Architectural Resource Consultants (ARC) is a leading national provider of High Definition Survey (HDS) 3D Laser Scanning Services.

ARC has assembled some of the foremost experts in HDS Laser Scanning with its own personnel and through its national network of strategic partnerships which we call our FLEXforce.

Capturing accurate as-built data has long been a challenge for building owners, architects, engineers and contractors. Traditional methods of data capture, such as tape measure, lack accuracy and are time consuming. Frequently record drawings are relied upon to provide the needed existing conditions information, but it is common for record drawing information to be inaccurate or out-of-date.

ARC has the capabilities to provide very cost effective solutions to these challenges through its wide array of laser technologies. Laser scanning is the leading technology available to quickly and accurately capture vast amounts of existing conditions data which can be processed into either 2D or 3D deliverables.

HDS laser scanning can quickly and accurately capture simple or complex building geometry. Multiple scans can be registered together and unified into a single three dimensional “point cloud” which can be used to extract 2D or 3D information from. Below is a sample of a building façade that was scanned to create a 2D exterior elevation.

More complex information can be studied and extracted from the point cloud data such as the following partial section taken through a complex building roof structure. Exact sizes of structural members, angles and complicated dimensions can easily be derived and/or modeled.

SCANNING FOR 2D DELIVERABLES

Below is an image of a theater where laser scanning was used to help create a 2D floor plan in AutoCAD. The perimeter wall angles, seating layout and other important three dimensional data were captured within minutes using an HDS laser scanner.

Scanning also provides benefits that can be realized during later phases of the project. For instance, even though the initial scope of work on this job was to provide 2D floor plans, using laser scanning as a means to gather existing conditions data allows the capture of a tremendous amount of 3 dimensional data as well. This information can be extracted at a later time. While the section shown above was not part of the deliverables on this project, sectional or elevation data can quickly be extracted from the same scan data that was used to create the 2D floor plans without the need for further field survey. This results in saving time, money and further disruption to the building occupants.

SCANNING FOR 3D DELIVERABLES

In some instances HDS laser scanning is the only viable method to accurately capture complex existing conditions data. Below is an image of a 3D model being developed of an above ceiling plenum survey in a hospital facility. The above ceiling plenum was scanned in order to locate the Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical (MPE) systems.

Ductwork, piping and conduits can be precisely identified and located with minimal access and often non-destructive means. This information can then be used for clash detection in determining clear paths to route new systems or to simply modify the existing systems.

As you can see, HDS 3D laser scanning can be used to quickly and accurately capture existing conditions data which can then be presented either 2 dimensionally or 3 dimensionally. Cost savings are realized through reduced time spent documenting the data, and through improved accuracy which can minimize or completely eliminate costly time delays and change orders due to designs based on inaccurate or incomplete existing conditions information.

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With Leica's TruView software, ARC is able to publish its as-built laser scanned point cloud data through ARC's ARCnet web portal. Clients are able to view and obtain dimensional data via the web using Leica's free TruView viewer software. Utilizing this technology, ARC can save your project team's valuable time and money through reduced site visits and improved coordination between consultants. Cost savings can also be realized by making the TruView data available to bidders which can result in lower priced bids.

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BENEFITS OF LASER SCANNING

Below are some of the many benefits of laser scanning:

• Scanning allows you to capture vast amounts of data quickly. This means we can get in and out quickly minimizing any disruption to building occupants.
  
• All scanned information is captured in 3D and can be represented either in 2D or 3D for the final deliverables. In addition, not all information needs to be extracted right away. This gives you the flexibility to manage your costs by only extracting the data you need, when you need it. As your project progresses, should there be a need for more information it can be obtained without the need for further survey.
  
• Scanning can capture detail and complex geometry faster and more accurately than conventional surveying methods. Above ceiling plenum ductwork and piping, structural systems, ornate facades, surface modeling, etc.
  
• Once the scan data is modeled, drawings can easily be generated from the model in the form of unlimited sections in any direction, vertically or horizontally.

If you’d like to learn more about how HDS 3D laser scanning can save you time and money on your projects please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or a demo.