Description

Complete systems

PointSense is offered mainly as software. As a service we can offer PointSense as “Total Package”. Including soft- and hardware, such as  a 3D laser scanner, mobile computer, tripod etc., depending on the needs of the customer.

FARO software Laser Scanning Portfolio

A glance at the diverse laser scanning products and features offered by FARO software. From generic tools in AutoCAD to industry specific workflows for plant, building, and heritage design, the FARO software team provides end to end solutions for multiple fields with the PointSense family of products. FARO software‘s standalone VirtuSurv product also provides a great deal of ease and flexibility to designing with scan data.

PointSense Pro / PointSense basic Fast and efficient construction of 3D wireframe models and solids out of scan data

3D laser scan data within AutoCAD

PointSense basic and PointSense Pro provide several tools for the management and processing of laser scan data within AutoCAD and support the import of almost all currently available 3D laser scan data formats into AutoCAD.

Management of point clouds within AutoCAD

The Section Manager is a straight-forward tool designed for managing and controlling how point cloud sections are displayed. These sections can be selected or generated automatically; either parallel to a UCS (user coordinate system) or along a designated path. For fast processing new point cloud sections can be created from existing ones with just one click by merging or inverting them. Thus, for example trees that obscure façades can be clipped out without losing points of the building.

Evaluating the 3D scan data

PointSense Pro adds useful tools for modeling and analyzing 3D laser scan data in AutoCAD. Geometric objects such as polylines, planes and cylinders may automatically be fitted to parts of the point clouds. A spatial join of these objects produces corners, edges and peaks. By fitting polygons and lines to point cloud slices layout plans and elevations can be created quickly. Furthermore, new designed objects can be analyzed for clashes with existing objects represented by the scans. Also tools for deformation analysis are provided.

Planar view of Scans

The planar view of PointSense provides a clear photo-like image of the single scans and allows a much more intuitive navigation than the one inside of point clouds. Snapping background points by mistake is impossible in this view.

Orthoimages of a point cloud

The user can create orthoimages of the point cloud from any desired direction. In the resulting raster image all objects that are parallel to the projection plane are to scale. This way the orthoimage can be used as image plan and if needed combined with AutoCAD vector graphics and supplemented with dimensions.

Advantages:

• Laser scanning – Data evaluation precise, fast and efficient
• Import of almost all 3D scan data formats into AutoCAD
• Efficient management of point clouds: masking, dividing, joining
• Combination of scan data and CAD
• Fast construction of 3D wireframe models and solids
• Automated fitting of polylines, cylinders and planes to point cloud sections
• Ortho images with X-ray function
• Clash detection analysis between scan and drafted CAD objects
• Deformation analysis and elevation map
• Photo-like planar view of scans

Universally usable

• PointSense software can help many different AutoCAD workflows
• Inventory documentation in the preservation of monuments and historic buildings
• Construction supervision
• Archaeological excavation documentation
• Crime scene documentation and preservation of evidence

PointSense for Revit Effective processing of 3D laser scanner data in Revit

From Laser Scans to Revit^® Models

You work with Autodesk Revit^® and use a 3D laser scanner for fast data acquisition? In Revit^® you miss the functionality of being able to process 3D laser scan data? You are looking for a quick and simple workflow that doesn‘t require any training?

The solution is PointSense for Revit^® !

• Tools for automatically fitting and aligning walls
• Create directly in the point cloud using 3D construction aids and real 3D point snap
• Fit Revit^® work planes in the point cloud
• Calculate from ortho images directly in the Revit^® project
• Process scan data in the Revit^® families editor
• Simple and intuitive navigation in the photo like scan view

PointSense for Revit is the perfect complement for working with point clouds in Autodesk Revit.

Use special commands for modelling and detailing BIM elements:
Ground surfaces, walls, doors, windows, stairs, columns, beams, pillars, roofs and many more.

The functionality of PointSense permits a quick and intuitive workflow when processing large point clouds in Revit^® and creates inventory architecture that can be used in BIM.

Create your 3D-models directly in Revit^® Point Clouds

PointSense for Revit^® makes available a wide range of 3D construction aids. With the application you can create 3D model lines and construction points using real 3D point snap in the point cloud, independently of Revit^® work planes. You can intersect model planes and thus find exact intersection lines and intersection points. You can also create fitted work planes directly in the point clouds.

With automated functions you save time and hence money

With PointSense for Revit^® you can, for example, create walls from the point cloud automatically, quickly and precisely. The wall types for different wall thicknesses are created automatically. With the wall alignment tool you create on demand continuous, axially aligned walls and rectangular floor plans, even over several floors. You define the tolerances that are to be observed. Other functions include the automatic creation of new families from the body of the point clouds or the creation of a ground surface from 3D coordinates, taken from points in the point cloud (topo-surface).

Work with scanner data directly in the family editor

PointSense enables the use of 3D-scanner data directly in the Revit^® family editor. The three possible options for displaying the data, as point cloud regions, planar scan views or as true orthophotos make child‘s play of the creation of object specific families for doors, windows, columns etc.

Retain the overview, guaranteed

You will find yourself easily at home with the photo like planar scan view of the data and will, even in huge point clouds, recognize details better. That makes orientation easier and increases the precision of your processing. These VirtuSurv projects display the scan data quickly and clearly and allow you to easily manage and navigate the scanner data.

PointSense Heritage Rapid 3D modeling by integration of point clouds and photos

Application areas

PointSense Heritage is suitable for the documentation of historical monuments in conservation, historic building research and the recording of complex three-dimensional excavations in archaeology. Significant and detailed aerial mosaics can be generated or 3D models can be derived from laser scan data and photos.

High resolution documentation of historical buildings and archaeological sites

PointSense Heritage provides functions for typical documentation of preservation monuments and for archaeological excavations (aerial mosaics, foundations, sections, 3D models, etc.) Data can be generated from laser scans and, where applicable, from photos. This combination of laser scanning and photogrammetry in AutoCAD offers flexibility of application and allows for a high resolution, as well as accurate result.

Planar view of scans

The planar view of the scan data offered by PointSense provides a photo-like, clear picture of the individual scans and allows for more intuitive navigation than what is experienced with only raw point clouds. Accidental snapping and selection of points lying in the background is impossible within the planar view allowing for a much more user-friendly experience.

Fast construction of 3D models

PointSense Heritage expands AutoCAD by adding photogrammetric functions. Oriented, high-resolution photos support the processing of laser scan data, enabling the rapid construction of 3D models. Any digital photo can be oriented and embedded into the drawing. Digitized geometry from the imagery is automatically transferred to the correct position in the point cloud.

Classical photogrammetry within AutoCAD

Additionally photos may be processed by clicking the same object points alternately on at least two photos taken from different positions. PointSense Heritage calculates the 3D coordinate of the point. This method allows for easy 3D modeling from controlled photography without using scan data.

Generating true ortho photos

Through the combination of point clouds and photos, true ortho photos can be generated as basis for image plans. During the calculation, the point cloud provides exact surface information, with integration of image data as color and texture. Typically, true ortho photos have a higher resolution and are more dense than ortho photos generated from point clouds.

Image plans through unwinding

By unwrapping point clouds and photos of towers, arches, ceiling frescoes, façades, roofs, etc. into a planar surface, detailed and precise photo-mosaics can be generated, which can be annotated with CAD graphics and dimensions.

Advantages:

• Rapid 3D modeling by integration of point clouds and photos
• Stand alone photogrammetric functions are included
• Calculation of true ortho photos
• Generation of detailed image mosaics through unwrapping of point clouds and photos of towers, arches, ceiling frescoes, façades, roofs etc. into a reference plane

Classical functions

• Processing of billion measuring points with AutoCAD Intuitive navigation within the planar view
• Combination of scan data, CAD and photos
• Efficient data management
• Cropping, coloring, masking and labeling of point cloud areas

PointSense Plant Piping and structural extraction

Intelligent Plant Design from Laser Scan Data in AutoCAD

FARO software PointSense Plant provides tools for pattern recognizing plant assets from point cloud data giving designers the ability to move directly into their familiar AutoCAD based plant design programs (Plant 3D, MEP, CADWorx, AutoPlant, etc.). Exact tie-in points for components can also be determined without any modeling. This is in addition to classic FARO software‘s PointSense tools for modeling, managing and manipulating data sets in AutoCAD.

Walk through a Pipe Run

Automation and pattern recognition is essential for efficient use of point cloud data but too much automation can lead to costly errors. The “Walk the Run” tool guides a user through a run, pattern recognizing and suggesting insertion points for pipes, elbows, tees and inline fittings based on catalogs. This semi-automatic approach keeps the user in control of the modeling process to ensure accuracy the first time through a run.

Intelligent Centerlines, Solids or Intelligent Plant 3D Objects

After routing a pipe run the user is left with options for exporting native AutoCAD solids, a detailed 3D polyline listing correct component locations along the pipe routing line or the option to export intelligent AutoCAD Plant 3D objects.

Structural Beams and Steel Extraction

Structural beams can be extracted directly from cloud data with two clicks. Batch fitting modes allow for multiple beams to be fit in one session. Standard structural catalogs are provided but users can also create custom structural shapes for extraction. Apply constraints for beams ensures that all beams align correctly within a common structure.

Flexible Piping Catalogs

The FARO software team will provide the majority of standard catalogs needed for piping jobs in multiple industries. Plant 3D catalogs can be directly opened. In case a fitting doesn’t exist, the user can create custom patterns for their library. The software then learns to read this pattern within a run. This is excellent for custom built fittings.

VirtuSurv and PointSense Plant

The planar views via FARO software VirtuSurv provide a clear photo-like image of single scans and allow for a much more intuitive navigation than experienced inside AutoCAD. Users may draw and model directly to CAD in combination with PointSense Plant commands.

Tank Analysis Tools

Cylindrical tanks, boilers or containers can be unwrapped and deformation analysis can be performed. Precise volumes can be calculated with consideration of deadwood.

Advantages:

• Intuitive steps for modeling or deriving connection points for piping systems and steel construction and linking to industry standard piping design software package.
• Catalog driven pattern recognition for industry standard components or user created fittings.
• No need for expensive, complex software outside of AutoCAD.
• Clash detection support between solids and cloud data.
• Support for insulated pipe runs.

PointSense Building Building plans and elevation extractions

From 3D laser scanner data to 2d plans

PointSense Building will be applied where 2D plans must be generated from 3D plans in a short period of time, e.g. for property planning, property survey for facility management or for interior fitting and special construction like shipbuilding.

Floor plans and sections from 3D laser scan data

PointSense Building is the vertical solution for fast and efficient evaluation of 3D laser scan data with existing architecture. Create floor plans, sections and elevations within the AutoCAD environment. PointSense Building provides numerous tools for efficient, semiautomatic drawing and plan design. The product supports almost all laser scanner formats on the market.

Extraction of 2D plans with 3D scan data

An efficient section manager helps divide point clouds into subareas, which are useful for various evaluations. These individual areas can be faded in or out, colored or exported separately. Disturbing items such as trees or furniture can be cut out of the point cloud easily. Sections are created through polygonal selection or by automatic layer generation. Floor plans from any height and sections from any position can be generated efficiently.

Automatic drawing of walls, floors and ceilings

PointSense Building adds useful tools for AutoCAD to generate 2D plan generation from point clouds. After defining layers, the polygon fitting tools support the drawing of walls, floors and ceiling runs. Through adaptation of consecutive lines and automatic spatial joining, continuous polylines are created quickly and precisely. Planes can be extracted from the point cloud automatically and provide edges and corners through spatial joining.

Specific commands for building measurement save time.

Specific commands for doors, staircases, niches or pillars speed up the drawing of floor plans. For example, five clicks or less is enough to generate doors, and their accompanying dimensions

Tracing the CAD plan from the orthophoto

The user may generate orthophotos from the point cloud via any direction. All objects positioned parallel to the projection plane will be displayed to scale in the emerging photo-like raster image. Applications for this function include the creation of high-resolution façade views, overlaying the image with CAD objects or using the image as a mosaic template for drawing and dimensioning.

Room book with structure

Using built-in area management tools, intelligent room polygons can be generated quickly and comfortably from created outline plans. This clear and adaptable structure view makes areas more manageable and room dimensions for usable space clear. With the click of a button, graphical visualizations, room tags and reports can be generated with information such as surface area of rooms, floor types, room usage, etc. Data can be exported into other databases for further evaluation in use with facility management.

Advantages:

• Fast construction of 2D sections through tools for automatic polygon alignment
• Specific drawing and dimensioning commands for building elements such as windows, doors, staircases, etc.
• Database capable area management
• Calculation of ortho photos from the point cloud
  

  Classic Tools

  • Evaluating billions of measuring points with AutoCAD
  • Intuitive navigation within the planar view
  • Efficient point cloud management:
    clipping, coloring, masking and labeling of point cloud areas