Industry news

GeoSLAM solution monitors construction progress

ollowing an extensive pilot

Fwith UK construction and

property service company, Willmott Dixon, GeoSLAM has launched a new solution designed to ‘quickly and easily’ measure the progress of a construction project.

The GeoSLAM Construction Progress solution will help construction companies obtain ‘clear and objective visibility’ of progress, helping to avoid missed milestones in the build or costly delays.

The solution works by streamlining the monitoring of projects through point cloud data automatically generated by the company’s handheld SLAM (simultaneous localisation and mapping) technology.

Scans are then processed and compared against previous scans, or to CAD models. A PDF report is automatically generated and emailed to project participants or saved to a central file location. The PDF report will show the percentage of work complete or incomplete (compared to 3D model) and a simple visualisation of the site highlighting 3D change.

Results can also be synced to collaboration tools including Dalux, Autodesk BIM 360 or Viewpoint 4projects. The data can also be exported to CAD or a CDE (common data environment).

■ geoslam.com

nity has added annotations and several other new features to its AEC-focused collaborative design review software Unity Reflect Review.

Annotations are essential for design/ review but have been notably missing from the software for some time. Now comments can be appended to the 3D model and, with a single click, fellow collaborators can be teleported to their precise location. Users also have the option to comment on specific objects and BIM data.

Since the annotation captures the camera view in which it was created, Unity says the tool is great for establishing a guided tour and can focus the meeting on particular areas of the model that need feedback.

Unity Reflect Review gets annotations Visual fidelity has also been improved U through support for Unity’s High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP). Models can now be viewed with ‘polished physics-based lighting and shadows’. To ensure navigation is smooth when HDRP is enabled users will require a PC with a modern Nvidia or AMD GPU. General model performance can also be improved with new technology from 3D data preparation and optimisation firm Pixyz, which Unity acquired earlier this year. The new update ensures all models are ‘automatically optimised’ to improve performance and load times. Other features include a ‘follow mode’ that lets users see where others are in the model and easier model sharing via URLs. ■ unity.com/products/unity-reflect-review

Nvidia unveils GPUs for SFF workstations

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vidia has launched a new family of lowprofile ‘Turing’ GPUs designed specifically for Small Form Factor workstations like the HP Z2 SFF.

The new GPUs, which are very much focused on CAD and BIM workflows, include the Nvidia T1000 (4GB), Nvidia T600 (4GB) and Nvidia T400 (2GB).

Meanwhile, turn to page WS28 for a review of the viz-focused Nvidia RTX A4000 / A5000.

■ nvidia.com ■ pny.com

Survey data portal launches S

3DUserNetVISION is a new online viewing and collaboration portal for survey data.

It builds on 3DUserNet’s existing point cloud and model capabilities, adding support for imagery, 360 panoramics, textured meshes, orthographics, mapping and documentation.

■ 3DUserNet.com

Faro acquires HoloBuilder

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eality capture specialist Faro has acquired HoloBuilder, a US developer of photogrammetry software designed to deliver hardware-agnostic image capture, registration and viewing for construction firms.

With an initial focus on construction management, HoloBuilder’s platform is designed to provide general contractors with a solution to ‘efficiently capture and virtually manage’ construction progress using off-the-shelf 360° cameras.

Enscape 3.1 uses Nvidia DLSS AI upscaling technology to boost 3D performance

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nscape has added Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology to the 3.1 release of its real-time rendering and VR software. According to the company, integrating the AI-based technology into Enscape 3.1 means users can get better quality and performance with lower system requirements to create a more realistic experience during walkthroughs and in VR.

An Nvidia RTX graphics card, such as the Nvidia RTX A4000 or A5000 (which we review on page WS28 in the Workstation Special Report) or the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080, is required.

Nvidia DLSS works by rendering internally inside Enscape 3.1 at a lower resolution then using deep learningbased upscaling techniques to output ‘a clean and sharp high-resolution image’ for high- quality videos and highperformance virtual reality walkthroughs.

According to Dan Stine, director of design technology at Lake | Flato architects in San Antonio, Texas, Enscape 3.1 users with Nvidia RTX graphics cards can experience up to 30% more 3D performance on 1080p displays and up to 9x faster 3D performance on 8k displays. With VR head-mounted displays performance can go from 60 Frames Per Second (FPS) without DLSS to 100 FPS with DLSS. Video export will also be 36% faster.

Stine explains that there are also visual quality benefits thanks to DLSS hardware-accelerated upscaling and antialiasing techniques. In a fast-moving scene, users can see enhanced definition in dense leaves in trees, and there is less noise and artifacts, such as ghosting around elements when moving quickly.

Enscape 3.1 also supports the ray tracing of shadows to improve their visual quality and definition. The feature is only available when rendering a still image or a panorama. Ray-traced shadows will also be shown in the rest mode to allow previewing of a rendering.

Other enhancements for Enscape 3.1, include a new high-quality Material Library, a Panorama Gallery and simplified assets with a white appearance.

With the new Material Library, designers can choose from over 200 predefined ‘high-quality’ materials, such as wood, fabric, brick, and tile. These materials can also be imported into the Enscape Material Editor, where various elements can be edited to get the desired look and feel for a project.

An Asset Library is also available, and new materials and assets will be continually added with ‘every software release’. According to developers, this will ensure designers have access to the latest design trends to use in their projects.

The new Panorama Gallery makes it easy to share and group multiple 360 panorama images simultaneously, entirely through a web browser. Users can create a personalised experience when presenting designs, and clients can navigate their way around a project from a web link or a QR code and visualise multiple rooms or compare different design options.

Finally, the Enscape Asset Library has been updated with range of simplified ‘low poly’ assets that come with a simple, white appearance. According to Enscape, these assets are ideal for use in early design phases to give clients and colleagues an idea of your vision without distracting them from the core elements of your design. People, buildings, vegetation, furniture and vehicles are included within this initial batch of simplified assets.

ROUND UP

Revit productivity

Ideate Software has enhanced its Revit productivity applications, including support for Revit 2022. Cloud network licensing now works in VDI and most other remote access environments, and the products also support the change from BIM 360 to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) ■ ideatesoftware.com

Dynamo scripts

Nonica has released NonicaTab PRO, an extended version of its free Revit add-on that allows users to customise a Revit with a toolbar to run Dynamo scripts. The PRO version allows users to import and export NonicaTab PRO toolbars and share them easily ■ nonica.io

BricsCAD point clouds

With the release of “4Brics Plugin” PointCab has adapted its Origins technology to add point cloud conversion functionality to the BricsCAD range from Hexagon. PointCab already offers point cloud plug-ins for Archicad and Revit ■ pointcab-software.com

Cloud workstations

US civil engineering firm Sherwood Design Engineers has successfully deployed Workspot’s cloud desktops in its offices across three states. The company had previously enabled some of its team to work remotely using VPN, but found desktop performance, especially for CAD, was too slow ■ workspot.com

Bimplus boost

Allplan has updated its cloud-based data management and collaboration platform Bimplus. Features include a new and improved measuring toolkit, improved interaction and association of documents, enhancements to its BIM Explorer and the ability to invite guest viewers into projects ■ bimplus.net

3D printed panels

Aectual, a specialist in bespoke 3D printed XL architectural and interior products, has launched new ‘100% circular’ 3D printed, acoustic diffusion panels designed in collaboration with architectural design group, Gramazio Kohler Research at ETH Zürich ■ aectual.com

NavVis improves mobile mapping for outdoor spaces

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avVis has launched NavVis VLX 2nd generation, a new iteration of its flagship mobile mapping system optimised for scanning both indoor and outdoor environments.

One of the main advancements is that the new system is more robust in outdoor environments and busy locations like a construction site. According to NavVis, users needn’t be concerned about an unexpected shower of rain or dust.

“Previously, we positioned our devices for indoor scanning,” says NavVis CTO Georg Schroth. “But since we launched the original NavVis VLX we realised the need of our customers to mature the device towards real outdoor readiness.”

NavVis VLX 2nd generation also features a carbon-fibre frame that is strong and light, reducing overall weight. Added grips and redesigned shoulder pads are said to make the device more comfortable to handle and operate.

For what NavVis describes as ‘reliable, survey-grade accuracy’, NavVis VLX 2nd generation is powered by precision SLAM technology to generate ‘high-quality’ point clouds of buildings and assets. The algorithm has been improved to make it more robust, especially in outdoor environments with plants and trees.

■ navvis.com/vlx

ineSANI software from 4M is being used in the design of the water supply and sewerage systems for a cluster of public buildings in the new Jazan Economic City (JEC) in Saudi Arabia.

The software is part of 4M’s DWG-based FINEMEP suite, which also includes modules for HVAC, electrical, firefighting and gas network design.

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) project designer Stefanos Paradisanos is leading the plumbing design for the public buildings cluster, which includes the Government Facility of Security Forces, Fire Station, Emergency Medical Centre, Police Station and the City Hall.

According to Paradisanos, one of the things that made FineSANI stand out was its accuracy of hydraulic calculations. Most other BIM solutions for plumbing design simply focus on the creation of drawings and the

FineSANI aids plumbing BIM design extraction of bill of F materials and tend to rely on third-party applications for the piping sizing and proper selection of the equipment. JEC is located 60km northwest of Jizan City, one of Saudi Arabia’s most important ports on the Red Sea. It has approximately 100 km2 of land area, two thirds of which are designated industrial and logistics zones. Once completed it will become home to approximately 300,000 people. ■ 4msa.com

DatuBIM gets automated digital grade checking

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atumate has added automated digital grade checking to its DatuBIM Construction Data Analytics platform.

The cloud software can now transform 2D designs into digital data model objects, calculate grade checking reports, and further automate progress monitoring.

With digital grade checking, Datumate is looking to turn what is traditionally a manual process into one that is fully automated. Simply upload 2D designs (horizontal alignment, vertical profile, and cross-sections) and the platform auto- generates a 3D virtual design model for comparison with imported survey points or as-built site models.

DatuBIM can automate the entire process using data captured by drones.

■ datumate.com

Mott MacDonald invests in geotechnics M

ott MacDonald Ventures, the strategic corporate venture arm of the global engineering, consultancy, has made an equity investment in Spanish software and engineering start-up SAALG Geomechanics.

SAALG’s Daarwin software provides an analytical capability for assessing ground behaviour during the construction stage of civil engineering and building projects. In the future the aim is to cover the entire lifecycle of civil projects, from planning and design to construction and maintenance.

Daarwin is designed to overcome the limitations of lab and in-situ testing by using ‘real time backanalysis’, a methodology that compares monitoring data (such as topography, inclinometers, sliding micrometers etc.) to a numerical models to provide a more accurate representation of the real soil behaviour.

■ saalg.com/daarwin

BIMcollab optimises clash management B

IMcollab Cloud and BIMcollab ZOOM include a new ‘Smart Issues’ feature, billed as an ‘intelligent solution’ to time-consuming clash management.

‘Smart Issues’ emerged from BIMcollab’s combination of model validation and issue management – know the clashes they represent, to which objects they belong, and when they are reported or solved.

In BIMcollab’s words, they carry all the necessary information about linked clashes to update their status automatically, without a user having to rerun clash detection rules.

Cupix extends ‘digital twin’ C

upix has released CupixWorks 2.0, a major update to its ‘3D digital twin platform’, which uses a consumer-grade 360-degree camera to capture construction sites.

The resulting ‘3D digital twin’ is designed to enable building owners, general contractors and project managers to ‘build smarter’ and create value across the entire life cycle of a property.

According to the company, its platform can be used for a relatively simple commercial building, a highly complex facility, or an infrastructure project like a road or bridge.

Product enhancements include automated 3D spatial information extraction and editing tools, ‘comprehensive’ BIM data support, secure collaboration and data access controls, and more streamlined LiDAR data support.

■ cupix.com

UoW invests in reality capture T

he University of Wolverhampton (UoW) School of Architecture and Built Environment (SoABE) will be using Matterport 3D capture technology for its education programme and to help deliver Covid-19 safe learning and streamline its estate and facilities management (CAFM).

The UoW has created 3D digital visualisations of its new £45 million Springfield Campus, where the School of Architecture and Built Environment is based.

■ matterport.com