Application of terrestrial 3D laser scanning in building information modelling From Tianji Ma

Griffith School of Engineering
Griffith University
4006ENG– Industry Affiliates Program
Application of terrestrial 3D laser scanning
in building information modelling
Tianji Ma S 2807824
10th
June 2014 Semester1
Dr Kriengsak Panuwatwanich
A report submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree of Bachelor degree
The copyright on this report is held by the author and/or the IAP Industry Partner. Permission has been granted to Griffith University to keep
a reference copy of this report.

4006ENG – Industry Affiliates Program, Semester 1, 2014
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This project analyses the future development of laser scanning and building information
modelling technology using in the construction industry. As new innovations in building
industry, whether to use those new technologies instead of traditional as-build method is now
becoming a controversial topic globally. My IAP project is used to analysis and predicts the
future developments and opportunities of using new technologies. The project can be
consisted as two parts research process and case study. Both parts are essential for proving
that the new technologies have more opportunities than traditional construction method
during whole project life cycle.
At the beginning of the project, some research about working principle of laser scanning
technology and creating steps of building information models will be known firstly. In this
step, the drawbacks and technical limitations should also be search form articles and online
information. Meanwhile, the working process and beneficial outcomes of using new
technologies should also be known in order to analysis the future developments by comparing
with traditional methods.
In order to prove that new technology can dramatically save human resources and economic
funds in construction process, a case study is important to provide a working experience for
whole project life cycle. In this project, not only the laser scanning process but also the
creating 3D building information process will be done to get the models of target building.
Also, the data from building information modelling technology will be compared with the
data which collected by manual measurement process to test its accurate and reliability of new
methods.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I appreciate the following persons and groups for their generous contribution in providing
assistance to finish this IAP project.
Dr Kriengsak Panuwatwanich: As my industry and academic supervisor, he provides me a lot
of useful information and suggestions during my IAP project.
With his advices and suggestions of reading professional paper
and general article, I have got deeply understanding with my
project background and the methodology of my project. He
also widens my horizon and inspiration to help me solve issues
in my project.
Mr Francois Du Bois: As a training officer form C.R Kennedy Survey Solution
Company, he present and teach me the methods to control
needed software and equipment.
Mr Andrew: As a training officer from Griffith University, he presents
safety training class before my IAP project.
YunShan Wang: One of my friends who always discuss with me to master the
Software named Autodesk Revit and figure out problems of
Software.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................................................................................I
1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 4
2 LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................. 5
2.1Laser scanning technology ............................................................................................. 5
3 MATERIAL AND METHODS...................................................................................... 17
3.1Materials and equipment.............................................................................................. 17
3.2Methods.......................................................................................................................... 20
4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION........................................................................................ 22
4.1Laser scanning process................................................................................................. 22
5 WIDER PROFESSIONAL ISSUES.......................................................................... 26
6 REPORT ON PROJECT PLANNING REPORT AND SCHEDULE....................... 27
7 CONCLUSION................................................................................................................ 28
8 REFERENCE.................................................................................................................. 30

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1 INTRODUCTION
Recently, a new methodology called application of terrestrial 3D laser scanning in building
information modelling is being widely used in the construction industry. The beneficial
outcomes of this methodology offer additional benefits to the professional measurement
process in construction and effectively supply accurate feedback of building information
during a project (Rapid 3D laser scanning of a street scene，n.d). The method consists of
three separate technical innovations such as building information models, laser scanning and
point cloud technology.
Actually, human resources and economic funds during construction process can be
dramatically saved by using the laser scanning technology (Wicker, 2005). Because it can be
set up in a safety position, the potential threats in measurement process can also be avoided
(Laser Scanning: Chapter 1 of 3 - The Basics, n.d).
Moreover, point cloud technology is essential for creating 3D models of target buildings.
When the scanning machine capture the buildings’ information, the three dimensional point
cloud which can be identified as specific models, will be up loaded and registered on
computers even internet(Kim, et al, 2013). In this stage, data can be modified and combined
in special software in order to create building information models on Autodesk Revit. The
advantages of these methods are minimizing the consumption of human resources and getting
models of target building more effectively.
Although there are a lot of advantages from using the new construction planning design
method, there are still some limitations which can restrict future development in the building
industry. First of all the accuracy of scanning data depends on many conditions, such as
weather, sound or even the reflection of targets. Beside, to get the accurate internal structure
models, we also need to repeat the scanning process many times in different positions. It is
also difficult to transform the format of raw data.
For this project, 3D building information model was created by using the new technology.
Compared with traditional construction methods such as the manual measurement process and
drawing architectural blueprints, the new method still has more potential developments and
opportunities in the future.

Application of terrestrial 3D laser scanning in building information modelling 5
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Laser scanning technology
2.1.1 Background of laser scanning technology
Laser scanning technology, a radical technology of the 21st
century, brings a myriad of
beneficial outcomes to industrial development; far greater than mankind’s expectation.
Especially in construction area, it effectively and efficiently measures and projects a model of
the target building; dramatically decreasing the human resources required as well as reducing
expenses of the project. Recently, the suggestion of widely using this new technology in
construction instead of the traditional method of manual blueprints is becoming controversial.
The disagreement centres on both the construction process and project management system as
it affects surveying elevations, topography, as-built system and structure designing process.
While the new technology has more advantages and greater potential to be developed than
manual measurement method, it also has some drawbacks and limitations during scanning
process.
Generally, laser scanning technology remarkably provides survey technology data as it
effectively documents highly accurate measurements, thus saving expenditure, time and
human labour involved in a project, benefitting both stakeholders and participants.
Furthermore, its intricate feedback mechanism offers a platform that aids engineers and
project designers to create better retrofit designs which may minimise potential threat during
the construction process (Deng, et al, 2007).
2.1.2 The working principle of laser scans station
The working principle of laser scan station is quite simple. During working process, the scan
station releases high frequency laser beams to the surfaces of the target building, interprets the
feedback it receives and translates this data into a three-dimensional model on a computer.
With a rate of more than 50,000 points per second, the scan station has the ability to cover a
large angle of view in less time and with more detail and accuracy compared to manual
measurement methods (Park, et al, 2007). Since each material has its own reflection

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properties, when the laser light arrives to the surface of target area, it will be reflected by
different materials. Because of the speed of light is known, we can calculate the different
distance from features of the target surface as a result of different round-trip time
measurements (Brilakis, et al, 2011). The delays in the round-trip time are processed in the
centre control system which determines the three-dimensional location and also the material
used in the composition of the surface according to reflective properties. Because the scan
station can measure 10000-100000 point per second, all these point which contain different
distance information can be combined to smooth 3D point cloud image of target building
surface.
Figure 2.1shows the principle of a CCD line scanner ("NDT-Scan II", DBA Systems, n. d.).
As the working principle of laser scanning has been described, the limitations and drawbacks
of this technology can also be recognized during scanning process. For instance, the accuracy
of laser scanning result can be influenced by many conditions such as the surface reflection
rate, weather conditions, human error and even interference of sound waves. Although these
limitations will be addressed through future development of this technology, there are still
some methods which can dramatically minimize the errors and limitation of scanning process
so that the technology may be more efficient and error-accommodating.
2.1.3 The main scanning methods
The scanning methods can be consisted of two different kinds of static laser scanning and
kinematic laser scanning. Again, each method of scanning has its own advantages in
increasing the accuracy of scanning result.

First of all, the method of static laser scanning requires the installation of the scanner in a
fixed position during the data collection process. The scan station will continuously scan the
surface of target area many times until it achieves a highly accurate and reliable feedback.
Specifically, this method can provide maximal temporal resolution in a minimal limited
dimension. In this case, scanner will repeatedly observe the distance between scanner and
object in a particular area by limiting the scanning angel of high frequency laser light releaser
(the rate of laser light is around 500000 slope distances per second) (Lepădatu, 2011). The
advantage of using this method is its high accuracy and that the density of point cloud can be
found on target area.
Another method called kinematic laser scanning which means the distance and situation
between scanners and target surface constantly changes during scanning process. Generally,
the scanner will be set up on a moving platform such as plane or a moving vehicle. It uses a
similar technique where the high frequency laser beam releaser is rotated on its vertical axis
and scanning angel can be widened up to 360 degrees (Rio, 2013). With the scanning area no
longer limited to a minimal dimension, this technique is considered quite advantageous. As
the rotatable laser scanner works, the point cloud information from any perspective can be
memorised in an assumed 3D space. Because of the moving platform of scanner, the
technology is often portable and can be conveniently used to scan a large target area such as a
tunnel, road and even skyscrapers from an aerial view.
Figure 2.2 Static laser scanning and kinematic laser scanning (3D laser scanning, helping
bring games and movies to life, n.d)
2.1.4 Method can minimize the limitations of laser scanning technology

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Meanwhile, there are also some methods which can minimise the influence from whether
condition such as noise interference. Noise interference is a common negative influence as
decreases accuracy of registration result during both scanning process and point cloud
representation process especially of scanning the internal structure of building (El-Omari &
Moselhi, 2008). In order to minimize its drawbacks and negative effects on the scanning
result, a noise filtering process is essential to solve this problem. Tensor voting algorithm is a
method that reduces noise and is widely used in the construction industry today. The working
principle and related equation is as follows;
The saliency decay function DF:
DF(s, ρ, σ) = , s= , ρ=
(Kim, et al, 2013)
In this equation, s is the distance between origin and coordinate system, ρ is the curvature of
arc, σ is the scale factor, c is the relative effect on saliency, is the angle between horizontal
direction and segment line and l is the length of segment.
This equation determines the tensor voting algorithm which has been used to determine as a
saliency decay function. By using this method, the negative effect from noise can be
minimised (Kim, et al, 2013).
Moreover, focal length error can also influence the accuracy of scanning result. During the as-
build process, the site image which has collected by laser scanner will automatically match a
subset of images of target area. However, some error will dramatically influence accuracy of
image matching process. At this time, the method of fitting different image pair can help
remove false match and enforce corresponding feature of seeking the correct matching data at
the same time. By using this method, the reproject errors caused by scanning distance and
scanning angel, can be minimized. And also each subset image and point cloud data will be
matched in a high accuracy rate (Golparvar-Fard, et al, 2011).

In order to avoid drawbacks and limitations effectively, another method called Automated
Recognition of Model Object is used in addition to aforementioned methods during the
scanning and measuring processes. The method named automated recognition of project 3D
model in laser scan refers the result of 3D CAD Model to revise the error during the scanning
process (Bosché, 2010). The methodology can be shown as flow chart as follows.
Chart 2.1 Flow chart of automated recognition of project 3D model in laser scan
The characteristic of this methodology has been obviously demonstrated by this flow chart. In
this method life cycle, the result 3D model will be re-uploaded to those three separated parts
during the life cycle. Again, this method aims to increase the accuracy of the re-uploaded data
through eliminating the errors during the scanning process.
The final step of laser scanning process is analysing and modifying raw data with techniques
such as automatic cut and fill surfaces. This step is essential for getting high accuracy 3D
point cloud data because each raw data may only cover one view of target surface. It is also
made up by two parts such as scanning from one location and scanning surface from several
locations. Scanning our target area from one location will be increase the density of point
cloud assuming on target surface. The higher density of point cloud on surface, the more
accuracy surface detail can be shown on the screen of scan station. Meanwhile, another part of
this step is scanning surface from several locations. In this step, scanning target surface in
different locations can cover whole views of target surface in 3D space. With different views
of scanning data, the repeated point cloud data can be replaced and revised to increase the
accuracy of scanning views. Moreover, different views of point cloud data can be combined
as one 3D point cloud image which it can ensure each specific point position in 3D space. As
Lasers scan
Model Coarse Registration Model Fine Registration
3D Object Detection
Building Information
Models
3D CAD Model
Manual Input

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a consequence, the process of modifying and analysis raw scanning data can minimize the
error during scanning process.
Figure 2.3 meshed surface of scanned terrain on NIST, n. d.
Above all these methods which I have mention about, will make a contribution to minimize
the limitation of laser scanning technology and increase the accuracy and stability of its
scanning result. There are also some beneficial outcomes and positive effects in this
innovation technology to effectively finish construction process and measurement process.
2.1.5 Beneficial outcomes form laser scanning and point cloud technology
One of the most essential positive outcomes is its shearing-information abilities. Generally,
the traditional measurement process required in architectural blueprints cannot be shown to
designer, engineering group and stakeholders in time, thus extending the duration of the
project and may influence the execution of the project plan. Since the laser scanning data can
be saved and modified, the data is very conveniently accessible and may be shared with
individuals and groups involved with the project. Not only the designers and engineers but
also stakeholders and builder can also see this point cloud data on an electronic platform. And
also, the laser scanning and point cloud technology can also be recorded slightly changing of

target surface and predict the directional trends of project. Specifically, the scanning data will
provide different colour on target surface in order to highlight the essential information of
target area such as potential threats, unbalanced or weak structures, or even rock fractures. For
example, a slow-moving failure of the rock mass and property in an open- pit mine can be
illustrated on scanner only by several times scanning. The property of rock can be identified
by different colour levels which the red colour means unstable while the green colour means
stable. Also, the surfaces can be referred with the changes from previous surfaces and
scanning data will be transformed to other software platform in order to measure distances
between previous and base surface measurements (Persson, et al, 2006).
Figure 2.4 Laser-scanning Software Adds Features and Functionality n.d.
2.1.6 Summary of laser scanning and point cloud technology
Nowadays, with the construction industry development, the traditional measurement process
cannot satisfy the requirement of high accuracy result, a reduced expenditure in human labour,
money and time. Conversely, the typical measurement method of using conventional tools
such as tape measures, plumb bobs, and notepads are considered time-consuming and
involves unnecessary human labour if it can be done with the laser scanning technology.
(Olsen, et al, 2009). However, all these problems can be solved by using laser scanning
technology. The laser scanning image can be seen as a digitized plant which means each part
of laser scanning result can be change, plan and rebuild to integrate the resources to maximize
the value of working process. Because the laser scanning results provide high accuracy point
cloud image of target surface, the times of field trips to gather as-built information will be
reduced. This advantage will provide tighter scheduling and high quality design before

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construction process which those advantages can lead to reduce costs and avoid human
resource consumption (Wicker, 2005).
2.2 Building information modelling
2.2.1 Basic information of BIM
Building information modelling (BIM), as a new method in construction industry, can instead
of traditional method such as draw architectural blueprints during construction process. It
represents a methodology to manage the building design and project data in digital format
throughout a building’s lifecycle (Succar, 2009). BIM technology bases on some special
software such as Autodesk Revit, Autodesk CAD which they all can create 3D models of
building. In such software, the basic platform of environment around building can be
uploaded from external devices such as a professional camera, blueprint and laser scan station.
The basic platform is the original building area which has been completely represented by
software. It can cover nearly every environmental element around target area such as soil
mechanics conditions, hydrology conditions and even vegetation coverage area. When the
basic platform has been set up on software, the 3D building information models can be
created on that platform.
The creating process is similar with construction process. First of all, the basement structure
of building should be built on the ground level. In this step, more than thousands kinds of
columns and walls can be chosen as the structure of target building. After creating the
basement of building, another floor or roof can be created by adding another layer on the first
floor. During the creating process, all elements of construction can be changed and modified
by switching the new material with the original one.

Figure 2.5 A sample of creating building information models
2.2.2 BIM in project life cycle
The building information models also can be used during whole project life cycle which the
details can be shown in the flow chart as follows.
Chart 2.2 the Daily Life of Building Information Modelling, n. d.

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The flow chart demonstrates the BIM model act on whole project life cycle. At the beginning
of the project life cycle, the programming of the construction will be planned by project
coordinators. The programming may include the requirement of the buildings, total project
cost and period of the project which they all can be the condition during construction process.
Conceptual design is using special software to creating building information models in order
to predict the project schedule. In this part, the simple building information will be created
base on those programming conditions. When the basic building information model is
acceptable, the detail design will be created on this model. Typically, the detail design always
includes the internal structure of buildings, floor layout and even external infrastructure.
Analysis process is essential for the quality of building and feasibility of the whole
construction process. The load-carrying capability of internal structure will be analysis by
using software and 3D building models. Because the building model has been built already,
there will be a lot of load assumed on the building models such as wind load, dead load, etc.
The different force condition will be shown on the model by different colour level, the red
area means large loaded force while the blue area means small loaded force in that area.
Documentation design is a process which design the inside layout of building which include
furniture design, electrical system design and water supply system design. After the
construction materials have been fabricated, the construction will be built by following the
working time schedule. Above all mentioned steps, the BIM can influence every step during
whole project life cycle and bring a lot of beneficial outcomes in construction process.
Creating as-build BIM, as an important method of construction industry, can bring a lot of
beneficial outcomes during construction process such as effectively finish project schedule,
appropriate time management and avoid money consumption. Generally, laser scanning
technology is widely used in creating as-build BIM because it can rapidly and accurately scan
the surface of environment. By using this technology, creating an as-build BIM can be
divided into three steps such as data collection process, data pre-processing process and
creating as-build BIM process (Tang, et al, 2010).
2.2.3 Steps of creating BIM
The first step is data collection process which laser scanning will collect basement data of as-
build BIMs tractable. The scanner will be set up around the target area and finished the whole

scanning process for several times in order to get the 3D point clout images of target building.
Sometimes, not only the laser scan station but also a digital camera is used to capture 3D
images of target area which can supply the basic platform of as-build BIM (Kim, et al, 2013).
Moreover, data pre-process is a semi-automated process which can be used to analysis and
modify raw data from scanning process. Typically, the customers should manually identify
the useful data form the scanning result and filter to remove unwanted data such as
environment data and interference data. By going through this filtering process, the raw data
will become more intuitive and easy to transport those data to other software format.
Modelling the BIM is the final step of this process. In this step, the material and element of
the target building should be identified by using the analysed raw data and project
requirement. For instance, a simple wood wall can be model as a planar patch while the think
concrete wall can only be assumed as a rectangular box. By using this principle, each part of a
building can be modelled as the combination of different geometrical images (Son & Kim,
2010). Generally, the standard BIM elements include wall, roof, slab, beam, and column
which are all commonly used in creating as-build BIM. The users can also create their own
models such as internal decorations, furniture and even specifications during as-build BIM
process (Tang, et al, 2010).

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Figure 2.6 the image of using BIM in as-build process
2.2.4 Beneficial outcomes of using BIM
Using BIM in construction process can create a lot of beneficial outcomes to all project
participators. Because the BIM is created on software, not only the elements of the building
but also the internal structure of building can be modified and changed easily. The BIM also
provides opportunity for building designers to test the properties of their creations.
Additionally, each kind of environmental condition can be modeled on the digital building.
Through this, we are able to predict the potential threats and risk factors to help engineers to
improve the design of the building and to prevent future complications.
Hence, using BIM technology has more advantages than traditional method. Without BIM
technology, there are some problems on project management process which those issues such
as delaying working schedule, inefficient project management and accidents during
construction process will dramatically consume the economic and human resources. During
the BIM process, the project schedule and methods can be added into each part of
construction process so that all these drawbacks form traditional building methodology can be
greatly avoided. Commonly, a Gantt chart can be added in a BIM to help people manage the
project schedule during the whole project. By adding Gantt chart into BIM, when each
particular part of 3D BIM has been selected, the detail information and finishing time of this
part can be illustrated on digital platform.
Figure 2.7 The support for scheduling using Gantt charts in Navisworks 2011, n.d.

2.3 The example of using laser scanning technology in Building information modelling
There are some successful case study of engineering which can prove the laser scanning
technology and BIM providing more beneficial outcomes than traditional construction
methodology. By using all those methodologies, those engineering project have achieved
great success while minimized the economic and human resource consumption at the same
time.
The first example of successfully engineering project is a refinery project of Shell Oil which
needs to upgrade the diesel generating units and refining unit in order to limit the emissions of
SO2 (Wicker, 2005). Because of the requirement of replacing new facilities and electrical
system, the internal structure and infrastructure will be totally changed. In this project, laser
scan station measure the surface of inside area in order to get the 3D point cloud image of
target area. When the point cloud image is uploaded to special software, the BIM model of
this internal structure can be created at that moment. Based on its building information
models, each element of the target building can be conveniently replaced and modified during
project planning process. With the cooperation form each project participators, the project
finished successfully with minimal coats of time and economic resource (Goedert & Meadati,
2008).
3 MATERIAL AND METHODS
3.1 Materials and equipment
There are three main technologies used in my IAP project; laser scanning technology,
combining point cloud data image, and creating 3D building information models. Each of
them has its own special method which it will be mentioned and presented as follows.

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Figure 3.11 the synopsis of C10 Leica Scan station
For the laser scanning process, the equipment was a scan station called C10 Leica Scan
station, which can be widely used in many areas such as the construction industry,
manufacturing industry or even the measurement process. C10 Leica Scan Station is a new
high-definition Surveying scan station which is designed to increase surveying productivity
and accuracy in both routine surveys and large, complex projects. The Scan Station is
consisted of three different parts; laser transmitter, Leica camera and central controller system.
During the scanning process, the laser transmitter releases high frequency laser light to the
area of target building. The reflected laser light will contain accurate point cloud positions of
the building in 3D space (Bosche & Haas, 2008). This information will be collected by central
controller system to combine one view of the target building. Moreover, the Leica camera is
used to photograph a real image of the target building in order to compare with point cloud
data to achieve a correct result. This scan station is very convenient the scanner needs to be
placed in the right position and select the target building and then it will catch the point cloud
data automatically.

Figure 3.12 an example of combining 3D views by using Cyclone
Cyclone Software is software which is used to combine point cloud data with 3D building
information models. During the combining process, point cloud data of different angles will
be uploaded to Cyclone. Because each uploaded data covers a 130 degree view, this data can
be modified and combined into a 3D image. Moreover, the 3D image can be saved in a
different format so that it can be opened by Autodesk Revit.
Figure 3.13 a sample of creating 3D models by Autodesk Revit.

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The third technology for creating 3D building information models depends on point cloud
data by Autodesk Revit. Autodesk Revit is a building information modeling software which is
widely used in designing architecture and structure during a building’s life cycle. It can also
empower both designers’ and builders’ ideas to modify the constructions with a coordinated
model-based approach (Schlueter & Thesseling, 2009). During the process of creating 3D
models, nearly every kinds of material of each part of a building can be downloaded from the
internet. With these materials, each part of the building can be created. All these positions of
each part are specific and identical to the data already scanned. At this stage, not only the 3D
view but also the information of the buildings are already obtained without any manual
measurement process.
3.2 Methods
The methods in this project can be summarized in a flow chart as follows.
Chart 3.21 the flow chart of method in project.
The flow chart demonstrates that there are two essential methods during the whole project.
One of them is the scanning and data collection process. In the pilot study, the target building
is the internal steel structure of the ship garage roof of the Smart Water research Center. At
the beginning of the scanning process, the Scan station should be horizontally set up in a
shady area in order to increase the accuracy of reflected laser light. After we setting up target
dot in internal structure, the scan model can be selected from the center control system. The
machine will scan the target building automatically and the point cloud data can be straightly
shown on screen.

During the analytical process, the raw data which has been collected by the C10 Scan Station
should be uploaded to Cyclone Software. Because the scanning result can only cover a 90 to
130 degree view, this uploaded data should be combined into one 3D point cloud image. With
the combining process, the overlapping point cloud data will be replaced to a whole smooth
3D point cloud image of the target building. Meanwhile, the Cyclone Software can also
modify the 3D point cloud image such by cutting useless images, analyzing point cloud data,
and even transforming the data into other formats.
Figure 3.2.2 Sample of combining point cloud data by using Cyclone
Creating 3D building information is the final step of this project. In this section, the point data
which has been modified by Cyclone Software should transform the format to .e57. The data
on this format could be analyzed and shown by Autodesk Revit. Creating 3D building
information models has a few steps which can be shown as follows. First of all, the basement
model should be created to ensure the direction and basic conditions of the 3D models. Then
the 3D point cloud data into this basement model. It is important to set up the basic layer of
building before building information models are created. By using Autodesk Revit, each
building methods as well as its construction materials and elements downloaded from the
database, can replace the position of point cloud data. In this step, not only the size of material
but also the kinds of material can also be changed and assumed on the building information
models. It is very convenient that we can change our structure, construction material and even

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project schedule through software instead of paper work such as architectural blueprints and
project plans.
4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION
The name of my project is the Application of Terrestrial 3D Laser Scanning in Building
Information Modelling. According to what I have done in my project, overall I have come to a
greater understanding of its applications, advantages, disadvantages as well as its potential to
be used diversely in the industry. The working process can be consist as three parts such as
laser scanning process, raw data processing and creating 3D building information models and
all these steps will be present as follows.
4.1 Laser scanning process
Laser scanning process is the first step of seeking the point cloud data and measurement result
of target building. In this project the target building is a ship garage in Smart Water Company.
After I attended the safety training class, the task of laser scanning process appeared on
working schedule. C10 Leica Scan station, a high accuracy and friendly control laser scanner,
was chosen as the mainly measurement equipment during this project.
In order to increase the successful rate of scanning and accuracy of measurement result, the
scan station was set up inside the ship garage. Specifically, the Scan station was set up at the
mid-point on the wide line of gate. Set at this point, the scanning result can cover the majority
area of target surface. Moreover, the scan station should be installed on the triangle bracket to
make sure the scanning result in a horizontal position.
At the beginning of scanning process, the target dot should be put on the essential target area
such as column, beams and even trusses. When the target dots have been selected in sequence,
the scan station can be enacted to release high frequency laser light to target surface
automatically. The whole process would continue about five minutes and scanning result of
target area would be saved in the scan station. Because the light can only linearly transport in
air, some internal structure will be shaded by other elements and materials in side of the
building. To solve that problem, the laser scanning process was repeated twice to make sure

that all the internal materials were covered in scanning result. Although, the scanning result
will be saved in the memory system automatically, the scanning data can also be replaced and
covered without exporting the result in time. As a consequence, our scanning result was
downloaded from C10 Leica Scan station at the end of scanning process.
Figure 3 scanning process
4.2 Raw data processing
The next step is modified the raw data by using special software named Cyclone. Since each
point cloud image only covers a part of target area, some views scanned in different positions
were combined into 3D image of target area. In this stage, our scanning data was uploaded
and modified by Cyclone software. Cyclone software, as a professional 3D point cloud image
editing software, was provided by C.R Kennedy Survey Solution Company in order to edit
raw scanning result from scanner. With appending different kinds of registration licences, it
can be a professional software platform to modify and combine the original point cloud image.
In the beginning, the training officer who came from C.R Kennedy Survey Solution Company
bought the special registration licences for us which made us have the right to edit our data.
The modifying process can be consisted as few steps as follows.
First of all, the 3D coordinates system should be created before importing point cloud image.
Creating 3D coordinates system could provide a specific digital platform to combine different
point cloud views into one 3D image of target building. And also, the specific 3D position of

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target dots could be defined in coordinates system. Moreover, other point cloud data which
scanned in different position could be uploaded into this 3D coordinates system to mix them
together. Specifically, the different point cloud views would be set up in different layers of
coordinates system in order to change the different coordinate of scanning points (one of the
target dot) into the same one. In this stage, all scanning points overlapped each other and
repeated areas were layered and modified by Cyclone. By using cyclone software, the
unnecessary areas of 3D point cloud image could also be cropped. The final step was saving
the point 3D point cloud data into .e57 format so that it could be modified by Autodesk Revit
to create 3D building information models.
Figure 4 the result of combining 3D point cloud image
4.3 Creating 3D building information models
The final step is creating 3D building information models by using Autodesk Revit. When the
point cloud image loaded in Autodesk Revit, the point cloud data can be set up on the first
floor. In the beginning, the basic load-bearing walls were created on the first floor base on the
3D point cloud image. The shapes of our target building’s side face walls were not rectangular
walls, the height of the wall could be modified in different directions. The roof of our target
was a particular composition of steel and therefore its properties were downloaded from the
internet. During the creating process, there was a problem that the roof could not suit for side

face walls. To solve that problem, the roof was set on a slope surface to make sure it could
connect with the walls. When the basic structure of target building was created, the size of
shutter door would suit for the frame of structure automatically. When the 3D BIM have been
created, it could be reviewed upon each scan. The specific data of building can be also
modified and viewed in this software.
Figure 5 The creating process of 3D building information models
4.3 Comparing with Manual Measurement Results
One of proposals in my project involved discussing and predicting the future development of
using these technologies during construction as-build process. Therefore, through comparing
the digital scans with a manually made process is essential for this discussion. In this stage,
the plumb line and tape measure were used to measure and seek the specific building
information such as the length of the columns and the size of internal facilities. Meanwhile,

26
the high-resolution photos were taken by camera in order to compare with building
information models.
As a consequence, the data which was surveyed by manual measurement method was similar
with laser scanning result. It has proved that laser scanning technology and BIM method has
huge potential developments on both construction as-build industry and engineering
management process.
Figure 6 Photograph of the roof in target building during manual measurement process
5 WIDER PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
Although the methods of laser scanning and building information modelling can bring a lot of
convenience on construction industry, they also have some technical limitations and
professional issues during working process. Specifically, technical limitation can dramatically
decrease efficiency and quality in building measurement process. For instance, to get the
accuracy internal structure models, we also need to repeat the scanning process many times in
different positions (Cheok, et al, 2000) and it is also hard to transform the format of raw data
to modify it on other software platform.
There are two professional issues such as the over-cost economic issue and the heritage
management issue of old buildings will limit the future development of new methodologies.
For example, the C10 Leica scan station value nearly 100000 dollars so that it will bring

economic pressure to a construction company. Moreover, the company also need spend extra
money on professional training to control the scan station in order to avoid the damages of
scan station which are caused by illegal operations.
Meanwhile, heritage management issue of old buildings is another professional issue of using
BIM in rebuilding process. Although creating building information models can bring a lot of
convenience in as-build process such as modelling the internal structure of building and
predicting any circumstances with different loading, it also has many limitations on the
models of ancient buildings. Because both as-build methods and construction materials are
totally difference between modern constructions, the characters of old building cannot be
analysed only by creating BIM.
6 REPORT ON PROJECT PLANNING REPORT AND SCHEDULE

28
Chart 2 The Gantt chart of working schedule in my project
This project was started at 3rd March. In this project I have finish my project schedule on
time. The whole project can be consisted as six parts, and each part has been finished by
following time.
1. Search information of these point cloud and laser scanning technic. Trying to know
background, advantages, potential threats, and the future-development of point cloud in
building information modelling. (Week 1-2)
2. Participate in training class of the Leica Scan station C10 and master the software which
could analysis the data of building’s modelling. (Week 3-4)
3. Use the C10 Scan station measurement the engineering lab in Gold Coast Campus. If we
could get the satisfied data, we will upload and start to figure the data follow planned methods.
(Week 5-6)
4. Analysis the data with special software in order to prove the accuracy and try to use
different metrology to find the most economical way. (Week 7-9)
5. Conclude the most economic and effective way to get specific internal and external
information of engineering laboratory. Analyse the scanning information and compare with
original data to prove the rate of accuracy. (Week 10-12)
6. Provide the suggestion about potential opportunities and feasibility development of point
cloud in building information models and finish my final report. (Week 13-14)
7 CONCLUSION
This project was commissioned by Dr Kriengsak Panuwatwanich and is associated as a part of
Griffith University’s industry affiliate program. The main propose of this project is
application of terrestrial 3D laser scanning in building information modelling. Building
information models, as an effective and efficient methodology for storing construction
information, can be the innovation of construction industry. Meanwhile, laser scanning and
point cloud into building information modelling technology are also widely used on this area.
In this project, I experienced the whole process from getting the point cloud data of target
building to cresting 3D models. It can be consisted as three main process scanning process,
creating models process and data analysis process. During the scanning process, the laser

scanning technology had to be used in order to dramatically save the human resources and
economic fund (Wicker, 2005) and also reduce potential threats in measurement process.
Moreover, point cloud technology is essential for creating 3D models of target buildings.
When the scanning machine capture the buildings’ information, those three dimensional point
cloud which can be identified as specific models, will be up loaded and registered on
computers even internet(Kim, et al, 2013). In this stage, we modify and combine our data in
special software in order to create our data on Autodesk Revit. The meaning of this step is
minimizing the consumption of human resources and getting models of target building more
effectively. By the end of the project, the data from 3D building information models will be
compared with the manual measurement result to test and verify the economic advantages and
accuracy of the models.
As a consequence, the laser scanning technology and building information modelling methods
will be widely used in construction industry. Those technologies and methods can bring a lot
of beneficial outcomes on construction industry such as minimizing economic and human
resources consumption, predicting potential threats during building measurement process and
project life cycle. Although the new technologies also have some technical limitations and
drawbacks which can dramatically influence the accuracy and quality of results, those
problems can be solved by using different scanning methods and extra equipment. In
summary, by comparing with traditional as-build method and measurement process, new
technology have more opportunities because of its efficient and effective during whole project
life cycle.

30
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