Scan to BIM: A brief note on the process of linking point cloud file in Revit

Scan to BIM: A brief note on the process of linking point cloud file in Revit Scan to BIM a is highly constructive and result oriented process in which 3D laser scanning data is effectively utilized for developing high end BIM models for building trades such as architecture, structure and MEP for renovation and retrofit projects. Scan to BIM services are immensely beneficial for architects, structural engineers, MEP designers or contractors and to consulting engineers, who are involved in the project execution from the beginning till the final product is delivered to the clients.

Prior to the adopting of laser scanning technology, capturing correct as built geometry from a building was quite challenging or demanding for AEC professionals. But the challenges of capturing geometry are effectively managed by using laser scanning technology which collects point cloud data from the existing building that contains information about different building elements.

Process of linking point clouds in Revit for viewing building information     

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Every Revit user must be aware that they cannot use the raw point cloud data in Revit.

That means the 3D laser scanned data is required to be indexed by Revit users before they think of linking it in Revit.

For linking an indexed point cloud file in Revit, users have to convert the raw point cloud data into .rcp and .rcs files.

An .rcp file (Reality Capture Project file) is actually a cluster of many .rcs files which stands for Reality Capture Scan files.

So, for linking indexed point cloud file in Revit, users are required to click Insert tab then Link Panel, after which they should finally click on to Point Cloud icon available on the panel.

After that users are required to specify the point cloud file that they would like to link in the project.

Depending upon their requirement they can either select .rcp file or .rcs file from the folder.

Once the suitable point cloud file is selected by users, they can then choose the most appropriate positioning option for it.

The various positioning options that are available for users include Auto - Center to Center and Auto - Origin to Origin. Apart from these users can also select either Auto By Shared Coordinates or Auto - Origin to Last Placed depending upon their project requirement.

After selecting correct positioning option, Revit users can click Open, which opens the point cloud file in Revit.

In this way Revit users can make best use of point cloud data for referring the geometry of as built building for developing 3D models.