical asset is digitized as a point cloud containing many hundreds of millions or even billions of individual points. Each point has a defined X, Y, & Z coordinate value. When grouped together the point cloud forms and isolates the geometry of every visible object in the scene. The coordinate values can be translated to correspond with real world, plant specific, or state plane coordinate systems in order to match existing databases or mapping systems. In many cases, the point cloud is all that is needed to determine clashes, take measurements, calculate volumes and track movement over time.

Laser scanner technologies are not affected by the lack of light.

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