The output file of the 3D laser scanners are 3D point clouds which can be downloaded into architectural software to reduce time wasted with CAD drafting and Building Information Models (BIM). The point clouds can also be viewed in LARKI’s 3D Viewer Web App on your internet browser so you can navigate around your site and take measurements without ever leaving your home or office.

Point clouds are a new way to communicate what is on real world architectural sites, translated into high resolution 3D on your computer. Point clouds are made up of millions of XYZ coordinates and RGB colour values, combined to give a 3D representation of reality – like a 3D version of a pixelated/grainy photo. Point clouds contain spatial data about an area, such as the 3D street, footpath, and building facades.

Point clouds are mainly the output of a 3D laser scanner (LiDAR) but can also be converted from photogrammetry (3D model generated from a series of 2D photographs).

LiDAR laser scanning systems work by measuring the time infrared light waves take to reflect off a solid surface. A single scan only takes a few minutes to record millions of 3D data points that can be geo-positioned as 3D coordinates to Map Grid of Australia (MGA) and Australian Height Datum (AHD) for use in architectural design and for other built environment purposes.

Once all the point cloud data points has been captured and processed, they are stored in a comprehensive digital database to be used on-demand for quick, easy to use and affordable spatial data management in the cloud. For most urban and suburban sites in Australia LARKI can provide spatial information within hours. If LARKI cannot provide the data immediately, then a LARKI Melbourne or LARKI Sydney survey team is sent out to your site to do the data capture within weeks. This means you get the most precise site date available to save time for any architecture design, urban design and urban planning project.

While traditional feature surveys only allow architects, property developers and planners to interpret low detail diagrammatic plan drawings, the latest in point cloud and 3D Viewer Web App technology means any stakeholder can view and measure the site data virtually, remotely and safely without needing to go to the architecture project site in person.

These point cloud files can also be downloaded and imported into 2D CAD drafting software such as as AutoCAD and, MicroStation or 3D surface modelers like SKtechUp (with a plug in) or Rhinoceros. However, point cloud are most powerful in BIM tools such as Revit, ArchiCAD and Vectorworks where you can produce 2D schematic plans, elevations, sections and a 3D model simultaneously with ease. Point clouds in CAD and BIM speed up and make more detailed and accurate architectural drafting and modeling.

Highly detailed 3D point cloud surveys are the only way to accurately represent the project site existing conditions. For example, walls are never perfectly straight nor plumb, so imagine putting in a $50,000 cabinetry package that needs millimeter precision into a tight and wonky stone wall space, very difficult. Unless you get LARKI’s super accurate 3D documentation of the space you are designing for. LARKI’s 3D surveys enable you to design and build with confidence and precision, so every inch of space can be efficiently used.

Compared to traditional 2D surveys, LARKI’s 3D surveys are far more reliable. The small amount of site data points in traditional 2D surveys always miss critical information, such as a bowed wall, rock faces or intricate details, which can result in costly consequences. The traditional 2D straight lines joining the site data points are only approximations so are often wrong. On the other hand, LARKI’s point cloud files reduces costly errors and omissions because of the large amount of precise information. LARKI surveys consist of millions of points in 3D, at 20mm resolution, and are certified by expert land surveyors, backed with their insurance, so you can be confident in LARKI’s information. LARKI’s 3D point cloud surveys are the most precise source of site information available.

LARKI’s 3D survey files are the fastest way to get high detail surveys. Architects will be able to work much quicker as they don’t need to do the context modelling anymore and have all the information they need saving multiple site measure-ups. LARKI surveys are also cheaper than going direct to land surveyors. LARKI speak both architecture and surveying language so going through LARKI will speed up site information collection process, making it easier for you and your design team. Most importantly, authorities and neighbours will be able to understand LARKI’s intuitive 3D models much easily than drawings and reports, so you can speed up your permit assessments!

LARKI’s 3D point cloud surveys are exceptionally detailed, with the ability to capture every tree branch, power line, etc. through millions of site data points transferred into architect’s design software. LARKI’s 3D point cloud resolution and accuracy between 1mm and 20mm, means you will never have to send someone back out to site for additional measurements ever again. With LARKI’s point clouds in your design software, you can do very accurate modelling, dimensioning and site interrogation without having to leave you office.

LARKI’s 3D point clouds consist of millions of site data points, at 1mm to 20mm point spacing, certified by land surveyors, backed with their insurance, so you can design with confidence and precision. Traditional 2D surveys estimate elements with straight lines between scarce survey points so are more inaccurate than accurate. Instead, LARKI provide 3D point clouds so you know exactly where everything is on site. LARKI surveys are positioned to Australian Height Datum (AHD) and truncated Map Grid of Australia (MGA), which helps with site setout and consultant coordination. All the millions of points representing an element on site, can be snapped on to provide you with accurate heights and distance from other elements. LARKI surveyors take on site context accuracy risk, so you can focus on design with a peace-of-mind that your design will work on site.

LARKI’s 3D survey files will be transferred immediately (like how fast is your internet download) or within 2 weeks if we don’t have the data. Once you have the survey file it can be imported straight into your design software (e.g. Revit, ArchiCAD, Vertorworks, AECOSim, even good old AutoCAD) so you can work in 3D instantly! No further information interpretation or modelling is required. Once the point cloud is in your software you can cut plans, elevation, sections, 3D view with a few clicks of a mouse saving you days or weeks of drawing. LARKI’s exceptionally detailed 3D models can be easily understood by anyone, which equals quick decisions, and therefore quicker planning approvals!