3D Streetscape Point Cloud

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.

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